Description
Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta is a silky, smooth, and elegant Italian dessert made with cream, sugar, and vanilla bean, set with gelatin. It’s light yet rich, with a delicate flavor that is perfect for any occasion. Serve with fresh berries or a fruit compote for a refreshing contrast.
Ingredients
– 1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin
– 2 tablespoons cold water
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 whole vanilla bean
– A pinch of fine sea salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let bloom for 5-10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, vanilla bean seeds, and salt. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture is warm (do not boil).
- Remove from heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved.
- Stir in the milk until well combined.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or vanilla bean pieces.
- Pour into serving glasses or ramekins. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Serve chilled, topped with fresh berries, fruit compote, or caramel sauce.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk.
- If you don’t have a vanilla bean, use 2 tsp pure vanilla extract added after removing from heat.
- To unmold, dip the ramekins in warm water for a few seconds and invert onto a plate.
- Can be made up to 2 days in advance; keep covered in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg