Glissade Chocolate Pudding

If you've ever walked past the dessert section of a fancy French bakery and felt that little tug in your stomach, this recipe is for you. This glissade—which literally translates to "slip" or "slide"—is a classic Parisian treat that relies on simple ingredients to create a velvety, intense chocolate experience. Think of it as the sophisticated cousin of a mug cake, but made in a saucepan with just enough patience to let the flavors bloom properly.

I love making this when the rest of dinner is done and I want something comforting that doesn't require an oven or complex machinery. The secret to getting that perfect, glossy finish isn't a special gadget; it's a little whisking near the end once the mixture hits 185°F (85°C). That specific temperature ensures the starches are fully cooked so your pudding sets up beautifully without being gummy. It's foolproof, deeply satisfying, and honestly, you might just find yourself making it twice a week.

Pro Tip: Don't skip the tempering of the chocolate! Letting your hot milk mixture cool slightly before adding the chopped chocolate prevents it from seizing up into a solid block. You want those pieces to melt gently and slowly, releasing their fat to create that signature silkiness.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: French

Calories: 210

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Pudding Base:

1 cup whole milk I add an extra splash of heavy cream if I want it richer
3 large egg yolks room temperature
2 tablespoons granulated sugar divided
2.5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 pinch fine sea salt

For the Chocolate Element:

4 ounces high-quality dark chocolate 60-70% cocoa is my favorite chopped into small pieces
1 teaspoon unsalted butter cold and cubed

To Serve:

1 pinch flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar

Method

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, 2 tablespoons of the sugar, the flour, and the pinch of salt. Whisk continuously until there are absolutely no lumps in the mixture; it should look like a smooth, thin slurry.
In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar until pale and slightly thickened. This ensures they won't scramble when added to the hot pan later.
Add the chopped dark chocolate directly into the milk mixture in the saucepan. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. You need to watch for small bubbles forming around the edges of the pan—this means it's getting close.
Visual Cue: Once the mixture is bubbling gently and you can drag your finger through it leaving a trail, quickly remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately transfer about two-thirds of this hot liquid back into your egg yolk bowl and whisk vigorously to temper the eggs.
Pour that tempered egg mixture slowly back into the chocolate milk in the saucepan while whisking constantly. This step is crucial for a smooth texture!
Return the pan to low heat if it cooled too much, but keep stirring until the pudding thickens to a coating consistency (about 2-3 minutes). It should look glossy and move slowly when you tilt the pan.
Remove from heat immediately. Stir in the cold butter piece by piece until melted and incorporated. This step gives it that professional, shiny sheen.
Pour into a serving bowl or individual ramekins. You can serve it warm with vanilla ice cream, or let it cool completely before refrigerating for an hour to set firmly.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 65mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 4IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Substitutions: If you are dairy-free, swap the milk for a full-fat oat or coconut milk and use a dairy-free dark chocolate bar. The texture will be slightly different, but it still tastes magical.

Storage: This pudding keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better chilled! Just stir it well before serving as it may separate slightly.

Serving Suggestions: While I love this warm and gooey, try sprinkling a few raspberries on top for a pop of tartness that cuts the richness. A drizzle of sea salt caramel sauce would also be an indulgent upgrade.

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