Description

This Chocolate Pastry Cream is a delicious and versatile treat featuring the richness of chocolate, the smoothness of creamy milk, and a delightful hint of cocoa. Perfect for pastries or desserts, this homemade cream elevates any dessert experience with its heavenly flavor and simplicity.

Ingredients

Scale

30 g cornstarch (¼ cup)
150 g granulated sugar (¾ cup), divided
10 g unsweetened cocoa powder (2 tablespoons), sift if clumpy before using
4 large egg yolks
454 g whole milk (2 cups or 475 ml), divided
28 g unsalted butter (2 tablespoons)
58 g chocolate chips (2 oz or about ⅓ cup)
¼ teaspoon kosher salt or fine sea salt

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Instructions

Line a half-sheet baking pan with plastic wrap, ensuring the sides are covered. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, about ½ cup of sugar, and cocoa powder. Add egg yolks and about ½ cup of milk, whisking until smooth. Set aside.
Pour remaining milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the remaining sugar and set over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Once the milk has boiled, slowly pour about ¼ cup of hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Continue adding until a couple of tablespoons are left in the saucepan, then pour the egg-milk mixture back into the saucepan.
Reduce heat to medium and switch to a spatula, stirring constantly until the custard thickens. Cook until it boils for about 10-15 seconds, then remove from heat.
Stir in butter, chocolate chips, and salt until combined and smooth.
Pour the pastry cream into the lined baking pan, spreading it evenly. Cover the surface with plastic wrap and freeze for 15 minutes until it cools to room temperature.
After freezing, transfer the cream to another container, covering it with plastic wrap, and keep chilled in the fridge until ready to use.

Notes

Make sure to stir constantly while cooking to avoid lumps in the custard.
For a richer flavor, use high-quality chocolate chips.
The pastry cream can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 215
Sugar: 23 g
Sodium: 40 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 186 mg