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–+ servings

Classic Italian Panna Cotta Recipe

Silky, elegant, and surprisingly simple, this classic Italian panna cotta recipe transforms cream, vanilla, and gelatin into one of Italy's most beloved desserts. Includes five easy flavor variations to customize the recipe to your taste.
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Classic Italian Panna Cotta Recipe (5 Easy Variations) authentic panna cotta panna cotta with berry sauce easy panna cotta recipe how to make panna cotta traditional Italian panna cotta for Italian cooking ideas
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Chill Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dessert, Dolce

Ingredients
  

Base Recipe

  • 2 cups 500 ml heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup 80 g granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean split and scraped OR 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoon powdered gelatin
  • 3 tablespoon cold water

Instructions

  • Sprinkle 2 teaspoon powdered gelatin over 3 tablespoon cold water in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes until fully absorbed.
  • In a saucepan, combine 2 cups heavy cream, ⅓ cup sugar, and 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract).
  • Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved.
  • If using a vanilla bean, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer.
  • Lightly oil 6 ramekins or serving glasses.
  • Pour the mixture evenly into each ramekin.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until fully set but still slightly jiggly.
  • Serve directly in the glass or unmold onto a serving plate.

Italian Chef Tips

  • Never boil the cream. Excessive heat can affect the final texture.
  • Proper panna cotta should wobble gently when moved.
  • If the dessert feels rubbery, too much gelatin was likely used.
  • For clean unmolding, briefly dip the ramekin into warm water before inverting.
  • Fresh berries, berry sauce, espresso, caramel, or citrus toppings all pair beautifully.

Flavor Variations

Vanilla Bean Classic
Replace the vanilla extract with 1 whole vanilla bean, split and scraped. The visible vanilla specks add deeper flavor and a traditional presentation.
Espresso Panna Cotta - 
Whisk 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder into the warm cream mixture before adding the gelatin. Perfect for coffee lovers and an excellent pairing with biscotti.
Lemon Panna Cotta - 
Add the zest of 1 lemon to the cream while heating. Serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of lemon syrup for a bright, refreshing finish.
Honey Panna Cotta - 
Replace half of the ⅓ cup sugar with mild honey. This creates a subtle floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with fresh fruit.
Coconut Panna Cotta - 
Replace ½ cup (150 ml) of the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. The result is a lightly tropical variation while maintaining the signature silky texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 5gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 17gSodium: 40mgSugar: 22g