Go Back
- 2 cups heavy cream - 1 cup whole milk - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla bean seeds - 2 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin - 3 tablespoons cold water - 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - A pinch of salt To make vanilla bean panna cotta, gather these simple ingredients. The heavy cream and whole milk form the base. The sugar adds sweetness, while the vanilla bean gives a rich flavor. You need unflavored gelatin for that smooth, creamy texture. Cold water helps to bloom the gelatin before mixing. The mixed berries create a vibrant sauce. Honey or maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness. A pinch of salt balances all the flavors. With these ingredients in hand, you are ready to create a delightful dessert that impresses everyone. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water in a small bowl. This step is key. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You will know it’s ready when it looks thick and jelly-like. This process is called blooming. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it often, but do not let it boil. You want it hot, but just below boiling. Once it’s hot, remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, add the vanilla bean paste and the bloomed gelatin. Mix well until the gelatin fully dissolves. This is where the magic happens! Pour the mixture into small molds or cups. Silicone molds work great for easy removal. Let it cool to room temperature before moving to the next step. After cooling, cover the molds with plastic wrap. Place them in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This chilling time helps the panna cotta set perfectly. For the berry sauce, take a small saucepan. Combine the mixed berries and honey or maple syrup. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir gently until the berries start to break down. Remove from heat and let it cool. If you want a smoother sauce, blend it to your desired consistency. This adds a nice touch to your panna cotta. To serve, gently run a knife around the edge of the panna cotta. Carefully invert it onto a plate. Drizzle the berry sauce over the top. You can also add fresh mint leaves or whole berries for a fancy look. Enjoy your delicious dessert! To make sure your panna cotta is smooth, focus on the gelatin. First, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to bloom. This step is key to avoiding lumps. For even setting, stir the cream mixture often while it heats. Keep it hot but not boiling. This helps the sugar dissolve and keeps your panna cotta silky. Garnishing can elevate your panna cotta. Fresh mint leaves add a nice pop of color. You can also use whole berries for a fresh look. For fancy plating, try using decorative dishes. A wide plate can make your panna cotta stand out. Use a squeeze bottle to create a drizzle with berry sauce for a restaurant-style finish. Watch your heat when making the cream mixture. Overheating can ruin the texture. Always keep it hot, but take it off the heat before it boils. Cooling time is just as important. Don’t rush this step. Let your panna cotta cool to room temperature before refrigerating. A good chill will help it set properly. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for organic heavy cream and whole milk. Fresh, high-quality vanilla bean paste or seeds will elevate the taste of your panna cotta significantly. Don’t Rush the Blooming Process: Allow the gelatin to bloom fully for at least 5-10 minutes. This ensures it dissolves evenly in the cream mixture without clumping. Experiment with Flavors: While vanilla bean is classic, consider infusing the cream with citrus zest or other extracts like almond or coffee for a unique twist on the traditional panna cotta. Chill Thoroughly: For the best texture, allow the panna cotta to chill overnight. This will help it set perfectly and develop a rich, creamy consistency. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of panna cotta easily. Instead of using vanilla bean, try vanilla extract. It works well and saves time. You can also add citrus zest for a bright taste. Lemon or orange zest adds a fresh twist. Just a little will make a big difference. If you want to try different sweeteners, go for agave or coconut sugar. Both options give a unique flavor. You can also make it sugar-free. Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol if you prefer. Just check the package for the right amount to use. Berry sauce is fun to change up. You can use different berries like blackberries or raspberries. Each berry gives its own flavor. If you want a kick, add spices like cinnamon or ginger. Just a pinch can add warmth and depth to the sauce. Store your panna cotta in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Cover the top with plastic wrap if you don’t have a container. This will help avoid any weird smells from the fridge. Panna cotta stays good for up to four days. Yes, you can freeze panna cotta! However, it may change the texture a bit. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container. It should last for about two months in the freezer. To thaw, move the panna cotta to the fridge. Let it sit overnight. Avoid using a microwave, as it can ruin the creamy texture. If it seems too firm after thawing, you can whisk it gently to smooth it out. Panna cotta is a creamy dessert from Italy. It means "cooked cream" in Italian. This dish uses cream, sugar, and gelatin. The result is a smooth, silky texture. You can flavor it with vanilla, like in this recipe. It pairs well with fruit sauces, making it delightful. Yes, you can! Panna cotta is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day or two before serving. Just make sure to cover it tightly in the fridge. This way, it stays fresh and tasty until you are ready to enjoy it. If your panna cotta doesn’t set, it may need more gelatin. Check if you bloomed the gelatin correctly. If the mixture was too hot, the gelatin might not work. If it still doesn’t set, you can try reheating it gently. Add a bit more bloomed gelatin and chill again. Serving panna cotta is simple and fun! First, run a knife around the edge of the mold. Then, gently invert it onto a plate. Drizzle with berry sauce on top. You can also add fresh berries or mint leaves for a pretty touch. Yes, you can make substitutions! For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream. You can swap heavy cream with almond milk for a lighter version. If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, use pure vanilla extract instead. Just adjust the quantity for your taste. This post guided you through making delicious panna cotta. We covered essential ingredients, steps, and tips for a perfect dish. Remember to bloom the gelatin and avoid overheating for a smooth result. Explore flavor variations and presentations to impress your guests. This treat is simple yet elegant and can be tailored to your taste. Enjoy creating your panna cotta masterpiece and delighting those who taste it!

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Berry Sauce

A creamy and elegant dessert topped with a fresh berry sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or seeds from 1 vanilla bean)
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
  • 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for berry sauce)
  • a pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it blooms (should look thick and jelly-like).
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste and the bloomed gelatin. Mix well until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
  • Pour the mixture into small molds or cups (silicone molds work wonderfully for easy removal). Allow it to cool to room temperature.
  • Once cooled, cover the molds with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until set.
  • For the berry sauce, combine the mixed berries and honey (or maple syrup) in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring gently until the berries start to break down and release their juices.
  • Remove from heat and let the berry sauce cool. For a smoother sauce, you can blend it to your desired consistency.
  • To serve, gently run a knife around the edge of the panna cotta and invert onto a plate. Drizzle with the berry sauce over the top.

Notes

Garnish with fresh mint leaves or whole berries for an elegant touch. Serve on a decorative plate to enhance visual appeal.
Keyword berries, dessert, panna cotta, vanilla