Crema di Semolino con Frutta (Semolina Porridge with Fresh Fruit)

An Italian-style semolina cream sits somewhere between porridge and a simple milk pudding: soft, smooth and gently sweet, with fine semolina giving body without heaviness. Here it is flavoured with vanilla, enriched with a little butter and served warm with fresh mixed berries, which bring colour, acidity and a fresher finish to the creamy base. It is a quick breakfast or light sweet bowl that works especially well when you want something comforting but not elaborate. The key character is its spoonable texture, so steady whisking and gentle heat help keep the semolina glossy rather than lumpy.
Cuisine style Italian breakfast
Cooking style Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 30 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Ready quickly: Semolina thickens directly in hot milk, giving a creamy breakfast in about 20 minutes.
  • Smooth, creamy finish: Continuous whisking helps the semolina disperse evenly, while butter adds gloss and softness at the end.
  • Fresh contrast: Mixed berries cut through the sweetness and richness of the milk, keeping the bowl light and balanced.

Get the most out of this recipe

Texture tips

  • For a smoother porridge: Add the semolina in a steady stream while whisking constantly, rather than tipping it in all at once.
  • If it thickens too much: Whisk in a little more milk gradually over low heat until the porridge returns to a spoonable consistency.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose fine semolina: Fine semolina gives the softest, creamiest texture; coarser semolina will produce a more granular result.
  • Balance the fruit topping: Use ripe berries for natural sweetness, or choose sharper berries if you prefer more contrast against the creamy base.

Make-ahead tips

  • Reheat gently: Warm refrigerated porridge in a saucepan over low heat, loosening with a splash of milk until creamy again.
  • Add fruit at serving time: Keep the berries separate until just before serving so they stay fresh and do not water down the porridge.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Put the milk, sugar and vanilla in a saucepan and warm over a medium heat until steaming, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Do not let it boil.
  2. With the pan still over a medium heat, whisk in the semolina in a steady stream. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens to a smooth, spoonable porridge.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the semolina tastes cooked and the texture is creamy. If it becomes too thick, whisk in a splash more milk from the measured amount in the pan.
  4. Take off the heat and stir in the butter until fully melted and glossy. Divide between bowls and top with the mixed berries.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the smoothest texture, whisk continuously as you add the semolina so it does not clump.
  • If using very cold berries, let the porridge stand for 1 minute off the heat before serving so it thickens slightly and stays creamy.

Substitutions

  • Replace Mixed berries with Strawberry for a simpler topping.
  • Replace Vanilla extract with Vanilla bean paste for a more pronounced vanilla flavour.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool, cover and refrigerate. Reheat gently in a saucepan over a low heat, loosening with a splash of whole milk until creamy, then add fresh mixed berries just before serving.

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Crema di Semolino con Frutta (Semolina Porridge with Fresh Fruit)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 20min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Allergens:
    Gluten Milk Wheat
Beginner friendly One pot Kid friendly

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Equipment you'll need

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