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Budino alla Vaniglia (Italian Vanilla Pudding)
Budino alla Vaniglia is a classic Italian vanilla pudding, simple and comforting, loved by generations across Italy. Along with its chocolate version, Budino al Cioccolato, it’s one of the most popular homemade desserts and afternoon snacks in Italian households.This creamy vanilla pudding is a traditional Italian spoon dessert that's quick and easy to make from scratch. It requires just a few ingredients, but they must be fresh and high-quality: whole milk, eggs, sugar, a touch of cornstarch, and a real vanilla bean to infuse the pudding with its delicate aroma.
Ingredients
- 500 ml whole milk - 2 cups
- 100 g granulated sugar - ½ cup
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 vanilla bean
Instructions
- Pour the milk into a small saucepan. Using a sharp knife, cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with the back of the blade. Add both the seeds and the pod to the milk for a deeper, more aromatic vanilla flavor.
- Place the saucepan over low heat and let the milk gently simmer for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil. This step allows the vanilla to fully infuse the milk with its delicate aroma.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, and cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth, pale, and slightly foamy. This will help give the pudding a light, creamy texture.
- Once the milk is warm and infused with vanilla, remove the vanilla pod. Slowly pour the milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. For extra smoothness, you can pour the milk through a fine mesh strainer as you add it.
- Transfer the combined mixture back into a clean saucepan. Cook over low to medium heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or whisk to prevent lumps from forming. The mixture will gradually thicken. This usually takes about 5 minutes. It should have the consistency of a soft custard.
- Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately pour the pudding into small individual molds or serving cups. Let them cool to room temperature first, then transfer them to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours, or until the pudding is fully set and nicely chilled.
- When ready to serve, gently unmold the puddings onto dessert plates. You can enjoy them plain or garnish with a few fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a light drizzle of caramel sauce.
Nutrition
Serving: 100gCalories: 231kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 7gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 81mgPotassium: 224mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 328IUCalcium: 171mgIron: 0.4mg
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