Panna Cotta

Panna Cotta is a classic Italian dessert known for its silky, creamy texture and delicate flavor. The name “Panna Cotta” literally means “cooked cream,” which perfectly describes this luscious dessert. Smooth, elegant, and lightly sweetened, it’s a dessert that can be flavored with vanilla, coffee, chocolate, or fruit, making it highly versatile.

I love this recipe because it’s deceptively simple to make yet feels sophisticated and luxurious. Every spoonful melts in your mouth, making it a perfect ending to any meal. This dish is a must-try because it’s elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough to make at home, impressing family and guests alike.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Panna Cotta recipe because it’s the perfect example of elegance meeting simplicity. With just a few ingredients—cream, sugar, vanilla, and gelatin—it transforms into a silky, creamy dessert that feels indulgent yet light on the palate. Every spoonful glides smoothly, offering a delicate sweetness that isn’t overwhelming, making it perfect for any occasion.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This dessert is a must-try because it’s elegant, versatile, and easy to customize. It’s perfect for entertaining or treating yourself, and it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, berry coulis, caramel, or chocolate sauce. Panna Cotta is also gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of diets.

Preparation Time and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes

Servings and Calories

Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving

Course and Cuisine

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
• 3 tablespoons cold water
• Fresh berries or fruit sauce for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot, but do not let it boil.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
4. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
5. Pour the mixture into individual serving glasses or ramekins.
6. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Bloom Gelatin – Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to soften.

Step 2: Heat Cream and Milk – Combine cream, milk, and sugar in a saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves, do not boil.

Step 3: Dissolve Gelatin – Remove saucepan from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add Vanilla – Stir in vanilla extract for flavor.

Step 5: Pour and Chill – Pour the mixture into ramekins or glasses. Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Panna Cotta chilled, garnished with fresh berries, fruit coulis, chocolate sauce, or a drizzle of caramel. You can also add a mint leaf or edible flowers for a visually stunning presentation.

Recipe Tips

• Do not boil the cream mixture or gelatin may not set properly.
• Use high-quality cream and vanilla for the best flavor.
• For a smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine sieve before pouring into molds.
• Make ahead of time, as Panna Cotta sets beautifully in the refrigerator.

Variations

• Chocolate Panna Cotta – Add 1/2 cup melted dark chocolate to the cream mixture.
• Coffee Panna Cotta – Dissolve 2 tablespoons instant coffee in the milk before heating.
• Coconut Panna Cotta – Replace half of the cream with coconut milk for a tropical twist.
• Berry Panna Cotta – Blend fresh or frozen berries and layer on top of the set Panna Cotta.

Freezing and Storage

• Store Panna Cotta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the creamy texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Small bowl for gelatin
• Whisk or spoon for stirring
• Ramekins, serving glasses, or molds
• Fine sieve (optional, for smooth texture)

Conclusion

Panna Cotta is a timeless Italian dessert that impresses with its creamy texture and delicate flavor. It’s simple to make, versatile in flavor, and elegant enough for any occasion. With endless variations and easy preparation, Panna Cotta is a must-have recipe for any dessert lover, delivering a luxurious and satisfying finish to any meal.