Coffee Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cream Recipe
If you’re ready to fall in love with a truly dreamy dessert, get excited for Coffee Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cream. This Italian-inspired sweet treat strikes the perfect balance between rich, silky coffee flavor and a cloud-like vanilla topping. With just a few staple ingredients, you can whip up an elegant no-bake dessert that’s guaranteed to impress guests or make an ordinary day feel like a special celebration. Whether you serve it in dainty glasses or unmold it for a touch of drama, Coffee Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cream is simply unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s real beauty in the simplicity of this ingredient list. Each component has a purpose—delivering creamy texture, deep coffee notes, and luxurious vanilla accents. Let’s break down how these essentials come together for your Coffee Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cream masterpiece.
- Heavy cream: This is the backbone of the panna cotta, creating that unmistakable silky richness in every spoonful.
- Whole milk: Lightens the cream just enough so you don’t feel weighed down, but the dessert stays lush and smooth.
- Brewed strong coffee or espresso (cooled): Brings depth, subtle bitterness, and the signature adult twist to the panna cotta.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens just right—balancing the coffee’s boldness without overpowering it.
- Unflavored gelatin: The secret to panna cotta’s gentle, quivery set. Ensure it’s fresh for best results!
- Cold water: Used for blooming the gelatin, making it dissolve seamlessly into the creamy mixture.
- Vanilla extract: Makes both the base and topping fragrant and inviting, echoing the vanilla in your cream layer.
- Pinch of salt: Just a dash transforms all the flavors, rounding out sweetness and highlighting the coffee notes.
- For the Vanilla Cream Topping: A second hit of heavy cream, plus powdered sugar and vanilla extract, whipped to pillowy perfection for that finishing flourish.
How to Make Coffee Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cream
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
Start by sprinkling the unflavored gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes while you prep the other ingredients. This simple but crucial step ensures your gelatin dissolves smoothly later, giving your Coffee Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cream that perfect, tender wobble.
Step 2: Heat the Cream, Milk, Sugar, Coffee & Salt
In a medium saucepan, gently stir together the heavy cream, whole milk, cooled strong coffee, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Warm this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved and everything is steaming. Be careful not to let it boil—that way you preserve the delicate dairy texture and the coffee’s best flavor.
Step 3: Dissolve the Gelatin & Add Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from the heat, then add your bloomed gelatin to the hot mixture. Whisk until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture looks silky and smooth. Finish by stirring in the vanilla extract to infuse everything with warmth and mellow sweetness.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Pour the creamy coffee mixture into individual ramekins or serving glasses, spreading the love equally. Gently tap each dish on the counter to release any air bubbles. Refrigerate for at least four hours (overnight is even better!), letting the Coffee Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cream firm up to that perfect just-set consistency everyone adores.
Step 5: Whip the Vanilla Cream Topping
While your panna cotta chills, whip the remaining heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This luscious topping is quick to make but adds a dreamy layer of flavor and elegance.
Step 6: Top and Serve
Once the panna cotta is firm, add a generous dollop of vanilla cream to each serving. Serve the Coffee Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cream straight from the fridge, and get ready for the rave reviews!
How to Serve Coffee Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cream
Garnishes
Dress up your Coffee Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cream with a scattering of chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a few chocolate-covered espresso beans. These little touches elevate the dessert and let everyone know they’re in for something special.
Side Dishes
Pair your panna cotta with crisp biscotti, almond cookies, or delicate shortbread for a bit of bite alongside those creamy spoons. A small bowl of fresh berries also makes a refreshing contrast and adds a pop of color.
Creative Ways to Present
Try unmolding your panna cotta onto a stylish dessert plate for a wow-worthy presentation, or serve it in vintage teacups for a whimsical touch. Layer the vanilla cream in a mason jar for a playful, picnic-ready twist—Coffee Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cream is chic however you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Coffee Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cream will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover the ramekins or glasses tightly with plastic wrap to preserve their freshness and texture. Just wait to add the vanilla cream topping until you’re ready to serve.
Freezing
If you need to make this dessert even further in advance, you can freeze the panna cotta (without the cream topping) for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and whip the vanilla cream fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Panna cotta is best enjoyed cold. If it becomes too firm after refrigeration or freezing, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore its irresistible, delicate wobble.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee or espresso?
Absolutely! Dissolve 1 to 2 teaspoons of high-quality instant coffee in a half-cup of hot water, let it cool, then use it as directed. This shortcut still delivers fantastic coffee flavor in every creamy bite.
How do I unmold panna cotta without breaking it?
Dip the ramekins in hot water for 5 to 10 seconds, then gently run a thin knife around the edge. Invert onto a plate and give it a little shake—the Coffee Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cream should slip right out, looking gorgeous.
Is it possible to make Coffee Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cream dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute full-fat coconut milk or a barista-style oat milk for both the heavy cream and whole milk. Be aware that the flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be heavenly.
How do I know when the gelatin is fully dissolved?
The solution should look completely smooth and free of any grainy bits or lumps. Stir gently and patiently—this is key for that signature panna cotta silkiness.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just scale all the ingredients proportionally and divide the mixture among more ramekins or glasses. It’s an ideal make-ahead dessert for dinner parties or celebrations.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about crafting Coffee Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cream—a dessert that feels effortless but wows every time. Don’t wait for a special occasion; treat yourself and your loved ones to this unbelievably smooth, coffee-kissed delight. You’ll be surprised how often it makes an encore in your dessert repertoire!
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Coffee Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of coffee and velvety panna cotta topped with a luscious vanilla cream in this elegant dessert recipe.
Ingredients
Panna Cotta:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup brewed strong coffee or espresso (cooled)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Vanilla Cream Topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Bloom Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Panna Cotta Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, coffee, and salt. Stir until steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat, add bloomed gelatin, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
- Chill: Pour mixture into ramekins or glasses and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
- Make Vanilla Cream: Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Serve: Top set panna cotta with vanilla cream and chill before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso.
- You can unmold the panna cotta or serve directly in glasses.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 panna cotta
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
