Panna Cotta Recipe

This homemade Panna Cotta looks and tastes like a fancy dessert, but is quick and easy to make, whether you’re serving in cups or unmolding from ramekins. The fresh berry sauce comes together in minutes and makes every creamy spoonful perfectly sweet and tangy. Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is.

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Panna Cotta Video

I’ll show you how to make this easy Panna Cotta. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a fancy restaurant.

Panna Cotta Recipe

Panna Cotta is a classic Italian jello/custard-like dessert that translates to “cooked cream” in English. The mixture is poured into molds and chilled until set. It has an incredibly smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

After ordering Panna Cotta for dessert at a restaurant in Portland, Oregon (a major foodie scene), I was in love and was determined to recreate it at home. At the restaurant, one serving was $8, but you can make 6 to 8 for that same price, and I prefer this homemade version with the fresh berry sauce even more.

The best part is that Panna Cotta only takes about 20 min to make before refrigerating. While it is usually removed from the ramekin it is shaped in, I often take the less fussy route and serve it in little glass cups with spoons.

Panna Cotta Ingredients

The key to making great Panna Cotta is achieving a creamy yet firm texture. For the recipe to set properly, be sure to use the ingredients listed and avoid low-fat or fat-free substitutions.

• Heavy whipping cream – provides a rich, creamy base
• Milk – using whole milk adds a lighter texture to the cream mixture
• Sour cream – contributes a tangy flavor profile to the recipe. This is our secret ingredient and once you try it, you won’t want it any other way.
• Unflavored Gelatin – acts as a setting agent, giving the Panna Cotta its firm yet delicate structure. I use Knox brand unflavored original. One of my readers reported great results with Beef Gelatin as well.
• Sugar – adds sweetness and texture to help stabilize the ingredients. Don’t forget salt to balance the flavors.
• Vanilla – use real vanilla extract to infuse the cream with aromatic flavor

How to Make Panna Cotta

• Prepare Gelatin – In a medium saucepan, add the milk and sprinkle the gelatin powder over the top. Let stand, off the heat, for 3-5 min until gelatin is softened. Set the pan over medium-low heat and whisk until gelatin dissolves (about 4-5 min – do not boil).
• Mix – Pour heavy whipping cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt into the gelatin mixture. Continue stirring until sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is steaming (do not boil). Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

• Combine and Chill – Add sour cream to a medium bowl with a pouring lip. Whisking constantly, slowly add warm cream. Once the mixture is completely smooth (strain through a sieve if desired for the smoothest texture), quickly divide the mixture between 6 glass cups or 8 ramekins. Refrigerate until fully set (4 to 6 hours).

How to Make Berry Sauce Topping

• In a small saucepan, combine half of the berries with lemon juice and sugar. Bring to a low boil and cook until syrupy.
• Stir in the remaining fresh berries and remove from the heat. Cool to room temperature, then spoon the mixture over the chilled Panna Cotta.

Unmolding Panna Cotta

While you can serve it directly in the glass or ramekin, consider elegantly turning it out onto a serving dish for a stunning presentation. Here’s how to turn out your Panna Cotta and avoid cracking:

• Dip ramekins in a small bowl of hot water for 5-10 seconds, making sure not to allow water into the panna cotta dish. Quickly wipe the bottom of the ramekin.

• Run a knife around the edge of the ramekin to release the Panna Cotta from the dish.
• Invert the ramekin over a dessert plate, tap the side of the ramekin, and lift the dish away from the set Panna Cotta.

Once your panna cotta is plated, spoon our berry sauce over the top and garnish with a mint or basil leaf, or add your toppings of choice.

Make this Panna Cotta for someone you love. The incredible flavor and texture are a memorable treat!

This Panna Cotta has been one of my most popular desserts for parties, baby showers, bridal showers, Mother’s Day, weddings, birthdays, or any gathering. I love making mini desserts for parties like Mini Cheesecakes, Creme Brulee, Eton Mess, and Pavlova. They are elegant and surprisingly simple to make.

More Easy Dessert Recipes

If you love this quick and easy Panna Cotta recipe, then you won’t want to miss these other easy dessert recipes for your next party!

• Rice Krispie Treats
• Blueberry Scones
• Lemon Bars
• Fudgy Brownies
• Banana Pudding
• Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars
• Blueberry Coffee Cake
• Tiramisu
• Strawberry Pretzel Salad