The Italian word budino refers to a range of sweet and savory dishes that come in a number of different forms, shapes, and flavors. There are three main types of budino: crème caramel made with cold ingredients and cooked in a mold in a bain-marie; crème anglaise made by cooking the ingredients in hot milk and transferring them into a mold; and the savory Italian flan variety.

Even though the final result of these processes are all quite similar, it is difficult to nail down what a true budino is. Most varieties, excluding the savory type, are made with a base of eggs, milk, and sugar, yet some variations might also use rice or ricotta to form the foundation of a budino.

This Italian delicacy can also be flavored, thickened, and served in a wide array of ways. Fruits, nuts, chocolate, liqueur, caramel, and vanilla are all commonly used to add flavor to budino, and it can be thickened with flour, semolina, gelatin, agar-agar, or eggs.

This Italian pudding can be baked and formed in one large mold or many separate molds. It usually has a decorative round shape and is decorated with whipped cream, biscuits, or fresh fruit.