French Chocolate Recipe
Make French Chocolate Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Chocolate Base
Optional Garnishes
Method
Chocolate Base
- 1
Prepare chocolate
Place the finely chopped bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Add the butter pieces on top so they will melt evenly when combined with the hot cream.
- 2
Heat dairy and cocoa
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and sifted cocoa powder. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is steaming and just barely simmering (small bubbles will appear around the edge) — about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let it boil vigorously.
- 3
Bloom chocolate
Immediately pour about one-third of the hot cream mixture over the chopped chocolate and butter. Let sit undisturbed for 1 minute to soften the chocolate, then stir gently with a spatula from the center outward until smooth and glossy.
- 4
Emulsify
Pour the remaining hot cream into the chocolate mixture in two additions, stirring to fully incorporate each addition before adding the next. Continue stirring until the mixture is completely smooth and shiny. If small streaks of chocolate remain, return the bowl to a bain-marie (double boiler) over gently simmering water and stir until fully melted and emulsified.
- 5
Finish
Stir in the pinch of sea salt and vanilla extract. Taste and add more sugar if you prefer sweeter chocolate. Keep warm over low heat (or in a thermos) until ready to serve, whisking occasionally so a skin does not form.
Serve & Garnish
- 6
Ladle the French chocolate into small warmed cups or demitasses. Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche if using.
- 7
Finish with a light dusting of shaved chocolate or cocoa powder and, if desired, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or espresso powder. Add a little orange zest on top for a bright aromatic note.
- 8
Serve immediately while piping hot. French chocolate is typically thick and decadent — sip slowly or enjoy with a small cookie or piece of brioche for dipping.