Indulge in the creamy sophistication of Italian Pudding, a luxurious dessert that's as elegant as it is simple to make. This velvety custard is crafted with a luscious blend of whole milk, heavy cream, and egg yolks, perfectly balanced with vanilla bean paste for a fragrant finish. Thickened with cornstarch for a silky-smooth texture, this pudding is gently cooked to perfection and easily customizable with toppings like dark chocolate shavings or fresh berries. Ideal for dinner parties or as a make-ahead treat, this classic Italian dessert brings a touch of timeless indulgence to your table. Ready in just 30 minutes and requiring minimal effort, Italian Pudding promises restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your home.
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium flame until small bubbles begin to form around the edges. Do not let it boil.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until the mixture is smooth and pale in color, about 2–3 minutes.
Slowly ladle about 1/4 cup of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture while whisking constantly. This step tempers the eggs and prevents them from scrambling.
Gradually add the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cream, whisking constantly to combine.
Place the saucepan back on low to medium heat and cook, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or whisk, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon, about 5–7 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste and butter until fully incorporated.
Pour the pudding into individual serving cups or ramekins. Allow it to cool slightly at room temperature before covering with plastic wrap. Ensure the plastic wrap touches the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
Refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
Before serving, garnish with dark chocolate shavings or other toppings of your choice, such as fresh berries or crushed amaretti cookies.
Calories |
2088 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 126.4 g | 162% | |
| Saturated Fat | 70.8 g | 354% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1044 mg | 348% | |
| Sodium | 304 mg | 13% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 197.8 g | 72% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 156.2 g | ||
| Protein | 29.9 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 7.5 mcg | 38% | |
| Calcium | 751 mg | 58% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 933 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.