Imagine a dessert so luxuriously smooth that it practically dances on your tongue, a creamy Italian delicacy that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. Our Simple Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta is not just a dessert—it's a culinary masterpiece that will transport you straight to the romantic streets of Italy with just one spoonful. With its delicate wobble and intense vanilla flavor, this recipe is so easy to make that even novice home cooks can create a restaurant-worthy treat that will impress family and friends.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- 2 teaspoons gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin powder over cold water and let it bloom for 5-7 minutes, allowing the gelatin to absorb the water and become soft.
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds, adding both seeds and pod to the cream mixture.
- Heat the cream mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until sugar completely dissolves and the mixture is just about to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and discard the vanilla bean pod. Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm cream mixture and whisk until gelatin is completely dissolved and integrated.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a smooth texture and remove any potential gelatin lumps.
- Pour the mixture evenly into 4 ramekins or serving glasses, leaving some space at the top.
- Refrigerate the panna cotta for at least 4 hours or overnight until it sets completely and becomes firm with a gentle wobble.
- Before serving, you can optionally garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a light drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality vanilla beans for the most intense flavor. The tiny seeds packed inside will elevate your dessert from good to extraordinary.
- When blooming gelatin, ensure the water is cold and let it sit undisturbed to prevent clumping. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, silky texture.
- Be careful not to boil the cream mixture—gentle heating helps preserve the delicate flavors and prevents scorching.
- Straining the mixture is a game-changer. It removes any potential gelatin lumps and ensures a perfectly smooth dessert.
- For the best texture, refrigerate the panna cotta for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Patience is key to achieving that perfect, delicate set.
- Experiment with garnishes like fresh berries, caramel sauce, or a mint leaf to add visual appeal and complementary flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 329kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
