Budino

Budino is a traditional Italian dessert that resembles a custard or pudding. It is a soft, spoonable dish made from milk or cream, eggs, and sugar, thickened with a starch such as cornstarch or flour, and sometimes set with gelatin. The mixture is typically cooked on the stove until it thickens, then poured into molds or serving dishes and chilled until firm. Many home cooks bake budino in a water bath for a silkier texture.

Common flavors include vanilla, chocolate, caramel, coffee, citrus zest, and nut pastes such as pistachio or almond. Regional varieties extend to budino di riso (rice pudding) and budino di semolino (semolina pudding), as well as ricotta-based versions.

Budino is usually served cold or at room temperature, often dusted with cocoa powder, caramel sauce, or whipped cream. In Italian menus, it appears as a comforting finish to meals and as a common home dessert.

Budino is related to other custards and desserts in Mediterranean cuisine; it is similar in concept to panna cotta, though panna cotta is typically set with gelatin and not baked. Variants and preparations vary by region and family tradition, reflecting the versatility of milk-based desserts in Italian cooking.