This panna cotta recipe is wonderfully simple and nearly foolproof. It requires minimal cooking, can be made ahead of time, and offers endless flavor possibilities. Its smooth texture and subtle sweetness make it a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with fruit, sauces, or a simple drizzle of honey.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Heavy cream
Whole milk
Granulated sugar
Unflavored gelatin
Cold water
Vanilla extract or vanilla bean
Directions
Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, and sugar. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
Add vanilla extract or scraped vanilla bean seeds and mix well.
Pour the mixture into lightly greased ramekins or molds.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
To serve, unmold onto plates or serve directly in the ramekins.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Chill time: 4 hours Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Variations
Vanilla Bean: Use a whole vanilla bean for a richer flavor and classic speckled look.
Fruit Panna Cotta: Top with fresh berries, fruit compote, or citrus segments.
Chocolate: Stir in melted dark chocolate for a chocolate panna cotta.
Coffee or Espresso: Add a small amount of strong coffee for a subtle coffee flavor.
Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut milk or a blend of coconut milk and almond milk.
Storage/Reheating
Store panna cotta covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It should be kept chilled until serving. Reheating is not recommended, as warming will cause it to lose its set texture. Freezing is also not advised, as it can affect the smooth consistency.
FAQs
What does panna cotta taste like?
It has a mild, creamy flavor similar to custard, lightly sweetened and often vanilla-forward.
Is panna cotta the same as custard?
No, panna cotta is thickened with gelatin, while custard is thickened with eggs.
Can I make panna cotta ahead of time?
Yes, it’s an excellent make-ahead dessert and can be prepared up to 2–3 days in advance.
How do I unmold panna cotta easily?
Briefly dip the mold in warm water, then invert onto a plate and gently shake to release.
Why didn’t my panna cotta set?
This usually happens if there wasn’t enough gelatin or it wasn’t fully dissolved.
Can I use low-fat milk instead of cream?
You can, but the texture will be less rich and creamy.
Is panna cotta gluten-free?
Yes, panna cotta is naturally gluten-free.
Can I sweeten it with honey or maple syrup?
Yes, just substitute for sugar and adjust to taste.
Can I flavor panna cotta with citrus?
Absolutely. Citrus zest or a splash of juice can add a bright flavor.
Should panna cotta be served cold?
Yes, it’s best served chilled straight from the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Panna cotta is a timeless dessert that proves elegance doesn’t have to be complicated. With its creamy texture, subtle sweetness, and endless variations, it’s a dessert you’ll return to again and again. Whether served plain or dressed up with toppings, panna cotta is always a refined and satisfying way to end a meal.
Panna cotta is a classic Italian dessert made by setting a sweetened cream mixture with gelatin. It’s smooth, creamy, and subtly flavored with vanilla, often served with fresh fruit or sauces for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) unflavored gelatin
3 tbsp cold water
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or seeds from 1 vanilla bean
Instructions
In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream, milk, and sugar. Heat until sugar is fully dissolved and mixture is hot, but not boiling.
Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
Add vanilla extract or vanilla bean seeds and stir to combine.
Pour mixture into lightly greased ramekins or silicone molds.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
To serve, run a thin knife around the edge and unmold onto plates, or serve directly in ramekins. Garnish as desired.
Notes
For richer flavor, use a whole vanilla bean instead of extract.Top with fresh berries, fruit compote, or caramel sauce.For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk or a blend of plant-based milks.If the panna cotta doesn’t set, it’s likely due to under-measured or undissolved gelatin.
