Description
Panna Cotta is a classic Italian dessert known for its silky smooth texture and delicate vanilla flavor. This easy no-bake recipe combines creamy heavy cream and milk with gelatin for a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Perfectly complemented by fresh berries, fruit coulis, or chocolate sauce, panna cotta makes for an elegant and refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Panna Cotta:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
For the Topping (Optional):
- Fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries)
- Fruit coulis (raspberry or mango sauce)
- Chocolate sauce
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Dissolve Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle 1 packet of unflavored gelatin over 3 tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it blooms and absorbs the water.
- Heat Cream and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of whole milk, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently until sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract to infuse flavor into the cream mixture.
- Incorporate Gelatin: Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm cream mixture, stirring continuously until the gelatin is completely dissolved for a smooth texture.
- Prepare Molds: Lightly grease six ramekins or dessert cups with cooking spray or oil to ensure easy removal of the panna cotta once set.
- Pour Mixture: Carefully pour the panna cotta mixture into the prepared molds, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for setting.
- Refrigerate: Cover the molds with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results, until firmly set.
- Unmold the Panna Cotta: To serve, run a knife around the edge of each mold to loosen, then invert onto a serving plate and gently tap to release the panna cotta.
- Add Toppings: Garnish with fresh berries, fruit coulis, chocolate sauce, or mint leaves as desired to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve chilled and savor the creamy, elegant dessert.
Notes
- Be sure not to boil the cream mixture to prevent curdling and to maintain a smooth texture.
- Allow the gelatin to fully bloom before adding it to ensure proper setting.
- Chilling overnight provides the best texture and flavor development.
- Use silicone molds for easier unmolding if available.
- Customize toppings based on seasonality and preference for a personalized touch.
