Chocolate Budino Recipe

If you’re a chocolate lover, this Chocolate Budino will quickly become your go-to dessert. A silky, rich Italian-style pudding, Budino is the perfect balance of smoothness and depth of flavor. With layers of velvety chocolate goodness, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt, this dessert is a true indulgence. Best of all, it’s incredibly simple to make and will wow your guests with its luxurious taste.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Budino

Here’s why this dessert will be a hit:

Decadent Chocolate Flavor

The rich chocolate flavor is the star of this dish, creating a smooth, creamy pudding that will satisfy even the most serious chocolate cravings.

Simple and Elegant

Despite its sophisticated appearance, this dessert is easy to make with just a few ingredients. It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special treat at home.

Make-Ahead Dessert

Chocolate Budino can be made in advance, making it ideal for dinner parties or special occasions. Simply prepare it ahead of time, chill it, and serve when you’re ready.

Versatile

Serve it as-is, or top it with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or a dusting of cocoa powder. You can even add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Customizable

You can adjust the sweetness or the type of chocolate you use to suit your taste. Dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate all work wonderfully in this recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this delicious Chocolate Budino:

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream creates a rich, smooth base for the pudding and gives it that luxurious texture.

Whole Milk

Whole milk adds creaminess and balances the richness of the heavy cream, making the pudding smooth and velvety.

Granulated Sugar

Sugar sweetens the Budino and brings out the deep chocolate flavor, balancing the richness of the cream.

Dark Chocolate

Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. A 70% cacao content is ideal, but you can adjust based on your preference for sweetness.

Egg Yolks

Egg yolks are the key to giving the pudding its rich texture and thick consistency. They add a luscious smoothness to the dessert.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch helps thicken the Budino to the perfect pudding-like texture.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor and adds an aromatic sweetness to the dessert.

Salt

A pinch of salt helps balance out the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the chocolate.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this rich and creamy Chocolate Budino:

1. Heat the Milk and Cream

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot but not boiling.

2. Melt the Chocolate

Add the chopped dark chocolate to the saucepan with the milk and cream mixture. Stir until the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

3. Temper the Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add about half a cup of the hot cream mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This step prevents the eggs from scrambling when added to the hot liquid.

4. Combine the Mixtures

Slowly pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the cream and chocolate mixture, whisking constantly. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).

5. Thicken with Cornstarch

In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in a couple of tablespoons of cold milk. Add this slurry to the pudding mixture and stir well. Continue cooking for another minute, until the pudding thickens further.

6. Add Flavorings

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the chocolate.

7. Chill the Budino

Pour the pudding into individual serving cups or one large bowl. Allow the Budino to cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, serve the Chocolate Budino as-is, or top with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra touch of indulgence.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 100mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate Budino

With Whipped Cream

Top your Budino with freshly whipped cream to add a light, airy contrast to the rich, dense pudding.

Shaved Chocolate or Cocoa Powder

For extra chocolate flavor, sprinkle shaved chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder over the top of your Budino.

Sea Salt

A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and adds an unexpected touch of flavor.

Fresh Berries

Serve the Budino with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing, tart contrast to the creamy chocolate pudding.

Additional Tips

• Choose Good Quality Chocolate: The chocolate is the main flavor in this dessert, so use the best chocolate you can afford for the richest taste.
• Tempering the Eggs: Be sure to temper the eggs by gradually adding hot liquid to them, whisking constantly to avoid curdling.
• Make Ahead: This dessert can be made a day or two ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for dinner parties or special occasions.
• Texture: For an extra-smooth pudding, you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve before chilling to remove any lumps or curdled bits.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A1: Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter pudding, though the richness of dark chocolate is what gives the Budino its signature depth.

Q2: How long does Chocolate Budino last in the fridge?
A2: Chocolate Budino will last for up to 3 days in the fridge, though it’s best enjoyed within the first 2 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Q3: Can I make Chocolate Budino dairy-free?
A3: You can substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk to make the recipe dairy-free. Be aware that the flavor may slightly change with the substitution.

Q4: Can I add alcohol to the Budino?
A4: Yes, you can add a splash of liqueur, such as Bailey’s or Grand Marnier, to the pudding mixture for a grown-up twist.

Q5: Can I use a different thickener instead of cornstarch?
A5: Yes, you can use arrowroot powder or even agar-agar as a thickening agent, but keep in mind that they may alter the texture slightly.

Q6: How can I make the Budino more indulgent?
A6: Add a layer of caramel sauce at the bottom of the cups before pouring in the pudding, or top it with chocolate ganache for extra decadence.

Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A7: Yes, this Chocolate Budino is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any wheat or gluten-based ingredients.

Q8: Can I serve Chocolate Budino warm?
A8: While traditionally served chilled, Chocolate Budino can also be served warm for a more comforting dessert. Just allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Q9: How do I store leftover Budino?
A9: Store any leftover Budino in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q10: Can I make Chocolate Budino in one large bowl instead of individual servings?
A10: Yes, you can make the Budino in a large serving dish. Just be sure to chill it for a few hours before serving.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Budino is the ultimate indulgent dessert, combining silky smooth pudding with rich chocolate flavor. Whether served as individual portions or in one large bowl, it’s a treat that’s sure to impress. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a dessert you’ll want to make time and time again. Enjoy every creamy, chocolatey bite!

Print