Creamy, silky, and irresistibly smooth, panna cotta is one of the most elegant desserts you can make. Its name literally means "cooked cream" in Italian, and while it may sound fancy, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Paired with a luscious berry sauce, this dessert is the ultimate treat to end any meal on a high note.
Below, we’ll guide you step-by-step through creating this indulgent dessert that doesn’t just taste amazing but also looks like a work of art!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Foolproof Elegance: Perfect for dinner parties or special occasions, panna cotta looks stunning with minimal effort.
- Customizable: You can pair it with your favorite toppings, from fruit sauces to caramel or even chocolate.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Panna cotta needs a few hours to chill, so it’s an excellent dessert to whip up in advance.
Ingredients
For the Panna Cotta
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 3 tablespoons cold water
For the Berry Sauce
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Panna Cotta Base
- Bloom the Gelatin:
Combine the gelatin and 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it softens.
- Heat the Cream Mixture:
• In a saucepan, mix the heavy cream, milk, and sugar.
• Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Add the Gelatin:
Remove the cream mixture from the heat. Whisk in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Pour and Chill:
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve (to ensure a silky texture) into serving glasses or ramekins.
Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, or until set.
Step 2: Make the Berry Sauce
- Cook the Berries:
• Add the mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice to a saucepan.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries release their juices and soften (about 5–7 minutes).
- Optional Thickening:
If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the berry mixture. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, or until thickened.
- Blend (Optional):
• For a smooth sauce, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the mixture.
• If you enjoy a chunky texture, leave it as is.
- Cool:
Transfer the sauce to a bowl and allow it to cool completely before serving.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
- Once the panna cotta is fully set, spoon the berry sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a vibrant finish.
Tips for the Perfect Panna Cotta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality cream and berries make all the difference in flavor.
- Texture Matters: Don't boil the cream mixture—gentle heat ensures the smoothest consistency.
- Chill Properly: Give the dessert enough time to set fully in the fridge (rushing won’t cut it!).
Variations to Try
- Coconut Panna Cotta:
Swap out the milk and heavy cream for coconut milk and cream for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate Panna Cotta:
Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the cream mixture for a chocolatey version.
- Seasonal Toppings:
Experiment with other fruit sauces like mango, passionfruit, or cherries.
Storing Leftovers
Panna cotta can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The berry sauce can also be refrigerated separately for the same timeframe.
Bring a Taste of Italy to Your Table
This panna cotta with berry sauce is the epitome of simplicity meeting sophistication. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or indulging in a weeknight treat, it’s a dessert that's bound to impress.
Give this recipe a try and share your results—we’d love to hear how it turned out! 🍓
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