Valentina Ablaev
An easy panna cotta recipe that makes the classic italian dessert that’s perfect for a crowd. The panna cotta is made with a rich milk mixture that is perfectly sweet with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency. We love to serve our panna cotta with a raspberry sauce, but you can use anything! This panna cotta turns out silky smooth with a balanced berry topping.
What is Panna Cotta
Panna cotta is a classic italian dessert that requires no baking! The base has a silky consistency but is creamy and rich. Unlike a classic custard such as crème brûlée, this panna cotta doesn’t use eggs.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Panna Cotta Recipe
- No-bake dessert. Nothing beats a dessert with no baking required! This panna cotta is ready without ever having to turn on the oven.
- Customizable. The topping for panna cotta is entirely up to you, and the options are endless!
- Crowd pleaser. I have never seen panna cotta be skipped in a dessert lineup!
Tools for this Recipe
Shop all of Valentina’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and kitchen must-haves!
- Assemble panna cotta in decorative glass dishes or glass cups. You can also use disposable dessert cups as a great option for dinner parties.
Ingredients for Raspberry Panna Cotta
You would be shocked at how simple this ingredient list is:
- Berry sauce – A classic raspberry sauce made with fresh berries, lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch as a thickener.
- Gelatin – Unflavored gelatin is the key ingredient to a firm and silky panna cotta.
- Sugar – You can’t have a dessert without sugar!
- Vanilla – A touch of vanilla gives this panna cotta an incredible flavor.
- Cream mixture – We use a mix of heavy cream and milk to get that perfect creamy texture.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Panna Cotta Toppings
- Berry topping: We use a homemade berry sauce made with raspberries, but you can use any fruit. Making this berry sauce with blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, or a mix, here’s a detailed berry sauce to try.
- Fresh fruit – Use sliced strawberries, blueberries, and even mangoes for a delicious panna cotta topping.
- Chocolate: Top each panna cotta mixture with a chocolate ganache for a tasty combo!
- Lemon panna cotta: Top each panna cotta with homemade lemon curd for a refreshing and zesty dessert.
- Dulce ce leche: Add the homemade caramel sauce as a topping.
Expert Tips:
- Bloom gelatin properly. Always sprinkle gelatin evenly over water, whisk, and leave undisturbed for 5 minutes. This ensures it hydrates evenly and prevents clumps.
- Don’t boil the mixture. Heat the mixture gently over low-medium heat. Boiling will weaken the gelatin and affect the final result.
- Cool panna cotta. The hardest part of this panna cotta is the waiting. This panna cotta needs time to set, just like any other gelatin dessert. For the best result, allow the panna cotta to set completely in the fridge.
How to Make Easy Panna Cotta
A step-by-step recipe for making this italian panna cotta:
- Bloom the gelatin. Pour water into a small saucepan and sprinkle gelatin over the top. Whisk and let sit for 5 minutes. Place over low heat and stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Stir in the sugar and vanilla, mixing until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add cream and milk. Pour in the cream and milk, then cook on low heat for 2 more minutes, stirring.
3. Cool slightly. Refrigerate uncovered for about 1 hour, until the mixture is cooled but not set.
4. Pour and chill. Divide into greased serving dishes and refrigerate for 4–6 hours or overnight until set.
Top with the berry sauce or your favorite toppings, then serve and enjoy.
FAQs
Panna cotta takes at least 4-6 hours to set in the fridge. It’s great to make it the night before and let it cool overnight.
This could be due to improper measurement or insufficient gelatin blooming.
Panna cotta is a great dessert to make ahead of time! Make it the night before, then let it sit in the fridge overnight.
Panna cotta is a gelatin-based dessert, while traditional custard is made with egg yolks.
Panna cotta turns rubbery when too much gelatin is used or when it’s over-set in the fridge.
Be sure to measure everything correctly and serve the panna cotta within 48 hours of making it.
Grainy panna cotta usually results from sugar and gelatin not being fully dissolved. When combining, be sure to whisk thoroughly to break up any clumps.
Store & Reheat
Storage. Keep leftover panna cotta stored in the fridge for up to 3-5 days for peak freshness. However, it is best when enjoyed within 48 hours.
More Dessert Recipes
If you enjoyed this panna cotta recipe, be sure to try our other no-bake dessert recipes; here are some of our favorites:
No-Bake Desserts- No-Bake Desserts
- No-Bake Desserts
- No-Bake Desserts
- No-Bake Desserts
- No-Bake Desserts
- Desserts
If you tried this panna cotta recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below – we appreciate it!
Easy Panna Cotta Recipe
Ingredients
raspberry topping –
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
panna cotta –
- 3 Tbsp room temp water
- 2 ½ tsp unflavored powdered gelatin
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Make berry sauce. In a small saucepan, add the raspberries, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, and water, and bring to a soft boil. Turn the heat to low, continue cooking until the syrup thickens, stirring as needed. Once the sauce thickens, turn off the heat. Set aside to cool completely and store in the fridge until ready to use.
- Bloom the gelatin. Pour the water into a small saucepan and sprinkle the gelatin on top. Whisk and leave for 5 minutes.
- Melt gelatin. Place the saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir the mixture and cook until the gelatin is incorporated.
- Add flavoring. As you continue to stir, add the sugar and vanilla. Continue to mix until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add cream. Stir in the cream and milk, and cook for another 2 minutes over low heat.
- Cool to thicken slightly. Refrigerate uncovered for 1 hour or until the mixture has just about fully cooled. (If you cool too long, it will set.)
- Individual dishes. Once the mixture has cooled, pour it into greased individual dishes. Refrigerate 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Toppings. Top the cooled panna cotta with the cooled berry sauce or your desired topping.
- Serve and enjoy, friends.
Notes
- Bloom the gelatin correctly. Sprinkle gelatin evenly over water, whisk briefly, then let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes. This allows it to absorb liquid fully and prevents clumping.
- Avoid boiling. Heat the mixture gently over low to medium heat. Boiling can break down the gelatin and prevent the panna cotta from setting properly.
- Let it set fully. Patience is key. Panna cotta needs time to firm up in the fridge, just like any gelatin-based dessert. For the best texture, let it chill completely before serving.
- Storage. Store leftover panna cotta in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy it within the first 48 hours.
