🎉 Introduction
Few desserts capture simple sophistication quite like Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta. 🍮💛
This Italian favorite is silky, creamy, and delicately flavored with pure vanilla — the kind of dessert that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness, panna cotta is the perfect canvas for endless toppings: fresh berries, caramel, chocolate, or fruit coulis.
Whether served at a dinner party or enjoyed as a quiet indulgence at home, this timeless treat delivers pure elegance in every spoonful.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Heatproof bowls or ramekins
- Fine mesh strainer
- Serving plates (if unmolding) or dessert glasses
🛒 Ingredients
For the Panna Cotta:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped)
- Pinch of salt
For Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries or berry compote
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate shavings
- Honey drizzle or fruit coulis
- Mint leaves for garnish
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over the cold milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until softened and spongy.
Step 2: Heat the Cream Mixture
In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
Heat gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and small bubbles appear around the edges — do not let it boil.
Step 3: Add Gelatin
Remove from heat. Stir in the gelatin mixture until completely dissolved and smooth.
💡 Pro Tip: Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to ensure a perfectly smooth texture.
Step 4: Pour & Chill
Pour into ramekins, glasses, or molds. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight until set.
Step 5: Serve
To unmold, dip each ramekin in warm water for a few seconds and invert onto a plate.
Top with your favorite garnishes — a drizzle of caramel, a handful of berries, or a dusting of cocoa powder.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 4–6 hours
- Total Time: ~6 hours (mostly hands-off)
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Not recommended — freezing ruins the texture.
- Serve Cold: Always serve panna cotta chilled for the creamiest texture.
🥄 Variations
- Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta: Use a whole vanilla bean for deeper aroma and speckled beauty.
- Honey Panna Cotta: Replace part of the sugar with honey for a floral sweetness.
- Coconut Panna Cotta: Substitute half the cream with coconut milk for a tropical touch.
- Chocolate Panna Cotta: Add 2 oz melted dark chocolate to the cream mixture.
- Espresso Panna Cotta: Stir in 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder for a coffee twist.
- Matcha Panna Cotta: Whisk in 1 teaspoon matcha powder for a green tea version.
- Berry Layered Panna Cotta: Alternate layers of panna cotta and berry purée.
- Salted Caramel Panna Cotta: Top with a pinch of sea salt and caramel drizzle.
- Lemon or Orange Infused: Add citrus zest for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta: Stir in ½ cup Greek yogurt after the mixture cools slightly for a tangy, lighter version.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin?
Yes — use 1 teaspoon agar powder and simmer it in the milk until dissolved. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely — use coconut cream or oat milk, but the texture will be slightly different. - How do I know it’s set?
It should jiggle slightly in the center but hold its shape when moved. - Can I make it less sweet?
Yes, reduce the sugar to 3 tablespoons for a lighter flavor. - Can I flavor it differently?
Definitely — try infusing with coffee beans, lavender, or chai spices. - Why did my panna cotta separate?
It might have boiled or cooled too quickly — gentle heat and even chilling prevent that. - Can I make it ahead for guests?
Yes! It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert — just cover and chill overnight. - Can I unmold it easily?
Yes — dip in warm water for 5 seconds, then gently run a knife around the edge before flipping. - Can I make it vegan?
Yes, use plant-based milk and agar instead of gelatin. - What’s the best topping?
Fresh berries with a drizzle of honey or fruit coulis balance the creamy vanilla flavor perfectly.
🏁 Conclusion
This Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta is proof that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated. 🍮✨
It’s silky, light, and wonderfully creamy — the kind of dessert that feels indulgent yet effortless. Whether dressed up with berries and caramel or served plain and pure, it’s a timeless favorite that never fails to impress.
Perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or self-care desserts — this panna cotta is the definition of simple luxury. 🌿💛
🍮🌿✨ Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta – Silky, Elegant & Effortlessly Luxurious!
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Ingredients
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Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over the cold milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until softened and spongy.
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt.
- Heat gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and small bubbles appear around the edges — do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the gelatin mixture until completely dissolved and smooth.
- 💡 Pro Tip: Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to ensure a perfectly smooth texture.
- Pour into ramekins, glasses, or molds. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight until set.
- To unmold, dip each ramekin in warm water for a few seconds and invert onto a plate.
- Top with your favorite garnishes — a drizzle of caramel, a handful of berries, or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Notes
Yes — use 1 teaspoon agar powder and simmer it in the milk until dissolved. Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely — use coconut cream or oat milk, but the texture will be slightly different. How do I know it’s set?
It should jiggle slightly in the center but hold its shape when moved. Can I make it less sweet?
Yes, reduce the sugar to 3 tablespoons for a lighter flavor. Can I flavor it differently?
Definitely — try infusing with coffee beans, lavender, or chai spices. Why did my panna cotta separate?
It might have boiled or cooled too quickly — gentle heat and even chilling prevent that. Can I make it ahead for guests?
Yes! It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert — just cover and chill overnight. Can I unmold it easily?
Yes — dip in warm water for 5 seconds, then gently run a knife around the edge before flipping. Can I make it vegan?
Yes, use plant-based milk and agar instead of gelatin. What’s the best topping?
Fresh berries with a drizzle of honey or fruit coulis balance the creamy vanilla flavor perfectly. 🏁 Conclusion This Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta is proof that elegance doesn’t have to be complicated. 🍮✨ It’s silky, light, and wonderfully creamy — the kind of dessert that feels indulgent yet effortless. Whether dressed up with berries and caramel or served plain and pure, it’s a timeless favorite that never fails to impress. Perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or self-care desserts — this panna cotta is the definition of simple luxury. 🌿💛
