Italian panna cotta is definitely one of them.
Video: How to Make Panna Cotta With Berries
What Is Panna Cotta?
Let’s not beat around the bush: Italians have the corner on the market when it comes creating something amazing from only a few good ingredients. Panna cotta literally means “cooked cream,” and that’s about all it is! This custard-like dessert is made with just cream, sugar, and gelatin – though I like to add sour cream and vanilla to mine for the extra flavor. This panna cotta is like serving berries and cream, but fancier. Since you’re not using any eggs, you can really taste the delicate flavor of the cream. The barely-set custard also has a luxurious, silky texture that feels so elegant.
How to Work With Gelatin
Powdered gelatin must be softened first in cold liquid. In this case, I do it in milk. Then the softened gelatin needs to be warmed to fully dissolve. When making panna cotta, I do this by pouring the warmed cream over the softened gelatin. Since the amounts of gelatin in individual packets can vary slightly, be sure to measure it out with a teaspoon. Too much gelatin could result in a texture that is too firm and Jello-like (you want the panna cotta to be just barely firm enough to unmold). For those of you looking for a vegan substitute for the gelatin, take a look at this reference guide on The Kitchn. It’s a good place to start when looking for alternative gelling agents.
Tip for Unmolding Panna Cotta
Simplify the unmolding process by lightly coat the ramekins used for molds with mild vegetable oil or spray. If you don’t want to bother with unmolding, you can also simply pour the panna cotta mixture into pretty dishes and serve them as is. (Be sure to leave some room in the dish for the berries!) For reference when choosing molds or serving dishes, this recipe makes six 6-ounce servings, or eight 4-ounce servings.
How Far Ahead Can You Make Panna Cotta?
Panna cotta is a fantastic make-ahead dessert! You can prepare it up to three days ahead and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Panna cotta will actually keep for longer, but for best flavor, serving it within three days is best. If chilling longer than a few hours, we recommend covering the molds loosely with an upside-down baking sheet, crumpled up foil, or crumpled up plastic. (You want to avoid moisture condensing on whatever you’re using to cover the panna cotta and dripping into the molds.) If you’re serving the panna cotta straight from the cups instead of unmolding, wait to top them with fruit or sauce until just before serving.
More Ways to Serve Panna Cotta
We love topping our panna cotta with fresh berries and an easy berry sauce, but there are plenty of other things you can do! Try dressing up your panna cotta any of these:
Shaved chocolate Any sliced fruit, like strawberries, mangos, or even baked apple slices. (Roasted strawberries would also be wonderful!) Add a layer of caramel sauce over top Top with a few spoonfuls of lemon curd Add extract to the cream, like orange extract or lemon extract Infuse the cream with herbs or spices while it warms, like cinnamon or mint. Strain before adding to the gelatin mixture.
More Easy and Elegant Desserts
Easy Lemon Pudding Instant Pot Cheesecake Chocolate Truffles Citrus Olive Oil Cake French Crêpes with Strawberries
Place the ramekins on a baking sheet for easy transfer of the panna cotta from the counter to the fridge. Spoon some of the sauce around the panna cotta and sprinkle with berries. (If you’re serving straight from the dish, spoon some of the sauce over top and sprinkle with berries.)
