The Ultimate Chocolate Budino Italian Chocolate Pudding Recipe Video

Special occasions should always include celebration-worthy sweets. I mean, it isn’t really a dinner party if there’s no dessert at the end! To me, the more decadent the better. And if you too enjoy desserts like chocolate pudding and pot de crème, you are going to LOVE Italian Chocolate Budino. It is creamy and smooth, similar to our classic homemade chocolate pudding and strawberry pudding… However, budino has a much deeper rich, luscious taste.

What’s the Difference Between Budino and Pudding?

Budino is an Italian-style pudding that is thick and ultra-silky. Instead of including cornstarch like American pudding recipes, this dessert is thickened with egg yolks. So it tastes like the best-ever chocolate cake batter but feels like French silk in your mouth. I pair chocolate budino with whipped cream, sea salt, and fresh cherries, for an elegant holiday treat!

Ingredients You Need

Dark baking chocolate – or semi-sweet, chopped Egg yolks – tip: store the egg whites in an airtight container in the fridge, and use to make omelets or other recipes that call for the whites Sugar – granulated Salt – just a pinch Half and half – needed for the perfect creamy texture Extra-virgin olive oil – creates that signature silkiness and earthy taste Vanilla extract and Almond extract – together they boost the chocolate

Plus whipped cream, pitted cherries, and sea salt (or kosher salt) to garnish.

How to Make Italian Chocolate Budino

First, place the finely chopped chocolate in a mixing bowl. Set a fine-mesh strainer over the top of the bowl. Set a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the eggs, sugar, and salt. Whisk well until the sugar starts to dissolve into the yolks. Then slowly whisk in the half and half. Stir and cook the custard mixture until it is thick enough to coat a spoon, like the consistency of gravy. Then pour the custard into the strainer and push it through, with a spatula, onto the chocolate. Allow the mixture to sit and melt the chocolate for five minutes. Then stir in the olive oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Continue to stir until all the chocolate chunks are melted into the mixture. Pour or spoon the mixture into serving cups or ramekins. Place in the refrigerator and chill, for at least two hours, or until ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

We love to top each portion of chilled chocolate budino with fresh whipped cream made with heavy cream, fresh cherries, and a sprinkling of sea salt. Add whatever sweet toppings you like best! Chocolate shavings, candied or toasted chopped nuts, salted caramel sauce, toffee chips, and fresh raspberries are all delicious as well.