A rich and silky Italian chocolate budino is the perfect dessert for any chocolate lover. This creamy custard-like pudding has a deep chocolate flavor, a luscious texture, and is often topped with whipped cream or chocolate shavings. Unlike traditional American pudding, budino is slightly thicker and smoother, making it a luxurious treat for special occasions or an indulgent weeknight dessert.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to warm.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add about ½ cup of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking to temper them.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan and continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Add the chopped dark chocolate and continue stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the budino into serving glasses or ramekins. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set.
- Serve chilled with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer taste, use bittersweet chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
- Add a splash of espresso or coffee extract for a mocha twist.
- Top with caramel sauce, crushed nuts, or sea salt for extra depth of flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter texture, fold in a little whipped cream before serving.
- To make this dairy-free, use coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Italian chocolate budino is a step up from traditional pudding, offering a velvety and indulgent texture with an intense chocolate flavor. It’s an easy make-ahead dessert that impresses guests and satisfies any sweet tooth. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create a restaurant-quality dessert at home. Whether served at a dinner party or enjoyed as a personal treat, this budino is guaranteed to delight!
