You’re only 5 minutes and 4 ingredients away from having a chocolate dessert up your sleeve that impresses every time!
I love discovering and posting ‘cheat’ recipes that impress guests but take literally minutes to throw together.
A couple of my personal impressive but super quick and easy dessert favourites on the blog so far are my:
- 6-ingredient gooey Swedish chocolate cake
- easy magic lemon pudding (just 5 ingredients!)
But I really think these 5-minute chocolate pots will be giving them a run for their money!
I spotted this recipe in a little cookbook by an organic chocolate company called Green and Blacks (beautiful chocolate, by the way). I thought about jotting it down, but didn’t even need to.
The recipe’s so easy, I just remembered it.
5 steps, 5 minutes:
Step 1: Melt 200 grams (that’s 7 ounces) melted chocolate (2 minutes tops).
Step 2: Stir 100 ml (just under half a cup) boiling water into it (1 minute).
Step 3: Whisk in 100ml (just under half a cup) double cream (about half a minute).
Step 4: Pour into shot glasses or similar (1 minute tops).
Step 5: Leave to set in the fridge and … enjoy!
These little chocolate pots are rich, as you can imagine. But honestly, not overly so. They’re like a chocolate ganache, but with the bit of added water they’re more like a luxury pudding.
I used a mixture of dark and milk chocolate for my chocolate pots, in a ratio of about 2 to 1, but you can use all dark chocolate or all milk if you prefer.
I also served them with a dollop of whipped cream on top and a piece of shortbread (both of these optional of course).
Adding a teaspoon of vanilla essence works well too, but this is up to you. Other flavours you can add include:
- peppermint essence
- orange zest
- instant coffee
- a large pinch of salt
These chocolate pots are definitely one of my go-to quick impressive desserts.
Give them a try! There’s no way your guests will realise they only took you 5 minutes, you sneaky thing.
To serve your 5-minute chocolate pots:
These whiskey shot glasses (affiliate link) would be perfect for serving your chocolate pots!
Scroll down to the video below the recipe to watch exactly how to make these!
5-minute chocolate pots (only 4 ingredients!)
5 minutes and just 4 ingredients for super simple chocolate pots that will impress any guests. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 7 ounces chocolate plus a bit extra for grating
- 0.5 cups boiling water (actually, just under half a cup - 100ml)
- 0.5 cups heavy cream heavy cream = double cream (UK), thickened cream also works well (Australia)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (optional)
Instructions
-
Break the chocolate up into a medium bowl, then melt in the microwave in 30-second spurts*.
-
Add the water little by little, stirring until you have a smooth paste*.
-
Whisk in the cream and vanilla (if using).
-
Pour into shot glasses or similar and let set in the fridge (IMPORTANT: see note!).
-
Just before serving, top each dessert with a splodge of whipped cream and a bit of grated chocolate (if you like).
Recipe Notes
Original recipe by Green and Blacks.
*You can also melt the chocolate in a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Just make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water.
*The chocolate will go stiff and grainy when you first start pouring the hot water in, but don’t worry. Just keep adding water and stirring until the mixture becomes smooth again.
IMPORTANT: A note on getting the chocolate pots to set correctly!
The original recipe that inspired this post said to leave the chocolate pots in a cool place to set for 45 minutes. I find though that that's no way near long enough for them to set properly. I prefer to let my desserts set in the fridge for a few hours before serving!
To be honest... I've tested and tested this recipe over several years and I find that the results vary very slightly each time according to what kind of chocolate and cream is used.
What type of cream & chocolate to use
It's important to use heavy/double cream or even thickened cream and to use really good quality chocolate (at least 40% cocoa). Chocolate with less cocoa in tends not to set so well!
I used dessert glasses for my chocolate pots, because that's what I had, but shot glasses or even espresso cups work really well.
marcie says
5 minutes to a creamy chocolate dessert? I’m sold, Helen! These look so decadent and delicious, and they would definitely be the hit of any party!
Helen says
Thank you, Marcie! And happy new year! 🙂
mira says
Happy New Year Helen! What a gorgeous dessert to start the year with! So easy to make, too! Pinned to try it!
Helen says
Thank you so much, Mira. I figured I should start the year with a good one, even if it isn’t very good for us … ahhaha!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I love how your aren’t conforming to all the cleanse and detox stuff around at the moment and you are posting a chocolate recipe. Yay!
Helen says
Hahahaha … I love that you said this, Dannii … you, of all people! Hahaha 🙂
Hillary @ 918 Plate says
Helen!!! I wish I hadn’t given up sweets for the foreseeable future!
Helen says
Hello Hillary! Oh, now why have you gone and done that? Isn’t there a bit of scope for a tiny little chocolate pot?
