Description
This classic Italian Panna Cotta is an easy, creamy, and elegant dessert that melts in your mouth. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll create a restaurant-quality treat. Top it with fresh berries, caramel, or chocolate sauce for a stunning finish.
Ingredients
Panna Cotta Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or the seeds of 1 vanilla bean)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin (about 2½ teaspoons)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh berries
- Berry coulis
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate shavings
- Crushed nuts (e.g., pistachios or almonds)
Instructions
Bloom the Gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until softened. This step ensures a smooth, lump-free texture.Heat the Cream Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla over medium-low heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Avoid boiling—keep it warm and steamy to preserve the cream’s delicate flavor.Incorporate the Gelatin
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the gelatin-milk mixture. Whisk thoroughly until the gelatin completely dissolves, ensuring a silky-smooth consistency.Pour and Chill
Evenly divide the mixture into ramekins or dessert glasses. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.Serve and Enjoy
To serve, unmold by dipping the ramekins in hot water for a few seconds, then invert onto a plate. Alternatively, serve directly in glasses for an elegant presentation. Add your favorite toppings for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Avoid overheating the cream: High temperatures can alter the texture and cause separation.
- Strain for extra smoothness: If using vanilla bean, strain the mixture before pouring it into ramekins to remove any undissolved bits.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and almond milk for a plant-based version and use agar-agar instead of gelatin.
- Experiment with flavors: For a unique twist, try infusing the cream with espresso powder, citrus zest, or cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg