Chocolate Custard is a silky, luscious dessert that feels both nostalgic and elegant at the same time. It’s the kind of sweet treat that makes you stop and savor each spoonful, relishing the blend of creamy chocolate and smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you serve it for a special dinner party or enjoy it as a comforting weeknight indulgence, this recipe shines with its rich flavor and irresistible simplicity. If you’re looking for a chocolate dessert that’s a breeze to make (and even easier to fall in love with), this chocolate custard is your ticket to pure dessert bliss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of chocolate custard starts with just a handful of classic, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—some add richness and flavor, others ensure that dreamy, creamy consistency. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Whole Milk: Delivers a silky, luxurious base that’s essential for traditional custard texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the custard just enough to balance the chocolate’s deep notes.
Egg Yolks: Add richness and provide a silky texture that sets the custard apart from regular pudding.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the custard naturally—no gelatin needed here!
Sea Salt: Just a pinch elevates the chocolate’s flavor and keeps the dessert from tasting flat.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate (chopped): Use the best you can find; it’s the star ingredient and makes all the difference.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor and rounds out the chocolate’s richness.

How to Make Chocolate Custard

Step 1: Warm the Milk

Begin by gently heating the milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it’s just steaming. Be careful not to bring it to a boil—you’re looking for gentle warmth, not bubbling action! This step sets the stage for an ultra-smooth chocolate custard, helping everything blend perfectly in the next steps.

Step 2: Whisk Egg Yolks, Sugar, Cornstarch, and Salt

While the milk heats, whisk together your sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl. Spend a minute or so here to make sure the mix is completely smooth and just a bit pale—this helps the custard thicken properly and stay lump-free.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs

Now for the all-important tempering! Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot milk into your egg mixture, whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling, ensuring your chocolate custard comes out perfectly silky every time.

Step 4: Combine and Thicken

Pour your tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk. Return everything to medium heat and whisk constantly. After about 5 to 7 minutes, you’ll notice the custard thickening and coating the back of a spoon—which means you’re right on track.

Step 5: Melt in the Chocolate

Remove the custard from heat and immediately add the chopped chocolate. Stir, and watch as the heat melts the chocolate into a glossy, decadent pool of bliss. Chocolate custard magic in action!

Step 6: Add Vanilla & Chill

Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra note of warmth and depth. Pour the chocolate custard into individual ramekins or a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap pressed right against the surface to avoid any skin forming. Chill for at least two hours before serving so the custard sets beautifully.

How to Serve Chocolate Custard

Garnishes

To accentuate the chocolate custard’s richness, top it with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, a shower of chocolate shavings, or a handful of fresh berries. These simple touches add contrasting textures and flavors that elevate each bite from lovely to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

Serve chocolate custard alongside crisp buttery shortbread cookies or a spritely fruit salad for a delightful balance. The creamy custard and a crunchy or tangy side make each mouthful feel fresh and exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

Get festive by layering chocolate custard with crushed cookies and whipped cream in little jars for parfaits. Or, make mini tarts by spooning the chilled custard into pre-baked tart shells and topping with berries. Sometimes, simply serving it in elegant glasses with a few candied orange peels can turn an ordinary night into something special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover chocolate custard with plastic wrap directly on the surface and place it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and luscious for up to three days, making it the ultimate make-ahead dessert for busy schedules.

Freezing

While chocolate custard’s creamy texture is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to a month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and give it a good stir to restore that silky smoothness.

Reheating

If you’d like to serve your chocolate custard slightly warm (so comforting on a chilly evening!), gently reheat it in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water for a few minutes. Stir continuously and don’t let it get too hot, or the custard can split.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of chocolate for chocolate custard?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate gives a balanced flavor, feel free to swap in dark chocolate for deeper, bittersweet notes or even milk chocolate for a creamier, milder custard. Just remember, the quality of your chocolate will shine through.

Is it possible to make chocolate custard dairy-free?

Yes, you can experiment with unsweetened almond, oat, or coconut milk in place of whole milk, but note that the texture may be a bit lighter. Choose a non-dairy chocolate as well to keep it fully dairy-free.

What can I do if my chocolate custard turns out lumpy?

Don’t worry! Simply strain the hot custard through a fine-mesh sieve into your serving dishes. This will catch any bits and give you that trademark smoothness every time.

Can I make the custard in advance for a party?

Definitely. Chocolate custard actually benefits from being made in advance since it needs time to chill and set. Make it the day before your event for a ready-to-go, stress-free dessert.

How do I know when the custard is thick enough?

When it coats the back of a spoon and you can draw a line through it with your finger, the custard is ready. If you’re ever unsure, just remember it will continue to set as it cools and chills.

Final Thoughts

If you’re chasing that perfect spoonful—creamy, rich, and deeply chocolatey—this chocolate custard will never let you down. Give it a try, have fun with the garnishes, and I promise you’ll be turning to this recipe whenever you’re craving a truly special, no-fuss chocolate dessert.

Chocolate Custard Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling time
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the velvety richness of this homemade Chocolate Custard that boasts a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate flavor. This silky dessert is a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the Custard Base: Heat milk in a saucepan until steaming. Whisk sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl. Slowly mix hot milk into the egg mixture.
Cook the Custard: Cook the mixture in the saucepan until thickened. Add chopped chocolate and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
Chill and Serve: Pour the custard into ramekins, cover, and chill for at least 2 hours. Serve and enjoy!