Silky Vanilla Panna Cotta with Fresh Berries
Indulge in this classic Italian dessert, Silky Vanilla Panna Cotta, which translates to 'cooked cream.' This luxurious treat boasts a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, making it a perfect ending to any meal. Enhanced by the delicate aroma of vanilla, whether from pods or pure extract, it's a versatile dessert that can be dressed up with a variety of seasonal fruits. While fresh berries are a popular choice for topping, juicy peaches, sweet cherries, or tangy apricots also shine when drizzled with a fruit-infused sauce or paired with a touch of liquor. Prepare yourself to impress guests and loved ones alike with this elegant, yet simple-to-make dessert, which can be prepared in advance for hassle-free hosting.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unflavored gelatin
2 teaspoons (Sprinkled over milk to soften)
Milk
1/2 cup (Used to soften gelatin)
Whipping cream
2 1/2 cups (Combined with sugar and heated)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Dissolved in cream)
Vanilla beans or pure vanilla extract
1 vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons extract (If using a vanilla bean, seeds scraped into cream and pod added during heating)
Fresh berries
1 cup (Gently washed and sweetened to taste (optional topping))
Fresh mint sprigs
6 sprigs (Optional garnish)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Silky Vanilla Panna Cotta?
It is a classic Italian dessert, which translates to 'cooked cream,' featuring a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
How many ingredients are in this panna cotta recipe?
This recipe requires 7 ingredients: unflavored gelatin, milk, whipping cream, sugar, vanilla, fresh berries, and mint.
What type of gelatin is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of unflavored gelatin.
How do you prepare the gelatin?
The unflavored gelatin should be sprinkled over the milk to soften before being used.
What kind of milk is needed for the gelatin?
You need 1/2 cup of milk specifically used to soften the gelatin.
How much whipping cream is used?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of whipping cream, which is heated with sugar.
How much sugar is added to the cream?
1/2 cup of sugar is dissolved in the cream during the heating process.
Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean?
Yes, you can use either 1 vanilla bean or 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
How do I prepare the vanilla bean if using one?
Scrape the seeds into the cream and add the pod itself to the mixture during heating for maximum flavor.
What are the best fruits to top this panna cotta with?
Fresh berries are a popular choice, but you can also use juicy peaches, sweet cherries, or tangy apricots.
How should the fresh berries be prepared?
You should use 1 cup of fresh berries, gently washed and optionally sweetened to taste.
Is there a recommended garnish?
Yes, 6 optional fresh mint sprigs can be used as a garnish.
Is this a no-bake dessert?
Yes, panna cotta is a no-bake, chilled dessert.
Can this dessert be made in advance?
Yes, it can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for hassle-free hosting.
What does the name 'Panna Cotta' mean?
The name is Italian and translates directly to 'cooked cream'.
What other toppings can enhance the dessert?
You can drizzle it with a fruit-infused sauce or pair it with a touch of liquor.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an elegant yet simple-to-make dessert.
What is the primary flavor profile?
It features the delicate aroma of vanilla combined with rich, creamy sweetness.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include Italian, dessert, vanilla, creamy, gelatin, and no-bake.
Is this a seasonal dessert?
While it can be served year-round, it is versatile and pairs well with many seasonal fruits.
What is the texture of the finished panna cotta?
It has a luxurious, velvety texture that is intended to melt in your mouth.
How is the cream and sugar mixture prepared?
The whipping cream is combined with sugar and heated until the sugar is dissolved.
What is the function of the milk in this recipe?
The milk serves to soften the gelatin before it is incorporated into the hot cream mixture.
How much vanilla extract is equivalent to one vanilla bean?
In this recipe, 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract are used in place of 1 vanilla bean.
What category does this dish belong to?
This dish belongs to the dessert category.
Is the panna cotta served hot or cold?
It is a chilled dessert and should be served cold.
Can I use apricots as a topping?
Yes, tangy apricots are specifically mentioned as a fruit that shines when paired with this dessert.
Does the recipe include instructions for a fruit sauce?
The description suggests a fruit-infused sauce as an option, though the primary topping listed is fresh berries.
Is panna cotta a heavy dessert?
While it is rich and velvety, it is described as a perfect ending to any meal, suggesting a light, melting quality.
What should I do with the vanilla pod after heating?
The recipe indicates adding the pod during heating, though typically the pod is removed before pouring the mixture into molds.