Elegant Vanilla Panna Cotta with Fresh Berry Medley and Rich Chocolate Ganache
This luxurious vanilla panna cotta, topped with a vibrant assortment of fresh berries and drizzled with a silky chocolate ganache, is an exquisite dessert that's sure to impress your guests. Perfect for dinner parties, this dessert can be prepared in advance, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company of your guests. Originating from the kitchens of renowned chefs like Giada De Laurentiis and Tyler Florence, this dessert combines creamy, honey-sweetened panna cotta with a decadent and smooth chocolate sauce. The fresh berries provide a pop of color and a burst of freshness, balancing the rich flavors perfectly. Indulge in this sophisticated dessert, which elegantly marries simplicity with grandeur, making every bite a memorable experience.
6
Servings
533
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole milk
1 cup
unflavored gelatin
1 tablespoon
whipping cream
3 cups
honey
1/3 cup
sugar
1 tablespoon
salt
1 pinch
assorted fresh berries
2 cups (usually blueberries, raspberries, and chopped strawberries)
heavy cream
3/4 cup
butter
1 tablespoon
semisweet chocolate
1/2 lb (cut into chunks)
pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, pour in the whole milk and evenly sprinkle the unflavored gelatin on top. Let it sit undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to soften.
2
Transfer the milk and gelatin mixture to a heavy saucepan. Heat over medium flame, stirring gently until the gelatin fully dissolves, without allowing the milk to reach a boil. This should take about 5 minutes.
3
Add in the whipping cream, honey, sugar, and a pinch of salt, stirring continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully pour the mixture into 6 wine glasses, filling each halfway. Set aside to cool slightly at room temperature.
5
Once cooled, place the glasses in the refrigerator for a minimum of 6 hours, allowing the panna cotta to set into a soft and creamy texture.
6
For the chocolate ganache, combine heavy cream and butter in a small heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium flame until bubbles form along the edges, ensuring the cream does not reach a boil.
7
Remove from heat and add the semisweet chocolate chunks and vanilla extract. Stir until the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
8
This chocolate ganache can be made ahead of time and gently reheated on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power when ready to serve.
9
To serve, top each panna cotta with a vibrant medley of fresh berries, then generously drizzle with the warm chocolate sauce.
10
Finish with a decorative pattern of extra chocolate sauce and additional berries for garnish, then enjoy your gourmet dessert.
Nutrition Information
40g
Fat
43g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elegant Vanilla Panna Cotta?
It is a luxurious Italian dessert made with honey-sweetened cream, topped with fresh berries and a rich chocolate ganache.
What kind of milk is required for the panna cotta?
The recipe requires 1 cup of whole milk.
How long does the gelatin need to soften?
The unflavored gelatin should sit undisturbed in the milk for 3 to 5 minutes to allow it to soften.
Can the milk and gelatin mixture be boiled?
No, you should heat the mixture over medium flame until the gelatin dissolves without allowing it to reach a boil.
How much whipping cream is used in the panna cotta?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of whipping cream.
What sweeteners are used in the panna cotta base?
The dessert is sweetened with 1/3 cup of honey and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How long does the panna cotta need to chill?
It must be refrigerated for a minimum of 6 hours to set into a soft and creamy texture.
What type of serving vessel is suggested?
The instructions suggest pouring the mixture into 6 wine glasses.
What berries are included in the fresh berry medley?
The medley usually consists of 2 cups of blueberries, raspberries, and chopped strawberries.
How is the chocolate ganache prepared?
Combine heavy cream and butter in a saucepan, heat until bubbles form, then stir in semisweet chocolate and vanilla until smooth.
Can the chocolate ganache be made in advance?
Yes, the ganache can be made ahead of time and gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
What kind of chocolate is used for the ganache?
The recipe specifies 1/2 lb of semisweet chocolate cut into chunks.
Is vanilla extract used in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract is added to the chocolate ganache.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 533 calories.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There are 40g of fat per serving.
Does the recipe include salt?
Yes, a pinch of salt is added to the cream mixture.
What type of saucepan should be used?
The instructions recommend using a heavy saucepan or heavy-bottomed saucepan for heating the milk and cream.
How many grams of protein are in each serving?
Each serving provides 5g of protein.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 11 total ingredients.
When should the berries and chocolate be added?
The berries and chocolate drizzle should be added just before serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 43g of carbohydrates in each serving.
Is this a good recipe for dinner parties?
Yes, it is described as an exquisite dessert that is sure to impress guests and can be prepared in advance.
Who are some of the chefs associated with this type of dessert?
The description mentions chefs like Giada De Laurentiis and Tyler Florence.
What is the texture of the panna cotta?
The chilled panna cotta should have a soft and creamy texture.
Should the mixture be cooled before refrigerating?
Yes, the mixture should be allowed to cool slightly at room temperature before being placed in the refrigerator.
How much heavy cream is needed for the ganache?
You will need 3/4 cup of heavy cream for the chocolate ganache.
What is the preparation for the strawberries?
The strawberries should be chopped before being mixed into the berry medley.
Is there any butter in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of butter is used in the chocolate ganache.
What is the flavor profile of this dessert?
It marries the creaminess of vanilla and honey with the tartness of fresh berries and the richness of chocolate.