Kristine | Kristine's Kitchen says
These look absolutely delicious! The fact that they can be made in just 5 minutes is even better! This recipe is going to come in very handy when a chocolate craving hits!
Helen says
Hello Kristine! Thank you so much for saying these look delicious. They truly are a good one to have up your sleeve for chocolate cravings and other such emergencies 😉
Jen | Baked by an Introvert says
A creamy chocolate dessert that contains only 4 ingredients?! Count me in!! I can definitely set aside 5 minutes of my day to make this. It looks delightful!
Helen says
I know … isn’t that just the best part … only 5 minutes! And 3 ingredients if you don’t count the water. 😉
Amy says
Perfect, all the great ingredients, and only a few minutes to prepare.
Helen says
Hello Amy! So happy you like these!
La Torontoise says
Hellen, happy New Year!! Much health, joy and prosperity!! And many new readers on this wonderful blog!
Love this quick but splendid dessert:- )
I remember your post from last year this time… it was more in the style of getting back to ‘lean’:- )))
ha-ha-ha… I love chocolate too and know how it feels, and yes, it’s perfect to have this treat… the first week of January:-)
I have my birthday tomorrow and I ordered a chocolate cake:-)
All the best!
Helen says
Hello! Thank you so much for posting and saying hi. It’s hilarious (but also quite flattering) that you remember what I posted this time last year. Haha … I was wanting to be ‘lean’, right? How things change in a year … 😉
Really happy you like the chocolate treats and hope you give them a go some time. Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY of course. Have a piece of chocolate cake for me!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Hey – chocolate is healthy (at least it keeps my sanity in check and that’s ALWAYS healthy for me) so I love that you posted these pudding cups right now! They look so so rich and luscious – and love your idea to add orange zest to these! Mmm mmm mmm!
Happy 2016 Helen 🙂
Helen says
A very happy 2016 to you too, Shashi! I love that you’re thinking about chocolate and emotional healthy. It certainly keeps me cheery! 🙂
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Happy New Year, Helen! These are totally acceptable during healthy eating season because chocolate is packed with antioxidants, isn’t it? 😉 They look delicious and I love how easy they are!
Helen says
Hahaha … agreed! Happy New Year to you too! 🙂
[email protected] says
I love chocolate pots, they’re my go-to easy dessert and these look so good. There should be no guilt because dark chocolate is actually good for you 🙂
Helen says
Exactly, Janette! That’s what I told myself when I ate the last one last night …
cheri says
Hi Helen, this is so dreamy, I can see myself eating way to many of these.
Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom says
Everyone is going healthy this first week of the New Year – so glad you changed it up, you rebel , you 😉 Seriously though, these look ridiculous good and after all the craziness of the holidays, I love that this is just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes!
Helen says
Thank you for affirming me in my rebelliousness, Kathleen! 😉 I like that you’re seeing this in terms of post-holiday-craziness minimalness, too – love how you always see things a bit differently!
Chrissy says
Happy New Year! I can eat this without guilt because as a food blogger I feel it’s my obligation to not indulge in silly diet resolutions. 🙂
Helen says
Hahaha … totally agree, Chrissy! And Happy New Year to you too! 🙂
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
Happy New Year Helen! I definitely lightened things up as far as my daily eats are concerned now that it’s post-holidays, but I still save room for dessert. No deprivation here! These chocolate pots are calling my name big time. Both because they’re easy and use so few ingredients. Beautiful!
Helen says
Hello Alyssa! Happy New Year to you too! I’m just telling myself that you can use dark chocolate in these = healthy!! 🙂
Annie says
Ohhh these little cups just look irresistible! The more chocolate the better!
Helen says
Thank you, Annie! Glad you like them … and Happy New Year! 🙂
Eva says
Tu n’as pas besoin de t’excuser Helen, quand on poste une recette comme ça, on te dit merci!! Ce petit dessert peut me sauver dans nombreuses occasions et c’est très bien aussi pour les jours de pluie et vent comment aujourd’hui! Un vraie réconfortant !
Helen says
Tu as raison quand tu dis que ces types de desserts peuvent te sauver, Eva! Moi aussi je les voie comme ca! J’espere que le soleil brille aujourd’hui. Ici, il pleut encore, malheureusement! 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Absolutely NO need to apologize for posting these delicious pots of chocolate heaven! LOVE that they are only 4 ingredients and take a mere 5 minutes! Almost sounds too good to be true! I know my husband will be asking me to whip these together daily! Cheers! 🙂
Helen says
Hi Cheyanne! Happy New Year! These do sound a bit too good to be true, don’t they, but I promise you they work and only take 5 mins! Hope you give them a try! 🙂
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Haha I had to think about what was wrong with putting up a chocolate cake recipe in January. Mainly because I just ate quite a bit of chocolate. I’ll always be in the market for quick, tasty recipes like this. Happy New Year Helen!! xxx
Helen says
Hahaha … glad it’s not just me! Long live quick chocolate recipes, even in January. 😉
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
What!? I can’t believe how simple these are..and beautiful! And I bet they taste fantastic…January or no, I’m making these. 🙂
Helen says
Thanks, Marissa! So glad you approve! 🙂
Bam's Kitchen says
I love that you are a little rebel as I would not have to wait until next holiday to get this recipe. Easy and delicious, love that. I love even more are your photos! Just stunning! I want to dig my spoon right into one of those cups.
