Craving a decadent yet surprisingly simple dessert? Look no further than this salted caramel budino recipe! This creamy, dreamy Italian custard is elevated with a luscious homemade salted caramel sauce, making it the perfect ending to any meal or a delightful treat on its own. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, and it's guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade salted caramel budino!
Ingredients:
For the Budino:
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
Making the Budino:
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Combine Milk and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is just simmering.
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Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and salt. Slowly whisk a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the cornstarch to create a smooth slurry. This prevents lumps.
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Thicken the Custard: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle simmer. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Temper the Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg yolks. Slowly drizzle a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly to temper them. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
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Combine and Cook: Pour the tempered egg mixture into the saucepan with the milk mixture. Cook, whisking constantly, for another 1-2 minutes, or until the custard is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do not boil.
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Add Vanilla and Strain: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any lumps.
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Chill and Set: Divide the custard into individual serving glasses or ramekins. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the budino to set completely.
Making the Salted Caramel Sauce:
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Make the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Do not stir. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn the caramel.
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Add Cream and Butter: Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble up!), whisking constantly until smooth. Add the butter, whisking until melted and incorporated.
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Season with Salt: Remove from the heat and stir in the sea salt.
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Cool Slightly: Let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling over the chilled budino.
Tips and Variations:
- For a smoother budino: Use an immersion blender to blend the custard after cooking.
- Add a touch of espresso: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of strong brewed espresso for a mocha-flavored budino.
- Get creative with toppings: Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- Make it ahead: The budino can be made a day or two in advance, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This salted caramel budino recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It's the perfect addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy this simple yet elegant dessert, a true testament to the power of homemade cooking!