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

Creamy Vanilla Panna Cotta

Last Updated September 13, 2021. Published August 19, 2021 By Rosemary 10 Comments

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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.

What are the ingredients

  • 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.
  • Sugar – to add some sweetness to the dessert.
  • Vanilla – to add a little flavouring to it.

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
  • 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.

What is Panna Cotta?

It soft, creamy and delicate tasting, a melt in your mouth Italian dessert. 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.

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.

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. 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.
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5 from 5 votes

Creamy Vanilla Panna Cotta Recipe

Panna Cotta one of the most delicious Classic Italian Dessert Recipes. A delicate & creamy chilled vanilla treat. Serve it with an easy berry sauce.
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Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 577kcal
Author Rosemary Molloy

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
US Customary – Metric

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: 577kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 57mg | Potassium: 121mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 1765IU | Vitamin C: 2.6mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @anitalianinmykitchen or tag #anitalianinmykitchen!

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    Filed Under: Christmas, Easter, fruit, Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts

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    1. 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
    2. 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
    3. 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
    4. 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
    5. 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

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