This easy panna cotta recipe makes a delicious, creamy, elegant Italian dessert that requires only a few ingredients.
This decadent dessert consists of a sweetened cream mixture that is thickened with gelatin and then chilled until set.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Panna Cotta
- Heavy cream
- Milk
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean
- Gelatin powder or sheets
- Salt (optional)
How to make classic vanilla panna cotta
To start, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, powdered gelatin, and a pinch of salt.
You’ll also need ramekins or dessert glasses to set the Panna Cotta in.
To make the Panna Cotta, begin by pouring the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt into a medium saucepan.
Use a whisk to combine the ingredients together, and heat the mixture over medium-low heat until it’s hot but not boiling.
You’ll want to stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Once the mixture is hot and the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. This will add a delicate, sweet flavor to the Panna Cotta.
Next, you’ll need to add the powdered gelatin to the mixture. Sprinkle the gelatin over the surface of the cream mixture and whisk it in until the gelatin has completely dissolved.
This will help the Panna Cotta set into a smooth, creamy texture.
Now it’s time to divide the mixture evenly among your ramekins or dessert glasses. You’ll want to be careful not to overfill the glasses, as the Panna Cotta will expand slightly as it sets.
Once you’ve filled each glass, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours, or until the Panna Cotta is firm.
When you’re ready to serve the Panna Cotta, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
Then, run a knife around the edges of each glass and gently invert the Panna Cotta onto serving plates. Top with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, fruit coulis, or caramel sauce.
How to store Panna Cotta
Panna cotta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Here are some tips on how to store panna cotta:
Cover the panna cotta with plastic wrap or an airtight lid before storing it in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors.
Store the panna cotta in the coldest part of the refrigerator to ensure that it stays chilled.
If you are storing the panna cotta with a sauce or topping, keep them separately in a separate container until ready to serve.
Avoid freezing panna cotta, as the texture may become grainy and unappetizing.
If you are making panna cotta in advance, it’s best to add the toppings just before serving to ensure that they remain fresh and don’t make the panna cotta soggy.
I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious panna cotta recipe. Let me know how it turns out!
Panna Cotta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Pour the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt into a medium saucepan. Whisk the mixture together and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract.
- Sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the surface of the cream mixture and whisk until the gelatin has completely dissolved.
- Divide the mixture evenly among 6-8 ramekins or dessert glasses, depending on the size you want.
- Allow the Panna Cotta to cool to room temperature, then cover each ramekin with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- When ready to serve, remove the Panna Cotta from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. Then, run a knife around the edges of the ramekins and gently invert the Panna Cotta onto serving plates.
- Serve with your choice of toppings, such as fresh berries, fruit coulis, or caramel sauce.
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