Description
Indulge in this incredibly easy yet elegant Chocolate Panna Cotta. Creamy, rich, and surprisingly simple, this decadent dessert balances intense chocolate flavor with a silky smooth texture. Finally, it is a perfect make-ahead treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¼ cups Heavy Cream
- ¾ cup Whole Milk
- ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
- 3 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Gelatin Powder
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Pinch of Salt
- ¼ cup of cold water
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to “bloom,” allowing the gelatin to absorb the water and become soft.
- Heat the Cream and Milk: Meanwhile, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and cocoa powder in a medium saucepan. Whisk until the cocoa powder is fully incorporated.
- Warm the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is hot and steaming, but not boiling, to dissolve the sugar and cocoa fully.
- Add the Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Then, add the bloomed gelatin to the hot cream mixture. Stir constantly until the gelatin is completely dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in Vanilla and Salt: Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Therefore, stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Strain the mixture (Optional): For an extra-smooth panna cotta, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. This removes any undissolved particles.
- Pour into Serving Dishes: Carefully pour the panna cotta mixture into individual ramekins or serving glasses.
- Chill: Cover the ramekins with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the panna cotta surface. Finally, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until fully set.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality cocoa powder and pure vanilla extract. However, less expensive options will also work.
- You can use small glasses, teacups, or dessert bowls if you don’t have ramekins. Furthermore, ensure they are heat-safe if you briefly dip them in warm water for unmolding.
- To unmold the panna cotta, briefly dip the bottom of the ramekin in warm (not hot) water for about 5-10 seconds. Then, invert it onto a plate.
- Adding a tablespoon of your favorite liqueur (Grand Marnier, Frangelico, or Baileys) to the warm mixture can create a sophisticated flavor variation. However, be mindful of the added liquid and adjust gelatin slightly if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg