Budino, the Delicious Escape to Italy
If you’ve never tasted coffee budino, prepare yourself for a spoonful of silky heaven. This Italian dessert is pure indulgence: a creamy, custard-like pudding infused with rich espresso notes that melt on your tongue. It’s elegant yet simple, comforting yet impressive.
Making budino at home isn’t just about satisfying a sweet tooth. It’s about recreating that moment of joy you feel in a cozy Roman café, where dessert isn’t rushed, and every bite feels like a little escape.
If you’re someone who enjoyed our Bento Cake recipe, this luxurious dessert will absolutely win your heart.
Table of Contents
Coffee Budino Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to a Creamy Italian Dessert
Silky, rich, and infused with deep espresso flavor, this Italian coffee budino is the ultimate comfort dessert, a creamy indulgence that brings Roman café vibes straight to your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup fresh espresso or strong brewed coffee
- 4 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 ounces dark chocolate (optional, for variation)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and brew a fresh shot of espresso.
- In a small bowl, lightly whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cream, and espresso.
- Slowly temper the yolk mixture with a bit of the hot liquid while whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbling (about 5–7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, butter, and chocolate (if using).
- Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Pour into ramekins or serving glasses.
- Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve topped with whipped cream, cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings.
Notes
For a mocha twist, melt in dark chocolate before chilling. Strain the custard for a silky finish and let chill thoroughly for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
What is Budino? A Masterpiece of Cream and Flavor
Budino (pronounced boo-dee-no) is the Italian word for pudding, but don’t mistake it for a box-mix dessert. This is far more decadent. With its smooth texture and delicate balance of sweetness and richness, budino offers a more grown-up, sophisticated take on traditional pudding.
While it’s often compared to panna cotta or pastry cream, budino is denser, richer, and often made with egg yolks and cornstarch for that luscious, spoon-coating feel.
Think of it as a cousin to flan, but without the caramelized top and with a whole lot more flexibility in flavors.
Love creamy recipes? You’ll want to check out our delicious takes on Hokkaido Milk Tea and Matcha Green Tea with Coconut Milk; both bring similar rich textures with a global twist.
Ingredients for a Perfect Coffee Budino
To make coffee budino, you only need a few pantry staples:
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Fresh espresso or strong brewed coffee
- Egg yolks
- Cornstarch
- Sugar
- Salt
- Dark chocolate (optional, for variations)
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
These ingredients come together to form a luxurious base that’s silky, dense, and infused with deep coffee flavor.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Coffee Budino
Making coffee budino at home is easier than you might think. The key is patience and stirring!
Ingredient Preparation
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and brewing a fresh shot of espresso.
- Separate egg yolks, measure out the cornstarch, and prepare your sugar in a small bowl.
- Lightly whisk the yolks with sugar and cornstarch until smooth.
Cooking the Mixture
- In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, and espresso over medium heat.
- Slowly temper the egg yolk mixture with a little hot liquid, then return everything to the pan.
- Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles, around 5–7 minutes.
- Once thick, remove from heat and stir in vanilla, butter, and chocolate (if using).
Chilling and Serving
- Pour the mixture into small ramekins or serving glasses.
- Cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface to prevent skin formation).
- Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve with whipped cream, cocoa powder, or a few chocolate shavings on top.
The Must-Try Variation: Chocolate Coffee Budino
If you’re a chocoholic, this variation is your dream come true. Adding just a small amount of dark chocolate transforms the dessert into chocolate coffee budino — rich, silky, and with mocha-like depth.
How to do it:
- Melt 2–3 ounces of high-quality dark chocolate into the mixture just before chilling.
- Whisk until smooth and glossy.
- The result is deeper in flavor and perfect for dinner parties or date nights.
It’s still the same silky budino, but with an extra layer of indulgence.
Chef’s Tips for a Silky-Smooth Budino
To make coffee budino that’s restaurant-worthy, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Strain before chilling: Always pass the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to catch any lumps or curdled bits.
- Use tempered eggs: Slowly add hot liquid to egg yolks while whisking to avoid scrambling.
- Stir constantly: Don’t walk away! Constant stirring prevents burning or sticking.
- Chill thoroughly: Cold time is key. The texture continues to set and develop flavor in the fridge.
FAQ: Your Budino Questions
Can I prepare coffee budino in advance?
Yes, coffee budino is an excellent make-ahead dessert. In fact, it needs to chill for several hours to set properly, so preparing it the night before is ideal. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso in budino?
You can substitute instant coffee for espresso, but be sure to use a strong mix to mimic the intensity of espresso. Dissolve it fully in hot water before adding it to your custard base for the smoothest result.
Is coffee budino gluten-free?
Yes, coffee budino is naturally gluten-free, especially when thickened with cornstarch. Just double-check your ingredient labels to be sure there are no hidden gluten sources, especially in pre-made flavorings or toppings.
How long will coffee budino stay fresh in the fridge?
Coffee budino will last for up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy it within the first 48 hours.
What ingredients are typically used in a coffee mousse?
Coffee mousse often includes whipped cream, egg yolks or gelatin, espresso or strong brewed coffee, and sugar. While mousse is light and airy, coffee budino is denser and more custard-like in texture, typically made with milk, cream, and a thickening agent.
What exactly is budino made of?
Traditional budino is made with milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and a thickening agent like cornstarch. Coffee budino adds rich espresso to the base, giving it depth and a smooth coffee finish.
How is budino different from regular pudding?
Budino is an Italian-style custard that’s silkier and more luxurious than American pudding. While both desserts are creamy, budino often uses richer dairy and a slower cooking method to achieve a more refined texture.
Are there different types of budino?
Yes, budino comes in many delicious varieties. Besides coffee budino, there are chocolate budino, vanilla, caramel, pistachio, and even seasonal fruit-infused versions. Each one offers a unique take on this Italian classic.
What are the three basic elements of a mousse?
A mousse is usually built from three components: a base (like chocolate or coffee), whipped cream or egg whites for volume, and gelatin for structure. Unlike mousse, coffee budino gets its silky firmness from egg yolks and cornstarch, not whipped aeration.
What gives coffee its flavor in desserts like budino?
The key flavoring agent in coffee budino is espresso or strong brewed coffee. It infuses the custard with rich, aromatic coffee notes that balance perfectly with the creamy texture.
Your Italian Dessert is Ready
From its luxurious texture to its deep espresso flavor, coffee budino is the kind of dessert that turns ordinary moments into something special. It’s cozy yet elegant, simple yet impressive, and perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or just a personal treat.
And the best part? Once you’ve mastered the base, the variations are endless.
Ready to explore more? After dessert, try a savory twist like our Air Fryer Pomegranate Glazed Salmon or the comforting crunch of Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets. There’s something for every craving.