Velvety Coffee Syrup Panna Cotta
Indulge in our Velvety Coffee Syrup Panna Cotta, a delightful dessert that marries the rich depths of robust coffee with the silky smoothness of creamy panna cotta. This stunning treat features a luscious layer of homemade coffee syrup, which provides a sweet and slightly bitter contrast to the delicate vanilla-infused cream. Whether served in clear shot glasses or elegant ramekins, the visual appeal and exquisite taste of this dessert make it a perfect ending to any meal. Prepare it ahead of time, allowing it to chill and set, and impress your guests with this sophisticated yet simple dessert.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
unflavored gelatin
1 teaspoon (bloomed)
milk
1 tablespoon (for blooming gelatin)
half-and-half cream
1 cup (none)
milk
1 cup (extra, none)
icing sugar
1/3 cup (none)
vanilla sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
prepared strong coffee
1/4 cup (none)
caster sugar
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Coffee Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the prepared strong coffee with the caster sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Simmer the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it thickens into a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
2
Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 1 tablespoon of milk. Let it stand for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the gelatin to bloom.
3
Heat the Cream Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the half-and-half cream, extra milk, icing sugar, and vanilla sugar. Place over medium heat, stirring gently until the mixture is warm but not boiling.
4
Combine: Once the cream mixture is warm, whisk in the bloomed gelatin until it is fully dissolved. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for several minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
Assemble: Carefully pour a layer of the cooled coffee syrup into the bottom of each of the 6 clear shot glasses or ramekins. Then, gently pour the panna cotta mixture over the coffee layer, ensuring that it remains separate for a visually appealing presentation.
6
Chill: Cover the glasses with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, or until the panna cotta has completely set.
7
Serve: Once set, remove from the refrigerator and serve chilled. For an extra touch, consider garnishing with whipped cream or cocoa powder.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Velvety Coffee Syrup Panna Cotta?
It is a sophisticated Italian-inspired dessert consisting of a layer of homemade coffee syrup and a silky, vanilla-infused cream set with gelatin.
How long does it take for the panna cotta to set?
The panna cotta needs to be refrigerated for at least 4 to 6 hours to set completely.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Yes, panna cotta is an excellent make-ahead dessert since it requires several hours of chilling time.
What ingredients are needed for the coffee syrup?
The syrup is made by simmering 1/4 cup of prepared strong coffee with 1/4 cup of caster sugar.
How do I bloom the gelatin?
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin over 1 tablespoon of milk and let it stand for 2 to 3 minutes.
What is the purpose of half-and-half in this recipe?
Half-and-half provides a rich and creamy texture that is smoother than using only milk.
What type of sugar is used for the cream mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of icing sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar.
Can I substitute vanilla sugar?
If vanilla sugar is unavailable, you can use a small amount of vanilla extract and a bit more icing sugar.
How do I achieve the layered look?
Pour the cooled coffee syrup into the bottom of the glass first, then gently pour the panna cotta mixture over it.
Should the cream mixture be boiled?
No, the mixture should be heated until warm but not allowed to reach a boil.
What kind of coffee is best for the syrup?
A robust, strong brewed coffee works best to provide a flavorful contrast to the sweet cream.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: gelatin, milk, half-and-half, icing sugar, vanilla sugar, coffee, and caster sugar.
What are the recommended serving vessels?
Clear shot glasses or elegant ramekins are ideal for showcasing the layers.
How should the dessert be garnished?
You can garnish the finished panna cotta with whipped cream or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Is the coffee syrup bitter?
The syrup has a sweet and slightly bitter profile, balancing the richness of the vanilla cream.
What is the consistency of the syrup after simmering?
After simmering for 3 to 5 minutes, it should thicken into a syrupy consistency.
Can I use granulated sugar instead of icing sugar?
Icing sugar is preferred for a smoother texture, as it dissolves more easily in the cream.
How do I ensure the gelatin dissolves completely?
Whisk the bloomed gelatin into the warm cream mixture thoroughly until no granules remain.
Is this dessert served warm or cold?
It is served chilled directly from the refrigerator.
What is caster sugar?
Caster sugar is a finely ground granulated sugar that dissolves quickly, making it ideal for syrups.
How do I prevent a skin from forming on the panna cotta?
Cover the glasses with plastic wrap before placing them in the refrigerator.
Can I use decaffeinated coffee?
Yes, decaffeinated coffee can be used if you want to avoid caffeine without changing the flavor.
What does blooming gelatin mean?
Blooming is the process of soaking gelatin in a cold liquid to allow it to hydrate before melting it into a warm mixture.
Can I unmold this panna cotta?
This specific recipe is designed to be served in glasses due to the syrup layer at the bottom.
What is the texture of a perfect panna cotta?
It should be silky, smooth, and have a slight wobble when moved.
Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?
Yes, using heavy cream will result in a much richer and denser dessert.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How long can I store this in the fridge?
It can be stored for 2 to 3 days, though it is best enjoyed within 24 hours of setting.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to serve a larger group of guests.
Why must the syrup cool before adding the panna cotta?
Cooling the syrup helps maintain the distinct layers and prevents the warm cream from mixing into it immediately.