Classic Panna Cotta
A silky, smooth, and elegant Italian dessert from the Piedmont region, featuring delicately set sweetened cream infused with vanilla. Served chilled, often with fresh berries or a fruit coulis.
🧂 Ingredients
- 7 g Unflavored gelatin powder(Approximately 2.5 teaspoons)
- 100 ml Whole milk(Cold)
- 75 g Granulated sugar(Adjust to taste, approximately 1/3 cup plus 1 tbsp)
- 500 ml Heavy cream(At least 35% fat content)
- 1 Vanilla bean(Or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
- for serving Fresh berries(Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, or a mix)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Bloom the gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder evenly over the cold milk. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5-10 minutes until it absorbs the liquid and becomes jelly-like.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Infuse the cream: Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla seeds (and the pod if using).
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Heat the cream mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is steaming, but do not let it boil. The temperature should reach approximately 80°C (175°F). Remove from heat.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Incorporate gelatin: Remove the vanilla pod from the cream mixture. Add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the warm cream. Whisk continuously until the gelatin is completely dissolved and no lumps remain. If using vanilla extract, stir it in now.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Strain and portion: For an extra smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or pitcher. Pour the liquid evenly into 6 individual ramekins, small glasses, or molds.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Chill to set: Carefully place the filled ramekins on a tray and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the panna cotta is firm and barely jiggles when gently shaken.
⏱️ 4 hours - 7
Serve: To unmold, dip the bottom of each ramekin in warm water for a few seconds. Invert onto a serving plate. Garnish generously with fresh berries.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the cream is hot enough to dissolve the gelatin but not boiling, which can affect its setting power.
- ✓For a firmer set, you can slightly increase the gelatin, but be cautious as too much can make it rubbery.
- ✓If unmolding is difficult, a quick dip in warm water is key. Alternatively, serve directly in the ramekins or glasses.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use only heavy cream and omit the milk.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Coffee Panna Cotta: Add 1-2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the cream mixture.
- Chocolate Panna Cotta: Melt 50-75g of dark chocolate and whisk into the warm cream mixture until smooth.
- Fruit Panna Cotta: Add a fruit puree (like raspberry or mango) to the cream mixture before chilling.