Vanilla Panna Cotta

Introduction

Few desserts embody elegance and ease quite like Vanilla Panna Cotta. This Italian classic is beloved for its silky texture and gently sweet, aromatic vanilla flavor. It’s a sophisticated dessert that comes together with minimal effort but offers a restaurant-worthy finish to any meal.

Vanilla Panna Cotta is the ideal choice when you want to impress guests or enjoy a make-ahead treat that never fails to please. Its understated richness and luxurious mouthfeel make it a perfect finale for anything from a casual dinner to a celebration.

Deliciously Simple Vanilla Panna Cotta

Vanilla Panna Cotta stands out for its ultra-creamy consistency and pure vanilla flavor, highlighted by a subtle sweetness. The beauty of this dessert lies in its minimalist ingredient list and hands-off preparation—most of the time is spent letting it set in the fridge.

You can accentuate its delicate vanilla notes by using real vanilla extract or, for a more gourmet touch, freshly scraped vanilla bean. The result is a dessert that’s smooth and lightly wobbly, with satisfying depth in each spoonful.

The Silkiest Panna Cotta Technique

Begin by blooming your gelatin in cold water—this critical step ensures your panna cotta achieves its signature tender jiggle without lumps. Gently warming your cream, milk, and sugar infuses the dairy with sweetness, while a steady hand keeps the mixture from boiling, which could alter the texture.

To achieve an ultra-smooth finish, pour the custard through a fine sieve before chilling. To make measuring the ingredients a breeze and ensure perfect results, a reliable Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale is highly recommended.

Chilling and Unmolding Like a Pro

Pour the mixture into ramekins or serving glasses. For easily unmolding panna cotta, lightly grease your molds or line them with strips of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. Let the panna cotta chill for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better—to allow it to set completely.

To unmold, briefly dip the bottom of each ramekin in warm water and invert onto a plate; the parchment makes this step seamless.

Serving Suggestions for Show-Stopping Vanilla Panna Cotta

Elevate your vanilla panna cotta with vibrant toppings: fresh berries, a drizzle of berry coulis, or shards of caramelized sugar add color and contrast. For picnics or stylish individual servings, use a portable container like the Bentgo Salad Container, which is perfect for storing and transporting delicate desserts.

If you’re prepping for a gathering, set up a station with a Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable to keep cleanup hassle-free. This makes the panna cotta an easy entertainer’s option as well as an after-dinner treat.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings of vanilla panna cotta. Each serving contains about 230–260 calories, depending on your choice of dairy and optional toppings. The use of real cream gives it richness, so enjoy this dessert as a special indulgence.

Vanilla Panna Cotta: Dessert Elegance Made Effortless (Recap)

Vanilla panna cotta is proof that sometimes the most luxurious desserts are also the simplest. With its creamy texture, delicate vanilla character, and adaptable presentation, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that turns any occasion into something special.

Instructions

1. Sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water in a small bowl and let it bloom for 5 minutes until absorbed and gel-like.
2. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
3. Remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract (or vanilla seeds for more intense flavor).
4. Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm cream mixture. Whisk until the gelatin fully dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
5. To ensure a perfectly silky dessert, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large mixing bowl or jug—your Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale can help with precise measurement here.
6. Pour the mixture evenly into 6 ramekins, glasses, or molds. For effortless unmolding, line the molds with strips of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll.
7. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight until set. To unmold, dip the bottom of each mold in warm water for a few seconds and invert onto serving plates, using the parchment to pull them out if needed.
8. Garnish with fresh berries, berry coulis, or caramel shards. If prepping for a picnic or event, pack each portion in a Bentgo Salad Container and set up your serving station with a Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable for easy cleanup.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes plus at least 4 hours chilling