Panna Cotta
+6 photos

Panna Cotta

6 servings
Panna cotta is a classic Italian custard that's as easy as it is delicious. This 5-ingredient recipe captures the dish's famously rich, tender texture.

Ingredients

  • 3334326744 cup skim milk
    ⅓
  • envelope unflavored gelatin
    1
  • heavy cream
    2 ½ c
  • white sugar
    ½ c
  • vanilla extract
    1 ½ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather all ingredients.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Pour milk into a small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin powder over milk and stir until combined. Set aside.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Stir heavy cream and sugar together in a saucepan. Set over medium heat and bring to a boil; watch carefully as the cream can quickly bubble up and boil over.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Immediately stir gelatin mixture into boiling cream, stirring until completely dissolved. Cook and stir for 1 minute.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Remove the pan from the heat and stir in vanilla.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Pour cream mixture into 6 individual ramekins. Leave to cool, uncovered, until no longer warm, about 20 minutes.

    Step 6
  7. 7

    When cool, cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours but preferably overnight.

    Step 7
Panna Cotta
+6

Panna Cotta

275 min6 servings418 cal

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About this Recipe

Dreaming of an elegant dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? This Panna Cotta recipe delivers that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience with just five everyday ingredients. It’s the perfect way to bring a taste of Italy to your table without complicated techniques.

The beauty of this Panna Cotta lies in its straightforward approach. Combining rich heavy cream with a touch of gelatin creates that famously silky, wobbly texture without the fuss of traditional custards. The inclusion of skim milk lightens the base just enough to prevent it from being overly heavy, while vanilla extract infuses a timeless, comforting aroma that truly makes this dessert shine. It's an elegant dish that proves simple can be utterly spectacular.

Prepare for a truly indulgent treat. Each spoonful of this Panna Cotta offers a cool, creamy sensation that melts on your tongue, leaving behind the sweet, fragrant notes of vanilla. Its tender jiggle is part of its charm, promising a delicate dessert that feels both light and deeply satisfying. This classic Italian custard, while requiring a few hours of chilling time, is surprisingly hands-off once prepared, offering a moment of quiet elegance.

While this Panna Cotta shines in its pure vanilla form, you can easily adapt it. For a richer vanilla flavor, consider using vanilla bean paste. You could also experiment with infusing the cream with citrus zest or a cinnamon stick before straining, or serving with fresh berries or a raspberry coulis. For an added layer of flavor, consider a touch of almond extract alongside the vanilla.

This Panna Cotta is ideal for finishing a special meal or simply elevating an everyday moment. Serve it chilled, perhaps garnished with fresh fruit, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture and visual appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions