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Delicious Recipe

classic panna cotta

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4.5 from 115 reviews

Classic Italian panna cotta is a silky-smooth, creamy dessert with delicate vanilla flavor. This recipe is easy to make and features simple ingredients like milk, cream, sugar, and gelatine, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a luxurious finish to any meal.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Panna Cotta

  • 1 tbsp (7g) powdered gelatine
  • 2 tbsp cold water
  • 360 g (1 1/2 cups) milk
  • 250 g (1 cup) heavy cream
  • 80 g (1/3 cup) sugar
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp vanilla paste (or 1 vanilla pod)
  • 1 tbsp Limoncello or Amaretto (optional)

To Serve (Optional)

  • Seasonal berries or macerated strawberries

Instructions

  1. Bloom the Gelatine: In a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatine over 2 tablespoons of cold water. Set aside for 10 minutes so the gelatine can fully soak and bloom.
  2. Make the Panna Cotta Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, pinch of salt, vanilla paste (or seeds from 1 vanilla pod), and the optional Limoncello or Amaretto. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. When it reaches a boil, remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
  3. Incorporate the Gelatine: Add the bloomed gelatine to the hot milk mixture. Stir vigorously until the gelatine is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  4. Fill the Molds: Pour the panna cotta mixture evenly into four panna cotta molds or ramekins. Let cool at room temperature for a few minutes.
  5. Chill: Transfer the molds to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, until set.
  6. Unmold & Serve: To unmold, briefly dip each mold’s bottom in warm water and run a knife or small spatula around the edge. Carefully invert onto a serving plate. Serve cold, topped with seasonal berries or macerated strawberries if desired.

Notes

  • You can use gelatine sheets instead of powder; 3 1/2 sheets equal 1 tablespoon powder. Soak them in cold water before using.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, omit the Limoncello or Amaretto.
  • Don’t let the cream mixture boil vigorously—just a gentle boil is enough to dissolve the sugar and infuse the vanilla.
  • Letting the panna cotta chill overnight ensures the best texture.
  • Molds should be lightly greased if you’re concerned about sticking, but this is often not necessary.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 17g
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg