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Panna Cotta Recipe
Panna cotta is a luxurious Italian dessert known for its smooth, creamy texture and delicate flavor. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
It’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be customized with a variety of toppings to suit your taste. Try this easy and quick recipe today to complete a meal with a delicious dessert.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients. With just a handful of basic ingredients like cream, sugar, gelatine, and vanilla, it can be prepared easily by both novice and experienced cooks. The final result is always guaranteed.
Panna cotta is one of the best desserts to be prepared in advance. You can make them a few days ahead and simply kept in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve. The creamy and silky texture will last days in the fridge without extra efforts.
The small portion panna cotta made in individual cups are great for sharing on parties and any occasion. They’re perfect to enjoy as a light dessert after dinner or as a refreshing treat on a hot day afternoon.
Recipe Ingredients
Easy and delicious panna cotta only calls for a few simple ingredients below.
- Heavy cream
- Milk
- Vanilla bean
- Sugar
- Gelatine Powder
- Water
How To Make Panna Cotta?
To make panna cotta, we start from preparing the fresh vanilla bean by using a knife to scrap the seeds from the inside. You may also use vanilla extract instead at this point.
Bloom the gelatine powder with one tablespoon spoon of water in a small bowl. Set aside.
Next, add heavy cream, milk, vanilla seeds and sugar to a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, and stir gradually until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the heat, and add gelatine. Continue stirring the mixture until gelatine has completely dissolved and all ingredients are well incorporated.
Turn off the heat. After straining the mixture to remove any lumps or vanilla bean remnants, carefully pour it into individual serving cups or ramekins. Transfer panna cotta to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight until it sits nice and firm.
Cook’s Tips
Please follow my tips below to achieve the most creamy and silky texture.
- For the best flavor and texture, choose fresh, high-quality cream, milk, and vanilla bean from your local grocery stores.
- Follow the instructions on the gelatine powder package to bloom it correctly. This typically involves sprinkling the gelatine over cold water and allowing it to absorb and soften before use.
- Panna cotta needs time to set properly, so it’s important to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight. This ensures a firm and creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are other dairy substitutes?
Panna cotta can be easily adapted to accommodate different dietary preferences or restrictions. By substituting dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk, it can be made suitable for those following a vegan or lactose-free diet.
How long does panna cotta last in the refrigerator?
To maximize its freshness and quality, store the panna cotta in a covered or sealed container for up to 3 to 4 days.
Do not store the panna cotta in the freezer, since freezing can cause the cream to separate, resulting in a grainy or watery consistency once thawed.
How Many Calories Per Serving?
This recipe has 234 calories per serving.
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Panna Cotta
Ingredients
- 1 vanilla bean
- 2 1/2 teaspoons gelatine powder
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 4 tablespoons caster sugar
- 4 fresh strawberries (for serving)
Instructions
- Split the vanilla bean with a sharp knife and scrape the vanilla seeds from the inside.
- Combine gelatine powder with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl, stir well, and set it aside.
- In a saucepan, add heavy cream, milk, vanilla seed and sugar, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Gradually stir with a spatula until the sugar has dissolved, then reduce the heat.
- Add the gelatine mixture to the cream mixture, and continue stiring the mixture until the gelatine has completely dissolved. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Strain the mixture and carefully pour it into individual cups or ramekins. Use a spoon to skim off any bubbles on the surface. Chill the panna cotta in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve, run a small knife around the edge of the ramekin or cup to loosen the panna cotta. Dip the ramekin briefly in hot water to help release it easily onto a plate. Serve immediately with fresh strawberries and syrup on top.
Video
Notes
- For the best flavor and texture, choose fresh, high-quality cream, milk, and vanilla bean from your local grocery stores.
- Follow the instructions on the gelatine powder package to bloom it correctly. This typically involves sprinkling the gelatine over cold water and allowing it to absorb and soften before use.
- Panna cotta needs time to set properly, so it's important to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight. This ensures a firm and creamy texture.
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
Is that nutmeg on top of your finished dish?
That’s the vanilla seeds.
What does. âBloomâ mean?
It’s a process of dissolving the gelatin powder in liquid (water).