Chestnut Chocolate Pots

I’ve been wanting to make this recipe for years. It comes from one of my favorite cookbooks – Nigella Christmas, by none other than Ms. Nigella Lawson. She’s a fellow enthusiast and the book just exudes all things holiday!

This recipe uses chestnut cream, which can be purchased at Amazon, of course, as well as specialty delis and shops. Make sure you don’t accidentally buy horse chestnut purée!

Ms. Lawson writes: “I’m almost embarrassed by how easy these are. It’s true that you do need a food processor, though you could just chop well and whisk using a lot of elbow grease.”

Of course these are a perfect dessert for the holidays, but also during the winter months. And they’re delicious!

Chestnut Chocolate Pots
Pronounced “POE”, like Pots de Crème
Printable recipe below

Heaping 3/4 cup best-quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more to serve if wished
1/2 cup whole milk
1 egg
1 – 9 ounce can sweetened chestnut cream
2 tablespoons dark rum

Crush the chocolate to smithereens in the food processor.

In a saucepan, heat the cream and milk until just about boiling and, with the motor off, pour into the processor through the funnel over the chocolate. Let it stand for 30 seconds. Process 30 seconds, then crack the egg down the funnel and process for 45 seconds more.

Add the chestnut cream and rum through the funnel, and process until everything is incorporated.

Remove the blade and, using a rubber spatula and a spoon, fill 6 – 4 ounce glasses or pots. (I used larger bowls. Because.)

If wished, put a jug of unwhipped heavy cream on the table and let people pour it over their pots as they eat. (I didn’t do this but I did use some gold sprinkles for a festive touch.)

I served the pots with cookies.

note: I chilled the pots in the refrigerator for one hour before serving.

 

By Published On: December 22nd, 202535 Comments on Chestnut Chocolate Pots

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

35 Comments

  1. Anonymous December 22, 2025 at 6:55 AM - Reply

    Loving chestnuts at this time of year! This would make a fantastic dessert.

    • Chef Mimi December 22, 2025 at 6:58 AM - Reply

      This is definitely a fantastic desert!

  2. beth December 22, 2025 at 7:57 AM - Reply

    ooooh-

    • Chef Mimi December 23, 2025 at 5:18 AM - Reply

      I know…

  3. Anonymous December 22, 2025 at 9:32 AM - Reply

    Yum, looks so delicious! Barb

    • Chef Mimi December 23, 2025 at 5:18 AM - Reply

      Thanks, Barb!

  4. cookingwithauntjuju.com December 22, 2025 at 9:49 AM - Reply

    Love this idea of using chestnuts in a holiday chocolate dessert. Might have to make this :)

    • Chef Mimi December 23, 2025 at 5:19 AM - Reply

      It’s really good! Merry Christmas!

  5. Hannah Kaminsky December 22, 2025 at 12:40 PM - Reply

    Beauty! I absolutely adore chestnuts and they really don’t get enough love. I actually have some on hand right now, so this is happening ASAP.

    • Chef Mimi December 23, 2025 at 5:19 AM - Reply

      You’ll love it!

  6. Looks so delicious! I’m all for chocolate everything.

    • Chef Mimi December 23, 2025 at 5:19 AM - Reply

      Thanks Dorothy! Merry Christmas!

  7. Mary December 22, 2025 at 2:02 PM - Reply

    Just a very loud ‘YES PLEASE’ from me!!

    • Chef Mimi December 23, 2025 at 5:19 AM - Reply

      Hahahahaha! Merry Christmas!

  8. David Scott Allen December 22, 2025 at 3:02 PM - Reply

    These do sound fantastic, Mimi. I actually have several tubes of chestnut cream and one jar. It’s a favorite ingredient of mine for crêpes. Also, I’ve switched over to using Guittard Cocoa. It’s pretty amazing, and their chocolate is wonderful too. Merry Christmas to you! Hard to believe another year is under our belts!

    • Chef Mimi December 23, 2025 at 5:20 AM - Reply

      I love Guittard chocolate! Chestnut is a great ingredient. Merry Christmas!!!

  9. Anonymous December 22, 2025 at 4:36 PM - Reply

    These look absolutely delicious and I love Nigella’s recipes too. I’ve taken note of your very special ingredients. Hoping you have a very special Christmas Mimi. Pauline (Happy Retirees Kitchen)

    • Chef Mimi December 23, 2025 at 5:20 AM - Reply

      Thanks, Pauline! Merry Christmas!

  10. Charlie DeSando December 23, 2025 at 9:10 AM - Reply

    Lots o’ Chocolate! Very nice and Merry Christmas

    • Chef Mimi December 25, 2025 at 6:39 AM - Reply

      Thanks Charlie! Merry Christmas!!!

  11. Tandy (Lavender and Lime ) December 24, 2025 at 3:37 AM - Reply

    These are so good! I made them a while back and could have eaten every little pot I made myself :)

    • Chef Mimi December 25, 2025 at 6:40 AM - Reply

      Yes! I completely understand!!! Merry Christmas!!!

  12. Jeff the Chef December 24, 2025 at 8:29 PM - Reply

    I’ll bet these are DEE-licious!

    • Chef Mimi December 25, 2025 at 6:40 AM - Reply

      Indeed they were! Merry Christmas!!!

  13. Anonymous December 26, 2025 at 7:32 PM - Reply

    I love Nigella! Happy new year to you.
    sherry https://sherryspickings.blogspot.com/

    • Chef Mimi December 28, 2025 at 8:08 AM - Reply

      Me, too! Happy New Year Sherry!

  14. 2pots2cook December 28, 2025 at 4:42 AM - Reply

    We love chestnut but usually separate chocolate from chestnut puree and whipped cream. This one is such a simple dessert to make, combining choco and chestnuts. Loooove it!
    Happy holidays to you and your family!

    • Chef Mimi December 28, 2025 at 8:08 AM - Reply

      Thank you!! Happy New Year!

  15. sarchakra December 29, 2025 at 5:43 PM - Reply

    Perfect in time for the holidays. When we lived in London many moons ago, Ms Nigella Lawson had her program on TV and I always watched it. I was kinda amazed at the way she spoke- she weaved language like a labyrinth with ease. Her recipes were so rich and decadent and I always wondered how she looked the way she did if she really ate what she cooked 😭

    • Chef Mimi December 30, 2025 at 8:06 AM - Reply

      I love Nigella shows! She’s beautiful and so articulate. She was a journalist I’m quite sure, originally. I’m pretty sure she’s a fellow food lover. Loves to indulge!

  16. Roz January 3, 2026 at 5:21 PM - Reply

    What a festive recipe (and post) Mimi! I just adore Nigella Lawson and can’t believe that I’ve had her on mind lately, trying to decide which cookbook to purchase (I have 2, but not all) and I was eyeing her Christmas cookbook. I love the chocolate that you used with the chestnut cream. What a delicious treat that my family would devour for their love of chestnuts! I hope your Christmas was wonderful as well as delicious (I have no doubt about that) and wish you all good things in 2026!

    • Chef Mimi January 4, 2026 at 8:30 AM - Reply

      I love most all of Nigella’s cookbooks, but Christmas is definitely my favorite. Nigellissima is my least favorite. More good food to come in 2026 for us both!!!

  17. Anonymous January 4, 2026 at 12:56 PM - Reply

    Thank goodness for Chestnut Cream! I tried roasting chestnuts in the oven once and they exploded- making a horrific sound! I love any kind of ‘pots de creme’ and these look delicious! Happy New Year~

  18. Fran from G'day Souffle' January 4, 2026 at 12:58 PM - Reply

    Hmm, that last comment was from me, ‘Fran from G’day Souffle’. I’m not quite used to these ‘new ways’ of commenting!

    • Chef Mimi January 4, 2026 at 6:40 PM - Reply

      Are they new? I just think WordPress doesn’t always work. My grandmother in France was roasting chestnuts in her ancient oven and they exploded. Terrible and scary!!!

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