Last updated on December 28th, 2018
I love Panna Cotta. I love it for Christmas dessert, Valentine’s Day dessert, and any-old-day dessert. I say “any-old-day” because Panna Cotta is incredibly easy to make! Shall we make this silky-smooth deliciousness together, just the two of us?
Thanks for watching!
Hungry for more? Get my email updates, and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Here’s the printable:
Panna Cotta
A glamorous and outrageously-delicious Italian dessert that is actually quite simple to make.
Ingredients
- 1 quart heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons cold water
- 2 packets unflavored gelatin
- Suggested toppings: fresh (or frozen and thawed) berries; chocolate shavings; a drizzle of honey; a scattering of pomegranate arils
Instructions
- Pour the cream and sugar into a heavy saucepan. Stirring occasionally, bring the mixture just to a simmer over medium heat. Off heat, stir in the vanilla. While the cream cools, tip the cold water into a large bowl, and sprinkle the gelatin granules onto the surface of the water. Let the gelatin sit, undisturbed, until it softens – about 5 minutes. Pour the warm cream mixture over the gelatin, and stir slowly and continuously until the gelatin dissolves into the cream – about one minute.
- Arrange six (6-ounce) custard cups on a baking sheet, and spray the cups with non-stick vegetable spray. Divide the panna cotta among the cups. Chill in the refrigerator until set – about 4 hours. Then run a small knife around the edge of each cup, and unmold the cream onto a small plate or bowl. Garnish and serve.
MAKE-AHEAD NOTE: After the panna cotta has chilled for 4 hours, cover it with plastic wrap, and chill for up to 2 days.
Copyright 2015 by Kevin Lee Jacobs
Jerry Miller says
A great video. I will be making this in the next day or two. Thanks!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Jerry – Thanks for watching. Let me know how the PC turns out for you!
Tressa Rhodes says
Will you be putting any kind of gift ideas or favorite things list on the blog this year?
Molly says
This looks delicious, Kevin. Since you have so many wonderful keto recipes, I was wondering if you have ever tried a keto version of this with a substitute for the sugar? Do you even think that would work?
Robin Hudson says
And you’re out of ketosis just like that! LOL
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Tressa – Here you go: Gift Ideas for Cooks
Robin Hudson says
Oh, I forgot. I wanted to say I had this in Bali several years ago and there was a layer of vanilla at the bottom, sort of like the one you get with flan. Do you think that was intentional? How would you do it?
Meghan M Girroir says
Kevin,
I love this dessert; however, have always been intimidated in making it myself. No longer, thank you for making good food an option for the novice cook!
Sarah says
The top photo is GORGEOUS! It makes me want to dive into a glass of the panna cotta! I can’t wait to try the recipe!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Molly – You can make this with a zero-carb sugar substitute. Enjoy!
Layla Fowler says
Looks delicious! Does anyone have suggestions for making a nondairy version of this? I’m thinking coconut cream would be delicious. For digestive reasons I can’t eat that much heavy cream. Thanks!!
Janis says
Looks wonderful and will try this holiday season! Thanks so much for your recipes and insights!
Mary Christiani says
=D
Yvonne says
Never realized this recipe is simple enough that even I might be able to successfully make it. Thanks for the video and also the wreath making one. Love your recipes/gardening advice.
Jill Mackay says
I love panna cotta. Thanks for the video and recipe Kevin. Please could you tell me the weight of gelatin you use as we don’t get it in small individual packets like yours in Australia.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Jill – gelatin quantity is 14 grams, or 5 teaspoons.
Peggy says
That looks delicious! I sure know how to make cooking fun.
Peggy says
You not “I” sure know how to make cooking fun!
Katherine says
Kevin,
Will you give some tips on sharpening your good knives, when you don’t want to take them to someone else?
Thank you, Kathy
Nancy Tauber says
This looks super good, and I will try it with confidence. Also, your sheet pan chicken/veg. dish with a tasty teriyaki-like sauce, which you said you like 2x weekly, is a treasure. I had different vegetables and it was still wonderful – a real keeper. Thanks so much.
EDWARD F, MORROW says
The absolute best, there’s nothing even close, topping for panna cotta is Strega. Strega is an Italian liquor that has a unique flavor and aroma, it is wonderful. Put on top of panna cotta the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Try it on your friends. They will never guess what it is, but they will slyly ask for more.
Martha Conley says
My favorite dessert of all time!!! Thank you for the recipe and the brilliant video! Happy Holidays!!
Karin Gateless says
I love your recipes. I had a quart of cream left over from Thanksgiving since someone brought squirt whipped cream. So I tried the Panna Cotta. Rave reviews from my mahjong group and it was so very simple. I want to try it now with other flavors. Maybe add liquid chocolate. Thank you.
Sandra Payette says
OMG, Kevin. I made this for Christmas Eve for my friends. What a treat. Gave some away in a fancy wine glass as well. It makes lots. It is very easy and for my first time making it, it was fabulous. Love your blog. So many interesting things to learn. All the best to you and your family in the New Year. xo
Bonney says
This recipe is fabulous. I love panna cotta. My granddaughters are now vegetarian. Is there a vegetarian substitute for the gelatin?
sandra says
I made your recipe yesterday for a dinner party and served it with a fresh raspberry sauce. It was super easy to make and pretty to serve. It is also delicious with a homemade chocolate sauce. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Bonny – There are vegan versions of Panna Cotta. I have not tried any of them.
Hi Sandra – So glad!
EDWARD F, MORROW says
Kevin,
The first time I had panna cotta was in a small restaurant in Ospitaletto, Italy. The waiter said he had a special desert and challenged us guess what it was. We had it and it was delicious, but we had no idea what it was. It was only much later and after many more calories did we figure out it was panna cotta with a dollop of Strega liquiore over the top. You should give it a try. The addition of the Strega takes it from the sublime to the divine.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Edward – Had to look up Strega Liquiore. Sounds molto delizioso!
Jeanne says
Replace the half cup sugar with 1/4 cup erythritol and voila! Keto Panna Cotta!
Jay Oldridge says
You are just a genius in the kitchen and garden as well as the house, Kevin! Kudos to you and many thanks for sharing your talents….