Description
Vanilla Panna Cotta is a classic Italian dessert known for its silky, creamy texture and elegant simplicity. This no-bake treat combines rich cream with whole milk, sweetens it with sugar, and infuses it with pure vanilla for a fragrant finish. Perfect for entertaining, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and makes an impressive yet effortless finale to any meal. Serve it with fresh berries, a tangy fruit coulis, or a sprig of mint for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) powdered gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Optional For Serving
- Fresh berries
- Berry coulis or fruit compote
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the cold water. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the gelatin absorbs the water and becomes swollen and translucent.
- Heat the Dairy: In a medium saucepan, add the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling (do not let it come to a boil).
- Add the Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the bloomed gelatin to the hot cream mixture and whisk thoroughly until the gelatin has melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the pure vanilla extract, making sure it is evenly incorporated into the mixture.
- Pour and Cool: Lightly grease six ramekins or serving glasses. Pour the panna cotta mixture evenly into each. Allow them to cool slightly at room temperature.
- Chill Until Set: Transfer the ramekins to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 6 hours or overnight, until the panna cotta is completely set and jiggles gently when moved.
- Unmold and Serve: To unmold, briefly dip the ramekins in warm water, carefully run a knife around the edge, and invert onto serving plates. Garnish with fresh berries, berry coulis, or mint leaves if desired, and serve chilled.
Notes
- You can prep the panna cotta up to 2 days ahead—just keep them covered in the refrigerator.
- If you prefer, serve the panna cotta directly in glasses or jars for a no-fuss presentation.
- Swap vanilla for almond or citrus extracts for a different flavor twist.
- Be careful not to boil the cream mixture, as this can affect the final texture.
- Gelatin must be fully dissolved to avoid a grainy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 ramekin)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg