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Home » Desserts » Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts » Creamy Vanilla Panna Cotta

Creamy Vanilla Panna Cotta

By: Rosemary Published: August 19, 2021 Updated on: June 18, 2022

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Panna Cotta one of the most delicious Classic Italian Dessert Recipes. A delicate and creamy chilled vanilla flavoured treat. Serve it with this easy berry sauce. It makes the perfect Entertaining or Family Dessert idea.

Panna cotta on a black plate with berry sauce.

I have made a few Panna Cotta in my time here in Italy, although I tried it later rather than sooner. And I can honestly say it is amazing. I really don’t know how popular it is in North America but I really think it is so underrated. After Tiramisu it is probably my favourite Italian Dessert.

Table of Contents

  • Table of contents
  • What are the ingredients
  • What is Panna Cotta?
  • Where does it come from?
  • What does Panna Cotta taste like?
  • How to make Panna Cotta
      • Never Miss a Recipe!
  • How to remove the Panna Cotta from the forms
  • What other toppings can you use?
  • How to make Chocolate Ganache
  • FAQ
  • More Italian Dessert Recipes
  • Creamy Vanilla Panna Cotta Recipe
    • Ingredients US CustomaryMetric 1x2x3x
      • FOR THE PANNA COTTA
      • BERRY TOPPING
    • Instructions 
      • FOR THE PANNA COTTA
      • FOR THE BERRY TOPPING
    • Notes
    • Nutrition

Table of contents

  • What are the ingredients
  • What is Panna Cotta?
  • Where does it come from?
  • How to make Panna Cotta
  • How to remove the Panna Cotta from the forms
  • What other toppings can you use?
  • How to make Chocolate Ganache
  • FAQ
  • More Italian Dessert Recipes

What are the ingredients

Just 5 ingredients and that is it!

  • Gelatine – this is needed to thicken the dessert
  • Milk – I like to use 2% although whole milk is fine also
  • Whipping Cream – be sure to use whole, heavy or whipping cream at least 30% fat
  • Sugar – to add some sweetness to the dessert
  • Vanilla – to add a little flavouring to it

What is Panna Cotta?

It is very popular all over Itay. A chilled molded dessert or sometimes served in a tall glass, made with milk, cream, sugar, vanilla and gelatin, which is necessary to make it firm and holds its shape. Eaten with a spoon and perfect as a special occasion or anytime dessert idea.

Where does it come from?

Panna Cotta is from the Region of Piemonte. The translation is “Cooked Cream” which is thickened with gelatine and then chilled to form a silky melt in your mouth texture. It is typically served with a berry, chocolate or caramel sauce.

What does Panna Cotta taste like?

It is a soft, creamy and delicate tasting dessert that almost melts in your mouth. It’s velvety and smooth. Considering it’s made with cream it really is quite light. So good that you will wish it would never end.

It has now become one of my family’s favourite desserts, not only vanilla but I have also made a Chocolate Panna Cotta and a Panna Cotta Tart. Both are simple yet delicious.

Panna cotta on a black plate with a silver spoon.

How to make Panna Cotta

  • In a medium pot add the cream and sugar, bring it to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat.
how to make panna cotta bringing to a boil
  • In a small pot mix together the gelatine and the milk. Let sit for a few minutes.
  • Then heat just until gelatine dissolves.
how to make panna cotta heating the gelatine and cream
  • Add the gelatine mixture and vanilla to the cream mixture, stir to combine.
  • Pour into desired cups or glasses.
how to make panna cotta, adding vanilla and gelatine and pouring into cups
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    • Let the Panna Cotta come to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 5-6 hours or until firm. Spoon the berry topping on top before serving.

    How to remove the Panna Cotta from the forms

    Remove the molds from the fridge and place them for about 3-4 seconds in a pan with boiling water, with the tip of a knife gently run it around the inside of the cup. Then invert the cup onto a plate.

    What other toppings can you use?

    In the summer I love to serve this with a slightly sweet berry topping, but you could also serve it with a fresh berries such as blueberries, strawberries or fresh peach or apricot slices. If you want to skip the fruit, how about a dollop of whipped cream with chocolate shavings or even a simple chocolate ganache.

    How to make Chocolate Ganache

    Using either the microwave or bain marie melt and stir together until smooth 3 1/2 ounces (100 grams) of chocolate (either milk or dark or even a combination) 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 cup (58 grams) of whole, heavy or whipped cream. Let cool but not harden, before drizzling over the dessert.

    Italian dessert on a black plate with a some on a spoon.

    FAQ

    Can I make this ahead of time?

    This is definitely a make ahead dessert. It can be made the day or morning before serving, since it needs at least 5-6 hours of chilling time. Be sure to plan ahead to make sure it has enough time to chill. It should never be chilled in the freezer.

    How to store it

    Panna cotta should be tightly covered with plastic wrap or conserved in an airtight container, then stored in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days if properly stored.

    Can it be frozen?

    Yes it can be frozen, although it is best to freeze once it has set. It will keep for up to 1 month in the freezer. Never refreeze the panna cotta after it has been thawed. Add the topping before serving.

    More Italian Dessert Recipes

    • Classic Italian Crostata
    • Easy Tiramisu Recipes
    • Sporcamuss Italian Cream Filled Pastries

    However you wish to serve your Panna Cotta, in a glass or in a mold, I hope you love it as much as we do. Enjoy!

    Panna cotta on a black plate with a silver spoon.
    Panna cotta with a fruit topping on a black plate with a silver spoon.

    Creamy Vanilla Panna Cotta Recipe

    Rosemary Molloy
    Panna Cotta one of the most delicious Classic Italian Dessert Recipes. A delicate & creamy chilled vanilla treat. Serve it with an easy berry sauce.
    5 from 14 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
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    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Chilling Time 5 hrs
    Total Time 5 hrs 20 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 577 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    FOR THE PANNA COTTA

    • 1 tablespoon gelatine
    • 2 tablespoons milk (I used 2 %)
    • 2 cups cream whole/whipping or heavy (470 grams)
    • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar (80 grams)
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

    BERRY TOPPING

    • 1 cup assorted frozen berries of choice (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries etc)
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon corn starch
    • 2 tablespoons water
    • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

    Instructions
     

    FOR THE PANNA COTTA

    • In a medium pot add the cream and sugar, heat on medium / low heat just until the cream starts to boil, immediately remove the pot from the heat. 
    • In a small pot add the 2 tablespoons of milk and sprinkle the gelatine on top, let stand one minute, then place the pot on low heat and heat just until the gelatine has dissolved (1-2 minutes), do not boil, then immediately remove from heat.
    • Add the gelatine mixture and the vanilla to the cream mixture, combine well with a whisk. Pour into 4 molds or glasses, let the mixture cool then refrigerate for at least 5 hours or over night or until the panna cotta is firm. 
    • If using molds then dip the mold into boiling water for about 3-4 seconds, gently slide the tip of a knife around the edge of mold and invert onto a plate. Top with the berry topping and serve. If using a glass then add the berry topping to the top of the panna cotta. Enjoy!

    FOR THE BERRY TOPPING

    • In a medium pot mix together berries, sugar, cornstarch, water and lemon juice, bring to a boil then lower heat and simmer until desired thickness. Pour into a bowl, let cool then refrigerate for at least a few hours.

    Notes

    Cover well any leftover panna cotta and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 577kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 6gFat: 44gSaturated Fat: 28gCholesterol: 164mgSodium: 57mgPotassium: 121mgFiber: 1gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 1765IUVitamin C: 2.6mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 0.1mg
    Keyword fast and easy dessert recipe, Italian Dessert Recipe, panna cotta, vanilla panna cotta
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      1. Lori says

        October 3, 2022 at 1:45 pm

        What size molds do you use? And can I unmold them ahead of time for a dinner party? Thank you

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          October 3, 2022 at 2:21 pm

          Hi Lori, mine were about 3 inches wide. I wouldn’t unmold them until you serve them. Maybe serving them in a glass would be a better idea and top with fresh fruit or sauce. Let me know how it goes. 🙂

          Reply
      2. Janet says

        June 18, 2022 at 3:13 pm

        5 stars
        Just love this Creamy Vanilla Panna Cotta. So easy to make and oh so delicious!!

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          June 18, 2022 at 8:32 pm

          Hi Janet, thanks so much, so glad you like it. Take care.

          Reply
      3. Vanessa says

        June 18, 2022 at 2:46 pm

        5 stars
        I love making this recipe for my family!

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          June 18, 2022 at 3:01 pm

          Hi Vanessa, thanks so much so glad you and your family like it. Take care.

          Reply
      4. Charles says

        June 18, 2022 at 2:35 pm

        5 stars
        Oh my gosh I made this for the first last night and it was fabulous! Thanks so much for the recipe.

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          June 21, 2022 at 12:40 pm

          Hi Charles, thanks so much so glad you enjoyed it. Take care.

          Reply
      5. Dalene DuToit says

        August 2, 2021 at 10:01 pm

        Fantastico!

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          August 8, 2021 at 10:00 pm

          Hi Dalene, thanks so much! Take care.

          Reply
      6. Veronica says

        February 20, 2021 at 6:08 am

        I have tried this recipe a couple of times and I find that when I overturn the mould, it has set in two layers. I used 2% milk (2 tblsps) & 35% cream.
        Appreciate your time & would love to know why! Thank you

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          February 20, 2021 at 3:43 pm

          Hi Veronica, that is very strange, what kind of mould do you use? Is it a high mould? Mine are about 1 -1 1/2 inches high. Honestly I don’t know I have never heard this happening before. Maybe you don’t let it cool enough before placing in the refrigerator? Let me know.

          Reply
      7. Debbie Bayes says

        August 28, 2020 at 10:31 pm

        5 stars
        love your recipes, thank you

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          August 29, 2020 at 4:50 pm

          Thanks so much Debbie, so glad you like them. Have a great weekend.

          Reply
      8. Judy says

        June 14, 2020 at 9:39 pm

        5 stars
        It is so delicious. The panna cotta was creamy and rich without being heavy. Definitely I will make it again. Thank you.

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          June 15, 2020 at 10:56 pm

          Hi Judy, thanks so glad you enjoyed it. One of my favourite desserts. Take care.

          Reply
      9. anna cohen says

        July 22, 2019 at 6:55 pm

        is this the same as bianca mangeria

        Reply
        • Rosemary says

          July 24, 2019 at 7:20 am

          Hi Anna, I have asked around and no one seems to know what that is, so I’m pretty sure it’s dialect, so I don’t if it means Panna Cotta or not. Sorry.

          Reply

      Hi, I'm Rosemary.

      Living in Italy I learned to cook authentic Italian dishes using whole ingredients, fresh veggies and delicious spices. So take a seat and have a taste! Read More

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