Two shallow bowls, each with an unmolded panna cotta in caramel, with a spoon resting in the bowl.

5 / 3 votes

Panna Cotta

Panna cotta is an Italian classic made with cream, sugar, gelatin, and your favorite flavoring. What results is a luxuriantly creamy and not-too-sweet dessert that's suitable for any occasion.

Prep Time40

Cook Time7 20

Total Time8

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: servings

Calories: 231

Equipment

Eight small metal molds or ramekins

Ingredients

▢ 4 cups light cream
▢ 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
▢ 3 or 4 whole gelatin sheets or 1 envelope powdered gelatin
▢ 4 tablespoons granulated or superfine sugar (or just blitz granulated sugar in a blender until finely ground but not powdery)
▢ Grated lemon or orange zest, shaved chocolate, or ground coffee beans (optional)

US - Metric

Instructions

Set two medium saucepans over medium-low heat and add 2 cups cream to each saucepan. Heat the cream in both saucepans until they almost reach a boil, about 7 minutes.
To one saucepan of cream, add the confectioners’ sugar and to the other add the gelatin sheets or powdered gelatin.
Constantly whisk the cream in both saucepans until the confectioners’ sugar and gelatin have completely dissolved and the cream is very hot but not boiling, 1 to 2 minutes.
☞ TESTER TIP: It can be tricky to whisk with both hands at the same time! You may want to ask for some help at the stove.
In a large bowl, whisk the cream from both saucepans together. Let the mixture cool completely, at least 1 hour.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, warm the granulated or superfine sugar. Cook, without stirring, until the sugar melts and turns pale golden, anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of your pan and the exact temperature of your burner.
Immediately coat the bottom of 8 small metal molds or ramekins with the caramel-like melted sugar. Let cool.
Strain the cooled panna cotta into the molds and refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours and preferably overnight.
When the panna cotta is firmly set, dip the molds into boiling water for 5 to 10 seconds and turn out onto cold plates. Top with lemon rind, shaved chocolate, or ground coffee beans, if desired.

Nutrition