Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Panna cotta is a timeless dessert that’s not only rich and indulgent but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite flavorings, such as vanilla, chocolate, or coffee, and pair it with a wide range of toppings, from fresh fruit to sauces. It’s also incredibly easy to make with just a few basic ingredients, and while it does require time to chill, the preparation itself takes only minutes. This simple yet luxurious dessert is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or the seeds of one vanilla bean)

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin

  • 3 tablespoons water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. This allows the gelatin to soften and dissolve properly.

  2. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling (about 5 minutes).

  3. Once the cream mixture is heated, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the bloomed gelatin to the mixture and stir until completely dissolved.

  4. Stir in the vanilla extract (or vanilla bean seeds) and mix well.

  5. Pour the panna cotta mixture into individual serving cups, ramekins, or molds. Allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes at room temperature.

  6. Cover the panna cotta with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set. For the best results, refrigerate overnight.

  7. To serve, you can leave the panna cotta in the cups or gently unmold it by running a knife around the edges and inverting the cups onto serving plates.

  8. Top with fresh berries, fruit compote, caramel sauce, or any topping of your choice. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Makes 4-6 servings (depending on cup size)

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Chill time: 4 hours (or overnight)

  • Total time: 4-6 hours (mostly inactive time for chilling)

Variations

  • Fruit-Infused Panna Cotta: Infuse the cream mixture with flavors like lemon zest, orange peel, or herbs like lavender or rosemary for a unique twist.

  • Chocolate Panna Cotta: Add 2 ounces of melted dark chocolate to the cream mixture for a rich, chocolate-flavored panna cotta.

  • Coffee Panna Cotta: Dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules into the cream mixture for a coffee-flavored version.

  • Vegan Panna Cotta: Use coconut milk and agar-agar as a substitute for the gelatin to make a dairy-free and vegan panna cotta.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store panna cotta in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. If you’ve already topped it, the topping may not last as long, so it’s best to store them separately.

  • Freezing: Panna cotta can be frozen for up to 1 month, but freezing may alter its creamy texture. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make panna cotta ahead of time?

Yes! Panna cotta is perfect for making ahead of time, and it actually benefits from chilling overnight, allowing the flavors to develop and the texture to set properly.

2. Can I use a different sweetener instead of sugar?

Yes, you can use other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly depending on the sweetener used.

3. Can I use a different kind of milk?

You can use alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. However, be aware that the texture might differ slightly with non-dairy milks, and the flavor will change.

4. How can I prevent the gelatin from clumping?

Make sure to bloom the gelatin by sprinkling it over water and letting it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the cream mixture. Stir the mixture constantly to ensure the gelatin dissolves fully.

5. Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin?

Yes, agar-agar can be used as a vegetarian substitute for gelatin. Use about 1 teaspoon of agar-agar powder for every tablespoon of gelatin. Be sure to follow the instructions on the agar-agar packaging for proper usage.

6. How do I unmold panna cotta?

To unmold, run a knife along the edges of the panna cotta, then gently invert the mold onto a plate. If it doesn’t release easily, you can dip the bottom of the mold in warm water for a few seconds to loosen it.

7. Can I serve panna cotta without unmolding it?

Yes, panna cotta is traditionally served in individual cups or ramekins, and you can enjoy it directly from the cup. No need to unmold if you prefer it that way.

Conclusion

Panna cotta is a simple, elegant dessert that combines creamy richness with endless possibilities for customization. Its delicate texture and versatile flavor make it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a special treat. The best part? It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal. Top it with fresh fruits, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of chocolate for the perfect finishing touch

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Panna Cotta

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: undefined
  • Total Time: 4-6 hours (mostly inactive time for chilling)
  • Yield: 4-6 servings (depending on cup size)
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Panna cotta is a creamy, smooth, and elegant Italian dessert that requires minimal preparation and offers endless possibilities for flavor customization, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or the seeds of one vanilla bean)
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
  • 3 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
  2. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling (about 5 minutes).
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved.
  4. Add vanilla extract (or vanilla bean seeds) and mix well.
  5. Pour the panna cotta mixture into individual serving cups, ramekins, or molds. Allow to cool at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set. For the best results, refrigerate overnight.
  7. To serve, you can leave the panna cotta in the cups or gently unmold it by running a knife around the edges and inverting onto serving plates.
  8. Top with fresh berries, fruit compote, caramel sauce, or any topping of your choice.

Notes

For a richer, creamier texture, you can increase the amount of heavy cream to milk (e.g., use 2 1/2 cups cream and 1/2 cup milk).

Panna cotta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If topped, store toppings separately for freshness.Freezing panna cotta is possible, but it may alter the creamy texture. Let thaw in the fridge before serving.If using agar-agar instead of gelatin, use 1 teaspoon of agar-agar powder for every tablespoon of gelatin.Infuse the cream with citrus zest or herbs like rosemary for added flavor variety.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 23g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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