Classic Italian Panna Cotta: A Simple and Elegant Dessert Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
  • 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 cup whole milk yogurt
  • Fresh berries, for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let stand for 5 minutes.
  4. Heat the gelatin mixture in the microwave for a few seconds until it becomes liquid, then stir it into the warm cream mixture until well combined.
  5. Whisk in the yogurt until smooth.
  6. Pour the mixture into ramekins or dessert dishes, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
  7. Before serving, top each panna cotta with fresh berries.

Tools for making

  • Saucepan - Used to heat and combine the heavy cream and sugar.
  • Small bowl - Used to sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it stand.
  • Microwave - Used to heat the gelatin mixture until it becomes liquid.
  • Whisk - Used to mix the gelatin into the warm cream mixture and whisk in the yogurt.
  • Ramekins or dessert dishes - Used to pour and set the panna cotta mixture.
  • Plastic wrap - Used to cover the ramekins or dessert dishes before refrigerating.

Recipe variations

  • Infuse the cream with different flavors such as cinnamon, cardamom, or lavender.
  • Replace the sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup for a different sweetness.
  • Add fruit puree, such as raspberry or mango, to the cream mixture for a fruity twist.
  • Top the panna cotta with caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, or fruit compote instead of fresh berries.
  • Experiment with different types of yogurt, such as Greek yogurt or flavored yogurt, to vary the taste and texture.
  • For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream and yogurt with coconut cream and coconut yogurt.
  • Try using alternative sweeteners like stevia, coconut sugar, or date syrup.
  • Add a layer of crushed cookies, granola, or nuts at the bottom of each ramekin for added texture.
  • Incorporate additional spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom into the cream mixture for a unique flavor profile.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our Panna Cotta recipe. This classic Italian dessert is renowned for its creamy texture and its ability to pair well with a variety of flavors. In this recipe, we're keeping it simple with a hint of vanilla and a topping of fresh berries. This dessert is perfect for a dinner party as it can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to focus on your guests instead of dessert preparations. Expect a light, creamy, and slightly sweet dish that's a delight to the taste buds. Enjoy making, and more importantly, eating this delightful dessert.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a substitute for heavy cream? Yes, you can use whole milk as a substitute for heavy cream. However, keep in mind that the texture and richness of the panna cotta may vary.
  2. Can I use flavored gelatin instead of unflavored gelatin? It is recommended to use unflavored gelatin as flavored gelatin may alter the taste and texture of the panna cotta.
  3. How long does it take for the panna cotta to set? The panna cotta needs to be refrigerated for at least 4 hours to set properly. It is best to prepare it in advance and let it chill overnight.
  4. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of whole milk yogurt? Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for whole milk yogurt. However, keep in mind that Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency, which may result in a slightly different texture.
  5. Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh berries? Yes, you can use frozen berries as a topping for the panna cotta. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Panna Cotta, an Italian dessert, translates to 'cooked cream' in English. Its creation is credited to the Northern Italian region of Piedmont in the early 20th century. The dessert is a testament to Italian culinary philosophy - simplicity meets extraordinary taste. The use of few, high-quality ingredients that shine in their own right is a classic characteristic of Italian cuisine. What's particularly interesting is the use of gelatin in the recipe. Historically, Italian cooks used boiled fish bones to get this effect before gelatin became widely available. Nowadays, Panna Cotta continues to be a beloved dessert, enjoyed worldwide, for its delicate flavor and silky texture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.