Silky Homemade Panna Cotta Recipe: A Dreamy Italian Dessert

Creamy Italian panna cotta beckons with its silky, delicate charm that melts on your tongue like a sweet whisper.

Dessert enthusiasts adore this classic treat from northern Italy for its elegant simplicity.

Smooth custard-like texture defines its luxurious appeal, making every spoonful a delightful experience.

Rich cream and delicate vanilla create a harmonious dance of flavors that captivates the senses.

Minimal ingredients combine to produce an impressive dessert that looks complex but comes together with surprising ease.

Light and refreshing, this elegant treat promises to become your new favorite indulgence.

You’ll find yourself falling in love with its understated sophistication and pure, clean taste.

Prepare to impress guests with this remarkably simple yet stunning dessert that speaks volumes about your culinary finesse.

What Pairs Well With Nigella Panna Cotta

• Sweet Wine Companion: Serve with a chilled moscato d'Asti, whose light bubbles and honey notes complement the dessert's silky texture and delicate vanilla flavor.
• Fruity Coulis Match: Opt for a raspberry or strawberry coulis that adds bright acidity and contrasts beautifully with the rich, smooth panna cotta, creating a balanced dessert experience.
• Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or crushed pistachios on top to introduce a delightful textural contrast and earthy undertone that elevates the creamy dessert.

Best Storage Method For Nigella Panna Cotta

• Store panna cotta in an airtight container, covering the surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Do not freeze panna cotta, as the delicate texture will break down and become watery when thawed.
• If slightly firmer, let panna cotta sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften its texture.
• Wrap each ramekin tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.

Questions About Nigella Panna Cotta

• What is gelatin and why is it important in this recipe?

Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen that helps Panna Cotta set and achieve its signature smooth, wobbly texture. It acts as a thickening agent that allows the dessert to hold its shape when chilled.

• Can I use vanilla extract instead of a vanilla bean?

Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract. Use 1-2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract as a replacement for the vanilla bean. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious and aromatic.

• How do I know when the cream mixture is ready?

The cream mixture is ready when it’s steaming and hot, but not boiling. Look for small bubbles around the edges of the pan and steam rising. Avoid boiling, which can scorch the cream and affect the texture.

Why Nigella Panna Cotta Is So Creamy And Good

• Breeze Through Preparation: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners who want to impress with a sophisticated dessert.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily swap toppings like fresh berries, caramel sauce, or chocolate shavings to match your mood or special occasion.
• Advance Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this dessert ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other details when hosting dinner parties or family gatherings.
• Silky Smooth Texture Delight: The combination of cream and half & half creates an incredibly luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like a gourmet restaurant treat.

What You’ll Need For Nigella Panna Cotta

• Heavy Cream: Rich and luxurious base that provides the classic smooth texture of panna cotta.
• Half & Half: Adds extra creaminess and helps create a soft, delicate dessert.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides balanced sweetness to the dessert.
• Vanilla Bean: Delivers a deep, aromatic flavor with natural sweet undertones.

• Gelatine: Essential ingredient that helps the panna cotta set and hold its signature silky shape.

• Coulis: Adds a bright, fruity finish and complements the creamy dessert.

How To Make Nigella Panna Cotta Easily

Step 1: Prepare Gelatin Base

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit and soften for about 5 minutes, creating a jellylike consistency that will help set your dessert perfectly.

Step 2: Extract Vanilla Essence

Carefully slice the vanilla bean lengthwise using a sharp knife. Gently scrape out the tiny black seeds, releasing their rich, aromatic flavor that will infuse the entire dessert.

Step 3: Create Creamy Mixture

• Heavy cream
• Half and half
• Extracted vanilla seeds
• Vanilla pod

Warm the mixture over medium heat until it’s steaming and fragrant, but never allow it to boil. This gentle heating process helps develop deep, smooth flavors.

Step 4: Dissolve Sweet Ingredients

Add sugar and the prepared gelatin to the warm cream mixture. Stir continuously until both ingredients completely dissolve, creating a silky smooth liquid base for your dessert.

Step 5: Strain and Prepare

Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pitcher or measuring cup. This step removes any potential gelatin lumps and the vanilla pod, ensuring a perfectly smooth texture.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Carefully pour the liquid into individual ramekins or serving glasses. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the panna cotta to set into a delicate, wobbling texture that’s both elegant and delicious.

Step 7: Finish with Fruity Topping

Before serving, drizzle a vibrant fruit coulis over the chilled panna cotta. The bright, tangy sauce adds a beautiful contrast to the creamy, smooth dessert.

Smart Tips For Nigella Panna Cotta

• Blooming Gelatine Perfectly: Use cold water and let it sit for exactly 5 minutes to ensure smooth, lump-free texture in your panna cotta.
• Controlling Cream Temperature: Heat cream mixture until steaming, not boiling, to preserve delicate flavors and prevent scorching.
• Straining for Silky Smoothness: Always strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove vanilla pod and ensure a velvety, refined dessert.
• Chilling for Best Consistency: Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours to achieve the classic, delicate wobble that defines a perfect panna cotta.
• Serving with Style: Add a vibrant fruit coulis or fresh berries just before serving to enhance visual appeal and complement the creamy dessert.

Tasty Twists On Nigella Panna Cotta

• Vegan Coconut Cream Panna Cotta: Replace dairy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use agar-agar instead of gelatine for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Berry Panna Cotta: Swap regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and add fresh mixed berries for natural sweetness.
• Chocolate Espresso Panna Cotta: Infuse cream with espresso powder and mix in dark chocolate for a rich, coffee-inspired dessert.
• Citrus Lavender Panna Cotta: Substitute vanilla with dried lavender buds and add orange zest for a fragrant, floral Mediterranean-style treat.

Panna Cotta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Silky Vanilla Panna Cotta whispers Italian dessert magic, melting smoothly on your palate with creamy elegance. Rich cream and delicate vanilla create a luxurious finale that delights your senses and leaves you craving another spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (237 ml) half & half
• 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 vanilla bean

Thickening Agent:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) unflavored gelatin powder

Topping:

• Strawberry or passion fruit coulis

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sprinkle gelatine over cold water and allow it to soften for 5 minutes, creating a smooth gelatin base.
2. Carefully slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and extract the fragrant seeds using the tip of a knife.
3. In a saucepan, combine cream, half & half, vanilla seeds, and pod, gently warming until the mixture steams without reaching a boil, around 180°F.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in sugar until completely dissolved, ensuring a smooth and sweet liquid.
5. Add the softened gelatine to the warm cream mixture, stirring continuously until fully incorporated and no granules remain.
6. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to remove vanilla pod and ensure a silky texture.
7. Carefully transfer the mixture into individual ramekins, filling each to the desired level.
8. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the panna cotta to set completely and develop a delicate, wobbling consistency.
9. Before serving, drizzle with vibrant fruit coulis for a burst of color and complementary flavor.

Notes

• Always use cold water to bloom gelatin for smooth, lump-free texture.
• Choose high-quality vanilla bean for rich, authentic flavor complexity.
• Remove vanilla pod after infusing to prevent overwhelming bitterness.
• Strain mixture carefully to ensure silky, elegant final dessert consistency.
• Chill ramekins beforehand for faster setting and cleaner unmolding.
• Experiment with alternative milk options like coconut or almond milk for dairy-free versions.
• Create flavor variations by adding lavender, coffee, or citrus zest during cream heating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg