Description
This classic Italian Chocolate Budino is a rich, creamy pudding made with a luscious blend of whole milk, heavy cream, egg yolks, and bittersweet chocolate. It is cooked slowly on the stovetop until thickened to perfection and served chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and optional chocolate garnish, making it a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Budino Base
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the milk and cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Warm the mixture over medium heat until it is just steaming but not yet boiling, ensuring it doesn’t scorch.
- Whisk egg yolk mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and kosher salt until the mixture is smooth and pale in color, preparing a custard base.
- Temper the eggs: Slowly pour the hot milk and cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
- Cook the custard: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until it thickens to coat the back of a spoon, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Incorporate chocolate and vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the finely chopped chocolate until fully melted and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix well to combine.
- Strain for smoothness: Strain the budino through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl or measuring cup to achieve an ultra-smooth texture free of any lumps or chocolate chunks.
- Chill the pudding: Pour the strained mixture into individual ramekins or serving cups. Allow it to cool slightly at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
- Serve: When ready to serve, garnish each budino with a dollop of whipped cream and optionally sprinkle with shaved chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
Notes
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, opt for bittersweet chocolate with about 70% cocoa content.
- You can infuse the milk with a cinnamon stick or a pinch of espresso powder while heating for added depth and complexity in flavor.
- This dessert can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated, making it great for entertaining or meal prep.
- Use fine mesh straining to ensure a silky smooth texture, avoiding any lumps in the final budino.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
