Heavenly Panna Cotta Recipe: A Silky Italian Dream Dessert

Creamy Italian panna cotta delights taste buds with its silky, luxurious texture.

Whispers of vanilla dance across each spoonful, creating a dessert that feels like pure indulgence.

Sweet memories of Mediterranean kitchens come flooding back with this simple yet elegant treat.

Minimal ingredients blend together to create something magical and sophisticated.

Rich cream transforms into a delicate, trembling masterpiece that melts on your tongue.

Chefs and home cooks alike find joy in crafting this classic dessert.

One bite promises to transport you to the sun-drenched coastlines of italy.

Let’s uncover the secrets behind this irresistible culinary magic.

Mary Berry Panna Cotta Recipe Questions Answered

• Can I use a different type of milk instead of cream and half and half?

Yes, you can substitute with whole milk or a combination of milk and heavy cream, but the texture and richness might slightly change.

• Is gelatin necessary for this recipe?

Absolutely. Gelatin provides the signature smooth, jiggly texture that defines panna cotta and helps it set properly.

• How can I tell if my panna cotta is set correctly?

When gently shaken, a properly set panna cotta will have a slight wobble but hold its shape, similar to a soft jelly.

• Can I make panna cotta in advance?

Yes, panna cotta can be prepared 1-2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator, which actually helps develop its flavor and texture.

Why Mary Berry Panna Cotta Recipe Is Light And Elegant

• Craft a Silky Dessert: Create a luxurious, creamy treat that melts in your mouth with minimal cooking skills required.
• Impress Without Stress: Wow guests with a sophisticated dessert that looks professional but takes surprisingly little effort to prepare.
• Customize with Ease: Top with fresh berries, caramel sauce, or chocolate shavings to personalize this versatile dessert for any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator, perfect for dinner parties or special family gatherings that need a stunning dessert.

What You’ll Need For Mary Berry Panna Cotta Recipe

• Heavy Cream: A rich dairy product that provides the luxurious, smooth texture of the panna cotta.
• Half and Half: Adds a lighter, creamy consistency to balance the heavy cream.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the delicate dessert's overall flavor profile.

• Gelatin: A crucial ingredient that helps the panna cotta set and hold its shape.
• Cold Water: Used to bloom the gelatin and ensure smooth incorporation into the dessert.
• Vanilla: Adds a classic, aromatic flavor that enhances the creamy base.

• Salt: A small pinch can help balance and elevate the overall taste of the panna cotta.

Easy Steps To Make Mary Berry Panna Cotta Recipe

Step 1: Bloom The Gelatin

Scatter gelatin powder over cold water in a small saucepan. Allow it to sit and absorb liquid for about 1 minute, creating a soft, spongy texture.

Step 2: Dissolve Gelatin Mixture

Place the saucepan on low heat. Gently warm the gelatin until it completely dissolves, stirring carefully to prevent any clumping. Remove from heat once smooth.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

• Heavy cream
• Half and half
• Granulated sugar

Bring the mixture to a soft boil, watching carefully to prevent scorching.

Step 4: Blend Flavor Components

• Dissolved gelatin mixture
• Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 5: Smooth The Mixture

Optional step to ensure ultimate silkiness: strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential lumps.

Step 6: Prepare And Chill

Pour the liquid into individual ramekins. Allow to cool at room temperature, then transfer to refrigerator. Chill for minimum 4 hours until set and firm.

Step 7: Elegant Unmolding

Briefly dip ramekins in hot water for 3 seconds. Run a thin knife around the edge of each dessert. Carefully invert onto serving plates, allowing panna cotta to release smoothly.

Tips That Help With Mary Berry Panna Cotta Recipe

• Master Gelatin Activation: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water precisely to ensure smooth, even dissolution without clumping.
• Prevent Boiling Mishap: Heat cream mixture gently just to the brink of boiling to maintain silky texture and prevent scorching.
• Strain for Silk-Smooth Texture: Always strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential lumps or skin, guaranteeing a luxurious, velvety dessert.
• Perfect Chilling Technique: Allow panna cotta to cool at room temperature before refrigerating, which helps set the dessert evenly and prevents unwanted condensation.
• Unmolding Pro Tip: Dip ramekins briefly in hot water and run a thin knife around the edges to release the panna cotta cleanly onto serving plates without breaking the delicate structure.

Simple Variations For Mary Berry Panna Cotta Recipe

• Dairy-Free Coconut Panna Cotta: Replace cream and half-and-half with full-fat coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version with tropical flavor.
• Low-Sugar Berry Panna Cotta: Swap sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and top with fresh mixed berries for a lighter dessert.
• Chocolate Espresso Panna Cotta: Incorporate melted dark chocolate and espresso powder into the cream mixture for a rich, coffee-infused treat.
• Lavender Honey Panna Cotta: Infuse cream with dried lavender and replace sugar with honey for an elegant, aromatic dessert.

Best Pairings For Mary Berry Panna Cotta Recipe

• Savor Sweet Berry Bliss: Pair this delicate panna cotta with fresh raspberries or strawberries to enhance its creamy texture and complement its subtle vanilla notes.
• Sip Elegant Dessert Wines: Match the dessert with a chilled moscato or sweet riesling, whose light, fruity character perfectly balances the rich, smooth panna cotta.
• Create Contrasting Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or crushed pistachios on top to add a delightful textural contrast and nutty depth to the silky dessert.
• Drizzle Flavor Enhancers: Add a light drizzle of lavender honey or dark chocolate sauce to elevate the panna cotta's subtle sweetness and introduce complex flavor dimensions.

Store Mary Berry Panna Cotta Recipe The Right Way

• Store covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep ramekins intact to maintain shape and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Wrap individual panna cotta tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Never leave panna cotta at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety.
• Do not microwave or reheat panna cotta, as it will lose its delicate texture and melt. Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator for best taste and consistency.

Panna Cotta Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky smooth Italian Panna Cotta dances with delicate cream and vanilla, promising pure dessert elegance. Cool vanilla custard melts gracefully on your palate, inviting sweet satisfaction with each luxurious spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup half and half
• 1/3 cup sugar

Gelatin:

• 1 envelope (about 1 tablespoon) unflavored gelatin
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Flavoring:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Dissolve gelatin by sprinkling over cold water in a small saucepan, allowing it to bloom for 60 seconds.
2. Gently warm the mixture until gelatin completely liquefies, then remove from heat source.
3. Combine cream, half and half, and sugar in a separate large saucepan, bringing the liquid to a precise boiling point.
4. Immediately remove dairy mixture from heat and incorporate the dissolved gelatin along with vanilla extract, stirring until fully integrated.
5. Optional refinement involves straining the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure ultimate smoothness and eliminate potential gelatin clumps.
6. Distribute the silky liquid evenly across 8 ramekins, allowing the dessert to stabilize at room temperature before transferring to refrigeration.
7. Chill the panna cotta for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to achieve optimal setting and texture.
8. When ready to serve, prepare a quick unmolding technique by briefly submerging ramekins in hot water for 3 seconds.
9. Carefully run a thin knife around the dessert’s inner edge to loosen, then invert onto a serving plate with a swift, confident motion.

Notes

• Bloom gelatin slowly to prevent clumping and ensure smooth texture.
• Use fresh, high-quality vanilla for the most intense flavor profile.
• Experiment with alternative milk options like coconut milk for dairy-free version.
• Chill ramekins beforehand to help panna cotta release cleanly when unmolding.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 409 kcal
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 45 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg