Panna cotta is a traditional Italian dessert known for its delicate, creamy texture and elegant simplicity. The name means “cooked cream” in Italian, and that’s exactly what it is – a blend of sweetened cream, gently heated and set with gelatin to create a smooth, custard-like dessert without the need for eggs.
To make this classic Italian dessert, heavy cream (sometimes mixed with milk for a lighter version) is combined with sugar and gently warmed. Gelatin is then added to help the mixture set as it cools. Once poured into molds or serving glasses, the panna cotta is chilled for several hours until it becomes firm yet still jiggles slightly when moved. The texture is silky, soft, and melts in your mouth.
Panna cotta is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings. It’s often served with a fruit coulis, like raspberry, strawberry, or mango, which adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich creaminess of the base. You can also top it with caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, honey, or even espresso syrup for a more decadent twist.
Vanilla is the most popular flavor for panna cotta, using fresh vanilla beans or extract for a fragrant, classic taste. However, variations include infusing the cream with ingredients like citrus zest, lavender, coffee, or spices such as cardamom or cinnamon.
Because it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, panna cotta is a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike. It’s light yet indulgent, perfect for ending a meal on a sweet, refined note.
Whether you serve it in elegant ramekins or unmolded onto a plate, panna cotta is a dessert that always feels special, minimal in ingredients, but maximum in flavor and charm.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version
- 1 cup milk Whole milk works best
- 1/4 cup sugar Granulated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pure vanilla extract for better flavor
- 1 packet gelatin Unflavored
- 3 tablespoons water Cold water to bloom the gelatin
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to bloom.
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot, but not boiling.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into greased ramekins or molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
- To serve, unmold the panna cotta onto serving plates and drizzle with your favorite sauce, berries, or caramel.
Nutrition
Easy recipe! I used almond milk instead of whole milk and it still worked great! 🙂
Is it really that easy? I always thought Panna Cotta was hard to make.
Honestly, it’s super simple! I was surprised too the first time I made it. Just follow the steps and you’ll be fine!
I tried this but it came out too runny even after 6 hours in the fridge. Maybe I didn’t do it right.
Maybe you didn’t let the gelatin bloom long enough? That can mess up the texture. Try it again!
So delicious! I topped mine with fresh strawberries and melted chocolate. Absolute perfection!
Sounds amazing! I love your idea of strawberries and chocolate. Can’t wait to try it myself!
Absolutely loved it! I used this as the dessert for my dinner party. Will make again for sure! Thanks!
panna cotta is too fancy for me lol, I just want some jello
How does gelatin work? Like, is it safe? What if I don’t want to use it?
This panna cotta is a game-changer! So creamy and rich. My guests loved it!
I totally agree! It’s such a simple recipe, but the flavor is amazing!
Sounds good, but I’m not sure about the gelatin part. Can it be made without it?