Panna Cotta Recipe

Rich and creamy vanilla Panna Cotta is a fancy-looking but deceptively easy dessert. It’s also an excellent make-ahead option!

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Chill Time 7

Total Time 7 15

Servings servings

Calories 293kcal

Place the water in a small bowl, and sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the surface of the water. Set aside to hydrate.
Combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla bean with seeds or vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Place it over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. When the milk mixture is hot to the touch (about 140°F), gently whisk in the hydrated gelatin until fully dissolved. Stir in the cream. Remove from the heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve.
Divide the mixture among six 6-ounce ramekins or small glasses. (There should be about 4 ounces per dish.) Let the panna cotta cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then, cover each one with plastic wrap, and place in the fridge to chill for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Serve the panna cotta in the ramekin or invert it. To unmold the panna cotta, dip the ramekin in a bowl of hot water for about 3 seconds. Run a thin, sharp knife around the edge of the panna cotta. Place a small plate on top and flip the ramekin and plate over. Wiggle the ramekin to release the panna cotta. If it doesn’t come loose, dip in hot water again. Serve with roasted strawberries, fresh berries, or as desired.

Choose a serving option to fit your occasion. Dessert cups, round ramekins, wine glasses, martini glasses, or creme brûlée ramekins are all great options. For smaller, handheld desserts, divide the dessert between 14 shot glasses or espresso cups and chill for only 3-4 hours. Perfect for cocktail parties and potlucks!
To prevent a wrinkled top, let the panna cotta cool at room temperature. This brings the temperature down enough so that it doesn't rapidly cool on the surface before the center. If you immediately place it in the fridge, the top will firm up quickly while the mixture below is still warm and runny, causing tension on the surface and wrinkles to form.