- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Recipe Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
For the Biscuit Base
- 2 cups crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
For the Chocolate Custard
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 150 g dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Fresh berries (optional)
- Chocolate curls (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Mix the crushed biscuits with melted butter until evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch square dish or springform pan. Refrigerate for 20 minutes until firm.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Custard
In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the milk while whisking to remove any lumps.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the mixture begins to thicken.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Add a few tablespoons of the hot custard mixture into the yolks while whisking to temper them. Slowly pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes while stirring constantly.
Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until completely smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Assemble the Dessert
Pour the warm chocolate custard over the chilled biscuit base. Spread evenly using a spatula.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap, making sure it does not touch the surface of the custard.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely set.
Step 4: Decorate
Spread whipped cream over the chilled custard. Garnish with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, chocolate curls, or fresh berries.
Step 5: Serve
Slice into squares and serve chilled. This dessert pairs beautifully with coffee, espresso, hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk.
Tips for Success
- Use good-quality dark chocolate for the richest flavor.
- Stir the custard continuously to prevent lumps.
- Chill overnight for the best texture.
- Do not skip tempering the egg yolks, as it prevents curdling.
- Add a pinch of instant coffee powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing, as the custard texture may change after thawing.
Variations
- Add sliced bananas between the biscuit base and custard.
- Sprinkle chopped roasted hazelnuts or almonds on top.
- Replace dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a sweeter dessert.
- Add caramel sauce before serving.
- Use chocolate sandwich cookies instead of digestive biscuits for an extra chocolatey base.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 22 g
- Calcium: 140 mg
- Iron: 2 mg