Panna Cotta, which means “cooked cream” in Italian, is a smooth, creamy dessert that melts in your mouth. This classic Italian dessert is rich, velvety, and easy to make. It’s versatile too—whether you top it with berries, a fruit compote, or chocolate, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Panna Cotta:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin (or 1 packet)
- 3 tablespoons cold water
For the Berry Compote (optional topping):
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Bloom the Gelatin:
- In a small bowl, add the cold water and sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the surface. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to “bloom” (the gelatin will absorb the water and soften).
2. Make the Panna Cotta Mixture:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot, but not boiling (you should see steam rising from the mixture, but don’t let it come to a full boil).
- Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Pour and Chill:
- Pour the mixture into individual serving glasses or ramekins. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the panna cotta is set and firm.
4. Make the Berry Compote (Optional):
- In a small saucepan, combine the mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries have softened and the mixture has thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and let it cool. You can blend it if you prefer a smooth compote or leave it chunky for added texture.
5. Serve:
- Once the panna cotta is fully set, top with the berry compote or your preferred topping, such as fresh berries, caramel, or chocolate sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Panna Cotta:
- Gelatin Tip: If you’re using gelatin sheets instead of powdered gelatin, follow the package instructions for blooming and dissolving the sheets.
- Flavor Variations: You can infuse the cream with different flavors by adding zest of lemon, orange, or even a few sprigs of rosemary or vanilla bean while heating the cream. Just strain them out before pouring into your glasses.
- For a Vegan Version: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of dairy milk and coconut cream in place of heavy cream. Instead of gelatin, you can use agar-agar as a plant-based setting agent.
Why You’ll Love Panna Cotta:
- Simple and Elegant: It’s one of those desserts that looks fancy but is incredibly easy to make!
- Customizable: You can top it with almost anything—fresh fruits, sauces, or even a drizzle of honey.
- Make-Ahead: Panna cotta is a great make-ahead dessert because it needs to chill for a few hours, which means you can prepare it in advance for dinner parties or special occasions.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, panna cotta is a timeless dessert that’s sure to impress. It’s delicate, creamy, and refreshingly light, especially when paired with fruity toppings. Enjoy this Italian classic and make it your own with creative flavors and toppings!
