When I first encountered authentic Crème Viennoise Chocolat during my apprenticeship in Lyon, I was struck by its deceptive simplicity. This isn’t just chocolate pudding—it’s a masterclass in texture, where silky chocolate cream meets cloudlike Chantilly in perfect harmony. What fascinates me most is how this elegant dessert relies on humble cornstarch rather than gelatin for its structure, a technique that yields an intensely smooth mouthfeel that dissolves almost instantly on the tongue.
The Story
This dessert embodies the beautiful marriage between Viennese elegance and French precision. Born in 19th-century Parisian salons, it gradually evolved into a beloved home recipe that grandmothers throughout France have personalized for generations. I’ve taken this traditional preparation and focused on achieving that perfect silky texture that makes the authentic version so memorable. While commercial versions rely on stabilizers, our version uses the classic egg-cornstarch liaison that creates unparalleled smoothness.
Ingredients Spotlight
The soul of this dessert lies in the quality of your chocolate. Opt for a 70% dark variety with fruity rather than bitter notes. The cornstarch might seem pedestrian, but it’s actually the secret weapon—creating body without the heaviness of flour or the rubberiness of gelatin.
- 100g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
- 200ml (7 oz) heavy cream
- 3 large egg yolks
- 4 tbsp granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Chantilly topping:
- 200ml (7 oz) cold whipping cream
- 2 tbsp icing sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Create your cornstarch slurry by whisking the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold milk until completely smooth. This prevents lumps later.
2. Gently heat the remaining milk and heavy cream in a heavy-bottomed saucepan until warm but not simmering (around 160°F/71°C).
3. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate using a double-boiler method—I find this prevents the crystallization that can occur in a microwave.
4. In a large bowl, vigorously whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale and slightly fluffy, about 2 minutes by hand.
5. Now comes the critical step: tempering. Slowly drizzle about ¼ cup of the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while constantly whisking. This gradually raises the temperature of the eggs without scrambling them.
6. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk, add the melted chocolate and cocoa powder, and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula. The mixture will thicken noticeably after 8-10 minutes.
7. Once thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (and when you can draw a line through it with your finger), remove from heat. If any lumps formed, a quick pulse with an immersion blender works wonders.
8. Transfer to a bowl, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until completely chilled.
9. For the Chantilly, whip cold cream with icing sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip—we want cloudlike softness, not butter!
Expert Techniques
The true difference between a good crème and an exceptional one lies in texture control. Watch for the precise moment when the cream thickens—it should flow like lava, not set like concrete. I always lift my wooden spoon and look for what we call in professional kitchens “the nappe consistency”—when it coats the back of a spoon and doesn’t immediately run off.
Chef’s Note: For an elevated dinner party version, infuse the milk with a cinnamon stick and star anise for 20 minutes before straining and proceeding with the recipe. This adds aromatic complexity without compromising the classic texture.
If making a dairy-free version, substitute milk and cream with full-fat coconut milk, but increase the cornstarch to 4 tablespoons to compensate for the different fat structure. Your cooking time will also increase by about 2 minutes.
Presentation & Pairing Ideas
I like to serve this dessert in clear glass vessels to showcase the beautiful layers. Fill each glass two-thirds with the chocolate cream, then crown with Chantilly. For texture contrast, sprinkle with crushed churros or amaretti cookies.
This dessert pairs brilliantly with a hearty French main course like Hachis Parmentier, where the lightness of the cream provides perfect balance to a rich savory dish. For a complete meal, try starting with a light Tuscan chicken and finishing with this elegant dessert.
For an unexpected twist, try serving small portions alongside espresso for a sophisticated alternative to affogato. The bitter coffee cutting through the sweet cream creates a perfect flavor tension that keeps you coming back for more.
Remember, the beauty of this recipe is that once you’ve mastered the basic technique, you can adapt it endlessly. Transform it with orange zest in winter, lavender in spring, or even experiment with alternative flavor combinations that speak to your own culinary intuition. The fundamental technique—that perfect liaison between starch, eggs, and chocolate—will never fail you.