A luxurious, velvety custard with the iconic flavors of red velvet cake, topped with cream cheese whipped cream.
Serves 6
Ingredients
For the Pots de Crème:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 6 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp red gel food coloring (or 2 tsp liquid)
- ½ tsp white vinegar
- Pinch of salt
For the Cream Cheese Whipped Cream:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream, chilled
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Red velvet cake crumbs
- Fresh raspberries
- White chocolate shavings
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven & Prep Ramekins:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place six 4-oz ramekins in a deep baking dish.
2. Heat Cream & Milk:
- In a saucepan, warm the heavy cream and milk over medium heat until steaming (do not boil).
3. Make the Custard Base:
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, red food coloring, vinegar, and salt until smooth.
- Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper.
4. Strain & Pour:
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher to ensure smoothness. Divide evenly among ramekins.
5. Bake in Water Bath:
- Carefully pour hot water into the baking dish until it reaches halfway up the ramekins.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until edges are set but centers still jiggle slightly. Remove from oven and let cool. Chill for 4+ hours.
6. Prepare the Whipped Cream:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Whip to medium peaks.
7. Serve:
- Top each chilled pot de crème with whipped cream. Garnish with red velvet crumbs, raspberries, or chocolate shavings.
Tips for Success
- Gel vs. Liquid Coloring: Gel provides vibrant color without thinning the custard.
- Smooth Texture: Straining removes any cooked egg bits for silky results.
- Make Ahead: Prepare pots de crème 2 days in advance; add whipped cream before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
- Tangy Balance: Vinegar mimics red velvet’s signature tang without overpowering.
- Velvety Texture: Heavy cream and egg yolks create a rich, smooth custard.
- Cream Cheese Twist: The whipped topping nods to classic red velvet frosting.
Indulge in this elegant twist on a beloved flavor—perfect for date nights or holiday desserts!