Helen says
Thank you so much for the lovely compliments, Bam! You’ve made my day. In return I give you permission to eat lots of chocolate in January! 😉
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
I’m having such a delightful time catching up on your blog, and this recipe is a perfect example of why I’ve missed you! Oh my! Gorgeous! And how many ingredients?!?! FOUR?!?! And only five minutes? Game on!
Helen says
Awww, thanks, Shelley! I’ve missed you too … it’s really hard to keep up with everyone I’d like to keep up with in this fast-paced blogging world. I must pop over to see what you girls are up to, as well 🙂
Liz says
I made pots de creme for our Christmas dessert—you’ve made me want to make them again! Gorgeous!!!
Helen says
They definitely have a luxury feel don’t they, Liz? Glad you like them! Oh, and Happy New Year Liz (better late than never!)
Anna crawley says
Thanks for this, sound lovely! How many does the recipe serve please? Thinking of making it for friends tomorrow. Thanks 🙂
Helen says
Hello Anna! The recipe serves at least 4. It depends on the size of the glass/cup you use to serve it in. If you decided to use espresso or shot glasses, you’d be able to serve a couple more (the chocolate is quite rich, so you MAY want to keep them small, but then again… CHOCOLATE!!)
Really happy you’re going to give these a go, and hope you and your guests like them!
Marie Goizet says
Didnt work…they didnt set 😣
Helen says
Aww, sorry to hear this, Marie. How long did you leave them to set for?
Ruth says
Mine haven’t set either after 10 hours in the fridge 😢 I knew as I was adding the water it was far too much to set! Guests will be here in a few hours, wondering if I should try them in the freezer for a little while before they arrive??
Helen says
Hi Ruth. The chocolate pots should be the consistency of a rich ganache or thick chocolate sauce – they shouldn’t be either really runny or super thick.
How did they turn out in the end?
The amount of water is correct. It’s half the amount of water as chocolate, and just a bit more heavy/double cream (125ml).
I hope your dessert was OK in the end!
Ruth says
They were definitely not ganache texture…I now realise I used a mug rather than a cup for my measuring!! The freezer really helped though and did solve it to an extent but my guests still adored it and just couldn’t believe it was only 4 ingredients!! It was completely delicious and I can’t wait to make them again!! 😍
Helen says
Hi Ruth, wow that’s a relief! Thank you so much for popping back and letting me know.
If you prefer metric (UK) measurements, there is a little button you can click just under the recipe. You may have already seen it but I just thought I’d point it out just in case!
Glad this wasn’t a total disaster after all. I was a bit worried about it for you!
Ruth says
Thank you so much, all turned out well 💕
Helen says
So relieved, Ruth. Thanks for letting me know!
Ekta says
Hi Helen,
I am planning to make this dessert for about 15 people…so need to add to the quantity of ingredients. am a bit worried about mixing just boiled water to melted chocolate? and then adding cold cream to the warm chocolate and water mixture…will this cause any problem? any tips I need to be aware of?
Helen says
Hi Ekta! My favourite way to serve this is in little shot glasses or espresso cups, as it’s delicious but rich. You could serve it with some nice shortbread or similar if you’re worried about that looking ‘enough’. This way you would only have to double or triple the recipe to get enough for 15.
As for it ‘working’, you should be OK if you follow the tips in the post. So 1) add the boiling water slowly and don’t worry when it begins to go stiff/grainy. Just keep adding the water and stirring until it’s smooth 2) add the cream slowly and stir 3) make well ahead and leave to set for at least a few hours in a cool place
You could try a small batch trial run to be sure, but you should be fine. Good luck!
Dana DeVolk says
I have never tried making chocolate pots, but these look so easy I have to now!
Helen says
Hi Dana! You really do have to!
Sandra Shaffer says
This is a fabulous way to get a quick chocolate fix. Love the dark and milk chocolate combination. Perfect for a dinner party!
Helen says
So happy you like these, Sandra, and I hope you’re tempted to give them a try some time!
Jean says
So easy ..so delicious ..made it twice now…one of hubbys favourites.
Helen says
Thank you so much for the review, Jean – I so appreciate it! Did you make it for Valentine’s Day? 😉