What's the difference between custard and budino?

Custard is a general term for any dessert made with milk or cream and thickened with eggs. Budino is a type of custard that’s often richer and thicker, sometimes enhanced with cornstarch for structure. Budino is smoother and more decadent, especially when made with chocolate and spices.

What is a Chocolate Budino?

Chocolate budino is an Italian-style chocolate custard or pudding that is thick, creamy, and deeply flavorful. Unlike American pudding, it’s typically made with egg yolks, cream, sugar, and premium chocolate, resulting in a more luxurious dessert.

What does budino in Italian mean?

“Budino” in Italian means “pudding.” However, it often refers to more refined, custard-based desserts rather than simple instant puddings. It carries a sense of indulgence and tradition in Italian cuisine.

How is budino different from pudding?

While both are creamy desserts, budino typically uses both egg yolks and starch, making it richer and thicker. Pudding often relies solely on cornstarch. Budino also tends to have more complex flavors, especially in variations like spiced chocolate budino.

How many calories in a chocolate budino?

A ½ cup serving of chocolate budino typically contains 320–370 calories, depending on ingredients. Spices don’t add calories, but cream, sugar, and chocolate do. Using lower-fat dairy or sugar alternatives can reduce calorie count.

What is a Norwegian chocolate called?

A popular Norwegian chocolate brand is Freia, known for its signature “Melkesjokolade” (milk chocolate). While not related to budino, Norwegian chocolates offer a different flavor profile that’s smoother and creamier—great for alternative versions of the dessert.

Spiced Chocolate Budino: The Best Italian Dessert

Name: Spiced Chocolate Budino: The Creamy Italian Dessert You’ll Crave Daily
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; ½ cup whole milk; 6 oz dark chocolate (70%); 4 egg yolks; ½ cup sugar; 1 tbsp cornstarch; ½ tsp cinnamon, pinch nutmeg, chili

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
6 oz dark chocolate (70%)
4 egg yolks
½ cup sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
½ tsp cinnamon, pinch nutmeg, chili

Instructions

Step 1: Combine dairy and spices – Whisk together cream, milk, and spices in a saucepan.
Step 2: Melt chocolate – Heat until just simmering, then remove from heat and stir in chopped dark chocolate.
Step 3: Prepare yolk mixture – In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
Step 4: Temper yolks – Slowly add warm chocolate cream to yolk mixture while whisking constantly.
Step 5: Thicken mixture – Return to saucepan and cook on medium heat, stirring until thickened.
Step 6: Chill – Pour into serving glasses, cover, and chill for 2 hours.
Step 7: Serve – Serve chilled, optionally with whipped cream or a sprinkle of chili.

Notes

Adjust the spice level to taste. Use high-quality dark chocolate for best results.

Author: Mike
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 15
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 glass
Calories: 380
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: chocolate budino, spiced dessert, Italian dessert, creamy pudding