Easy & Tasty Panna Cotta

Recipe of panna cotta must be difficult… Nope! Not at all. With these simple steps, alternatives, and serving ways—you’ve got a choice.

Ingredients

For the Panna Cotta:

• 2 cups (500ml) heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)

• ¼ cup (50g) sugar (or honey/maple syrup)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or any flavoring of choice)

• 1 teaspoon gelatin powder (or 1 ½ sheets of gelatin)

• 3 tablespoons cold water

For Toppings (Optional):

• Fresh berries, fruit sauce, caramel, or chocolate drizzle

Before We Start:

• Use full-fat cream for the best texture (light cream works but will be less creamy).

• Gelatin must be bloomed (soaked in water) before adding to the mixture.

• Chill for at least 4 hours for a firm and smooth panna cotta

Instructions

Bloom and Heat the Gelatin

Step 1: Take a small bowl, add gelatin to cold water, stir, and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Take a saucepan, add cream and sugar over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Once warm (do not boil), remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Stir well.

Mix in Gelatin

Step 3: Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm cream mixture and stir well until fully dissolved.

Pour and Chill

Step 4: Pour the mixture into ramekins or cups. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight—until set.

Once set, remove the panna cotta from molds. To do this, place the mold in warm water for a few minutes, then invert onto a plate. Top with berries, caramel, or chocolate. Serve and enjoy!

Serve

This amazing panna cotta will be served with:

• Glass cups or steamed dessert glass

• White or gold plates

• Paper towels

• Drink: Chilled herbal tea

• Side dish: Fresh berries, almond biscotti, or cookies

What Goes with Panna Cotta?

Perfect Pairings

Side Dish:

• Fresh berries

• Berry coulis or caramel drizzle

• Dark chocolate or cocoa nibs

• Almond biscotti or shortbread cookies

• Poached pears or figs in honey

Side Drinks:

• Espresso or cappuccino

• Chilled herbal tea (lavender, chamomile)

• Hot chocolate with a dash of cinnamon

• Freshly squeezed orange juice or lemonade

Recipes Related to Panna Cotta

How to Make Mango Panna Cotta?

• Heat 1 cup cream, ½ cup milk, and ¼ cup sugar until warm.

• Dissolve 1 tsp gelatin in 2 tbsp warm water, then mix it in.

• Blend 1 cup mango puree and add to the mixture.

• Pour into molds and chill for 4 hours.

• Serve with mango chunks or syrup.

How to Make Vanilla Panna Cotta?

• Heat 1 cup cream, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract.

• Dissolve 1 tsp gelatin in warm water and mix it in.

• Pour into molds and refrigerate for 4 hours.

• Serve with fruit, chocolate, or caramel sauce.

How to Make Coconut/Strawberry/Chocolate Panna Cotta?

• Coconut: Replace regular milk with coconut milk.

• Strawberry: Blend ½ cup strawberry puree into the mixture.

• Chocolate: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder or melted chocolate while heating.

How to Make Italian-Style Panna Cotta?

• Use full-fat cream for richness.

• Flavor with pure vanilla or espresso.

• Serve with berries or caramel sauce.

Conclusion

Take a small bowl, add gelatin over cold water, and let it rest for 5 minutes until bloomed. Take a saucepan, add cream and sugar over medium flame, and warm it to dissolve the sugar. Once warm (do not boil), add vanilla extract. Add the bloomed gelatin mixture, stirring until fully dissolved.

Pour the mixture into ramekins or cups, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set. To remove molds, set the mold in warm water for a few minutes, then invert onto a plate. Top with berries, caramel, or chocolate. Serve and enjoy!

For More Recipes, Check Out:

• Chocolate Brownies at Home

• Bakery Doughnuts at Home

• Baker’s Chocolate Cake Recipe

• How to Make Crepes

• Homemade Milkshakes

• Hot Chocolate at Home

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