Panna cotta is a dessert that is not overly sweet and, while delicious on its own, becomes an absolute showstopper when paired with jam, fresh fruit, a chocolate sauce, or salted caramel, perfectly delighting your palate.
You can prepare this dessert up to two days in advance without any issues. When it's time to serve, simply unmold it and add your favorite topping.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 4 hours chilling)
- Servings: 4
- Category: desserts
- Cuisine: Italian
- Calories per serving (kcal): 317
Panna Cotta Ingredients
- 3 sheets of neutral gelatin
- 180 ml whole milk
- 300 ml heavy whipping cream (minimum 35% fat)
- 35 g white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- Sunflower oil or non-stick spray for the molds (optional)
Necessary Utensils
- 4 individual molds
- Cooking thermometer (optional)
How to Make Panna Cotta
Soak 3 sheets of neutral gelatin in cold water and let them hydrate for at least 5 minutes, until completely softened.
Meanwhile, place 180 ml of whole milk, 300 ml of heavy whipping cream, 35 grams of white sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste into a saucepan.
Place the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, and check with a cooking thermometer until it reaches approximately 50 ºC (122 ºF). If you don't have a thermometer, the point we're looking for is when the mixture is hot to the touch but not scalding. At this moment, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Now, add the gelatin sheets we had soaking. To do this, squeeze out the excess water well and incorporate them into the cream mixture using a whisk.
Divide the cream mixture into individual molds or ramekins. You can lightly grease them with sunflower oil or non-stick spray to make unmolding easier. You can also serve this dessert directly in small glasses if you prefer not to unmold it. Place the molds in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours so the panna cottas set completely.
Serve the panna cottas chilled with your favorite accompaniment, such as berries, jam of your choice, or salted caramel.
Easy Preparation Summary
- Soak the gelatin in cold water
- Mix the milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla bean paste
- Heat the mixture over low heat
- Add the gelatin
- Divide the mixture into molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours
- Unmold and serve the panna cottas chilled
30 Best Recipes I Love Making at Home
If you’re like me, you probably enjoy keeping a mix of easy comfort food, classic international dishes, and crowd-pleasing desserts on hand.
Whenever I want something rich and indulgent, I usually go for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And when I’m craving something fruity and comforting, I always come back to this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe.
For easy breakfasts and lighter meals, I often make these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. When I need a gluten-free pantry staple, I also like preparing this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe.
When I’m in the mood for tapas and Mediterranean flavors, I usually rotate between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. I also love serving this crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe when I want something a little more special.
For hearty lunches and cozy dinners, I always recommend this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. If I want something more filling, I’ll often make this baked Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.
Whenever I’m craving street food or party-style dishes, I usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. I also like serving these easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe as a simple appetizer or snack.
And if I’m putting together drinks and a full menu for guests, I’ll often pair dinner with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To round everything out, I love adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing the table with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.
More Delicious Cooking Recipes for Family
Over the years of testing and refining recipes in my own kitchen, I’ve learned that the best dishes combine simplicity, reliable techniques, and bold flavor.
The recipes in this collection are the ones I personally return to again and again—whether I’m cooking a quick meal for myself or preparing something special for friends and family.
For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I often make when I want something elegant but easy. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, learning how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.
When I want something fresh and simple, I usually turn to the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often recommend the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.
I also love sharing traditional dishes from around the world, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.
Air fryer recipes are another category I cook regularly because they save time while still producing great texture. My go-to options include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.
For anyone avoiding wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe proves that classic baked pasta dishes can still be rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying without gluten.
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