Decadent Chocolate Budini Delight
Indulge in this rich and velvety Chocolate Budini, a dessert that has become a favorite at gatherings and family dinners. Originating from The Baker's Dozen Cookbook, this recipe combines bittersweet chocolate and creamy butter into a luxurious chocolate pudding that puffs beautifully in the oven. While it is traditionally paired with a luscious caramel sauce, it reaches new heights when accompanied by a scoop of Mean Chef's Coffee Ice Cream, balancing the richness perfectly. Best of all, you can prepare it up to two days in advance, making it a stress-free yet impressive treat to serve to your loved ones.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bittersweet chocolate
6 ounces (finely chopped)
Unsalted butter
12 tablespoons (cut into bits)
Sugar
3/4 cup (divided into two portions)
Fine sea salt
1 pinch (none)
Large eggs
3 (separated, at room temperature)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Cream of tartar
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Coffee or vanilla ice cream
1 pint (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F and position a rack in the lower third.
2
In a medium stainless-steel bowl, combine the chopped bittersweet chocolate, butter, 6 tablespoons of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Place the bowl over a skillet filled with hot (not simmering) water, stirring frequently until melted and smooth.
3
Remove the bowl from the heat and allow to cool slightly before whisking in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until well combined.
4
In a separate medium bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with a hand-held electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.
5
Gradually add the remaining 6 tablespoons of sugar while continuing to beat, until the egg whites reach stiff and glossy peaks.
6
Gently fold 1/4 of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Then scrape the chocolate mixture into the remaining egg whites and fold together carefully, being mindful not to deflate the mixture.
7
Divide the batter evenly among six 12- to 16-ounce oven-proof serving dishes. The batter will not fill to the top, allowing room for ice cream and any desired toppings.
8
Place the filled bowls on a large baking sheet for easy handling.
9
(Optional: Prepare the budini up to 2 days in advance. Loosely cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.)
10
Bake the budini for 20 to 25 minutes, or until puffed with a crusty top and the centers are gooey when checked with a toothpick.
11
(Tip: The budini can be completely baked a day ahead. Let cool, cover, and refrigerate. To reheat, place in a hot 375°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.)
12
Serve immediately while warm. Top each serving with a generous scoop of coffee or vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Chocolate Budini Delight?
It is a rich and velvety chocolate pudding dessert that puffs in the oven, originating from "The Baker's Dozen Cookbook."
How much bittersweet chocolate is needed?
You will need 6 ounces of finely chopped bittersweet chocolate.
What type of butter should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut into bits.
How many eggs are required for the budini?
You need 3 large eggs, separated and at room temperature.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
Position a rack in the lower third of the oven.
How much sugar is used in the entire recipe?
A total of 3/4 cup of sugar is used, divided into two portions.
What is the purpose of cream of tartar in this recipe?
1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar is used to help beat the egg whites into stable peaks.
Can I make the budini batter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter up to 2 days in advance, loosely cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
How long should the budini be baked?
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until puffed with a crusty top.
How do I check if the budini is done?
Check with a toothpick; the centers should still be gooey.
Can I bake the budini ahead of time?
Yes, they can be completely baked a day ahead, cooled, and refrigerated.
How do I reheat pre-baked budini?
Place them in a hot 375°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
What size serving dishes are recommended?
Use six 12- to 16-ounce oven-proof serving dishes.
Why should the batter not fill the dishes to the top?
This allows room for the pudding to puff and provides space for ice cream or other toppings.
What is the best way to melt the chocolate and butter?
Place them in a stainless-steel bowl over a skillet of hot (not simmering) water and stir until smooth.
What type of salt is suggested?
A pinch of fine sea salt is suggested.
What ice cream pairs best with this dessert?
Mean Chef's Coffee Ice Cream is highly recommended, though vanilla ice cream is also a great choice.
What is the traditional sauce pairing for budini?
It is traditionally paired with a luscious caramel sauce.
How much vanilla extract should be added?
Use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
When should the egg yolks be added to the mixture?
Whisk them in after the melted chocolate and butter mixture has cooled slightly.
To what consistency should the egg whites be beaten initially?
Beat them until soft peaks form before gradually adding the remaining sugar.
What should the egg whites look like when finished?
They should reach stiff and glossy peaks.
How do I incorporate the egg whites into the chocolate?
Gently fold 1/4 of the whites into the chocolate to lighten it, then fold that into the remaining whites.
Should the budini be served warm or cold?
They are best served immediately while warm.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve six people.
What is the texture of the finished dessert?
It has a crusty top with a gooey, rich, and velvety chocolate center.
How much ice cream is needed for serving?
Approximately 1 pint of coffee or vanilla ice cream is suggested for 6 servings.
Should I use a baking sheet?
Yes, place the filled bowls on a large baking sheet for easy handling in and out of the oven.
Is this a stress-free dessert for entertaining?
Yes, because it can be prepared or even fully baked in advance, it is an impressive yet stress-free treat.