What is panna cotta made of?

Vanilla Panna Cotta is a simple yet luxurious dessert made with just a few key ingredients. The classic recipe includes heavy cream, milk, sugar, gelatin, and vanilla extract or vanilla bean . The cream and sugar are heated, the gelatin is dissolved into the mixture, and then it is left to set in the fridge for a few hours. The result? A silky-smooth, melt-in-your-mouth treat! If you're looking for a dairy-free or vegan version, you can substitute coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk and use agar-agar instead of gelatin. These swaps keep the texture soft while making the dessert accessible to more people.

What does panna cotta taste like?

Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta has a rich, creamy taste with a delicate sweetness. The vanilla bean or extract gives it a warm, aromatic flavor, while the smooth texture makes it feel light yet indulgent. Since panna cotta is mildly sweet, it pairs beautifully with toppings like berry compote, caramel sauce, chocolate drizzle, or fresh fruit . If you want a twist on the traditional flavor, you can try adding coffee, citrus zest, or even matcha powder for a unique variation.

How long does panna cotta take to set?

Patience is key! Vanilla Panna Cotta typically takes at least 4 hours to fully set in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to let it chill overnight. This ensures that the gelatin firms up properly, giving the dessert its signature wobble.

Can you make panna cotta ahead of time?

Absolutely! Vanilla Panna Cotta is one of the best make-ahead desserts. You can prepare it up to three days in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to cover the ramekins or molds with plastic wrap to prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors.

Vanilla Panna Cotta Recipe: The Ultimate Creamy Dessert

Description

A creamy and silky Vanilla Panna Cotta recipe, perfect for any occasion. This classic Italian dessert is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract)
1 ½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons cold water
A pinch of salt

Instructions

In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, milk, and sugar over medium heat until warm (do not boil). Stir until sugar dissolves.
Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add both the seeds and the pod to the cream mixture. Simmer for a minute, then remove from heat.
Remove the vanilla bean pod and whisk in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
Strain the mixture to remove any lumps, then pour into ramekins or serving glasses.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
Serve chilled, topped with fresh berries, caramel, or chocolate sauce.

Notes

For a vegan version, replace gelatin with agar-agar and use coconut milk instead of cream.
You can store Vanilla Panna Cotta in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To unmold, dip the ramekin in warm water for a few seconds, then gently invert onto a plate.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 35 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

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