Try this easy make-ahead chocolate Budino recipe for Mother’s Day or any other special occasion! It takes just a few minutes to make it and dessert is done! So if you make your own dessert, this might be a good one!
A video showing how quickly you can make these adorable cups of chocolate Budino!
What is Budino?
In Italian, it’s called Budino al Cioccolato or Italian chocolate pudding. Budino is a sweet Italian dessert that is rich and creamy like a pudding or custard. In this recipe, it’s more of custard because of the way it’s prepared. It also has a richer, eggier texture. And Budino almost always has a top layer like crushed cookies or a dollop of whipped cream-based topping. Besides chocolate, other popular flavors for Budino include sea salt caramel and butterscotch.
What is the difference between custard and pudding?
I’ve always loved the sweet, creamy texture of custards and pudding. So while I was making this recipe I started to wonder what the difference is between the two. And it’s actually quite simple. You probably already know this, but in case you don’t, both custards and puddings use eggs. But the main difference between the two is that puddings use starch for thickening and custards rely on eggs (almost always the yolks) for thickening. Also, the texture of a custard tends to be a bit firmer than a pudding.
The ingredients you’ll need for making chocolate Budino
- Large egg yolks
- Sugar
- Semi-sweet chocolate
- Unsalted butter
- Heavy cream
- Nabisco Chocolate Wafer Cookies (crushed)
- Edible flowers
- Rosewater (optional)
Use edible flowers like Johnny Jump Ups or fresh mint
What other kinds of Budino can you make besides chocolate?
There are several other options for Budino although I’m especially fond of chocolate. But you can make them according to your tastes. Here are a few of the most popular Budinos:
- Lemon
- Butterscotch
- Salted Caramel
Easy Make-ahead Chocolate Budino
This is the perfect simple dessert that you can make ahead! It’s perfect for Mother’s Day or any other spcecial occasion, especially if you make your own dessert or have little helpers. It’s so easy and pretty too with the dark chocolate “dirt” and an edible flower!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: dessert
- Method: stove
Ingredients
3 egg yolks
2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
A pinch of salt
8 oz Semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 teaspoon rose water (optional)
1 teaspoon butter
1 cup heavy cream
edible flowers (like Johnny Jump Ups)
1/4 package Nabisco chocolate wafers (crushed)
Instructions
- In the bottom of a medium-sized saucepan, whisk egg yolks with the sugar until fully combined. Slow drizzle in the heavy cream, whisking the whole time. Warm mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until it is thick enough that it coats a spoon. (Don’t let it simmer or boil.)
- Place the chopped chocolate in the bottom of a bowl and set a fine-mesh strainer over it. Pour the egg yolk mixture through a strainer, onto the chocolate. Remove the strainer and stir; the heat of the egg yolk mixture should melt the chocolate. Add the rosewater if using, Mix until butter is melted and combined. Divide between five small cups and chill until fully cold and set.
- Sprinkle the crushed chocolate cookies on top and add a sprig of fresh mint or an edible flower!
Notes
This recipe makes four small servings. I used 2.5-ounce cups.
“Cup of Dirt” but make it classy – I love it. Leave it to you to swap gummy worms for violets! And I never knew the difference between a budino and a pudding!
I’m sure your gummy worms on “dirt” look absolutely gorgeous! xx
I just placed an order for the Theives Cleaner from Annie Diamond. I did not receive the stated discount. I would also like to be certain I receive the stated “gift” of a brown spray bottle and label.
Thank you. Please advise.
Hi Sharon, In order to receive the discount you need to spend a minimum of $100. But I will be sending you an amber glass bottle and a pretty label! You are going to love Thieves! I’ll include a card with ideas on how to use it too! Email me with any questions! [email protected]
Hi Annie,
Well you sold me! I purchased the Thieves and looking forward to receiving it! You inspired me to keep my fridge in better order. It used to be once upon a time, I wonder what happened there?
That Budino recipe looks delicious and so fun to make. I’ve got to try it! Yum I love chocolate pudding or, mousse or really chocolate anything!
Thanks for all the great tips today, hope you have a nice Sunday!
Xo heidi
Heidi! Thanks for trusting me! You will love Thieves. You can use it in your studio too! I’ll send you an amber bottle and a label this week! And if you love chocolate, try this Budino! It’s so good!
I just purchased Thieves from you. 🙂 Excited to give it a try.
Tamara! You are going to love Thieves! I’ll be sending an amber bottle and label tomorrow!
I love these tips Annie. I am the person who waits too long to clean out my refrig so it is a big job!! I love the san marzano tomato paste but have never tried the ginger! Genius! It is so much work to peel and grate!
I know…I haven’t used fresh ginger since I discovered this!
Keep your ginger in the freezer and it’s a breeze to grate. Also, I just always keep the peel on.!
Mary -That’s good to know! Putting it in the freezer now…and leave the peel on…ok! Thank you!
The Bondino recipe looks delicious. I love pudding and I think I am going to try this for Mothers Day dessert! As for your refrigerator, I cannot imagine a glass door refrigerator, they are beautiful but we always have such a hodge lodge of stuff, I think it would just look too noisy all the time, not to mention messy. That said I do love the idea of corralling like items in containers.
Annie, Great ideas. I need to line my frog with these cute pot holders. I also like your idea of wiping out the fridge more often.. The dessert looks yummy- and so cute! xo
I meant frig!
Annie, I love the Budino and enjoyed your IG reel. You are a revelation when it comes to cleaning. I use baking soda in a shaker for cleaning, but didn’t think to add essential oil. Or to use it the same way in the refrigerator. I’m ordering the shakers now … one for cleaning and one for the fridge. Love it! xo