If you have a sweet craving and want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this Easy Panna Cotta Recipe is a true lifesaver. Silky smooth, delicately sweet, and beautifully creamy, panna cotta is an Italian classic that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. It’s one of those desserts that melts in your mouth and leaves everyone asking for the recipe. With luscious vanilla, a little tang from sour cream, and a fresh berry topping that bursts with flavor, this panna cotta will quickly become your go-to for effortless yet elegant dessert moments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this Easy Panna Cotta Recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the dish. From the richness of heavy cream to the gentle jiggle from gelatin and the bright pop of fresh berries, these essentials combine to create that perfect creamy texture and balanced flavor.
- Whole milk: Adds a lighter dairy base to balance the richness of the cream for smoothness.
- Unflavored gelatin (2 1/2 tsp): The key ingredient to set your panna cotta without overpowering the flavor.
- Heavy whipping cream: Provides the luscious creaminess that panna cotta is famous for.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp): Sweetens the creamy base and the fruit topping separately for balanced sweetness.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavor depth of the custard.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses the panna cotta with warm, fragrant notes.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds a subtle tang and silky texture that makes the dessert stand out.
- Berries (2 cups): Fresh raspberries and strawberries bring vibrant color and a refreshing finish.
- Lemon juice (1/2 Tbsp): Gives brightness and helps to bring out the berries’ natural flavor.
How to Make Easy Panna Cotta Recipe
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
The first step is crucial for that perfectly set panna cotta. Pour the whole milk into a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the surface, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This “blooming” process helps the gelatin absorb the liquid so it dissolves smoothly without clumping when heated.
Step 2: Heat Cream and Sugar
Next, in a saucepan, combine the heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar has completely dissolved and the cream is hot but not boiling. This step ensures a silky custard base with no graininess.
Step 3: Incorporate Gelatin and Flavor
Remove the cream mixture from heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that unmistakable sweet aroma. Finally, blend in the sour cream, folding it in gently to keep the smooth texture without lumps.
Step 4: Pour into Dessert Cups
Divide the creamy mixture evenly into six dessert cups or molds. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before covering to chill in the refrigerator. The magic happens as it sets over about 4 hours or overnight, transforming into a delicate, wobbly dessert.
Step 5: Prepare the Berry Topping
While the panna cotta chills, toss together the raspberries, quartered strawberries, remaining sugar, and the lemon juice in a bowl. Let this sit at room temperature so the berries soften slightly and release their natural juices, creating a gorgeous, colorful topping.
How to Serve Easy Panna Cotta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your panna cotta beautifully. Consider adding a few whole berries on top or a sprig of fresh mint for a splash of green and a hint of freshness. If you feel like a little indulgence, a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar adds lovely sweetness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Panna cotta shines as a standalone dessert but pairs wonderfully with a crisp biscotti or buttery shortbread cookies. These crunchy companions contrast with the creamy pudding and add a textural delight that’s hard to resist on your dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, get creative presenting your panna cotta in elegant glassware to showcase its delicate jiggle and creamy layers. You might also layer the berry sauce within transparent cups for a beautiful marbled effect or serve alongside a scoop of lemon sorbet to brighten the palate with citrus zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Panna cotta keeps really well in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or lids for up to three days. Just keep the berry topping separate until serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While panna cotta can technically be frozen, the texture changes once thawed and may become grainy or watery. For best results, avoid freezing and enjoy within a few days of making.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating. If it’s a little firm from the fridge, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the perfect silky texture.
FAQs
Can I make panna cotta without gelatin?
While gelatin is traditional for panna cotta and gives it the signature jiggly texture, you can substitute with agar-agar for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust quantities and prepare according to the agar’s instructions.
How do I know when the panna cotta is fully set?
After chilling for at least 4 hours, the panna cotta should gently wobble when you move the container but hold its shape firmly. If it still feels liquidy, give it more time in the fridge.
Can I use other fruits for the topping?
Absolutely! Panna cotta is very versatile, and fruits like blueberries, mango, peaches, or even passion fruit work beautifully fresh or lightly macerated with sugar and lemon juice.
Is it necessary to use sour cream in the recipe?
Sour cream adds a subtle tang and creamy richness that distinguishes this Easy Panna Cotta Recipe from others. If you don’t have it, full-fat Greek yogurt or crème fraîche can be good alternatives.
What if I want a flavored panna cotta?
You can infuse your panna cotta base with coffee, citrus zest, or herbs like lavender or rosemary for a flavor twist. Just gently warm these with the cream and strain before adding gelatin.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Panna Cotta Recipe truly showcases how a few simple ingredients can come together to create an impressive dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to something sweet, panna cotta is an unbeatable choice that’s easy to make but always looks and tastes like a masterpiece. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire.
Print
Easy Panna Cotta Recipe
- Prep Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 dessert cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and delicate Easy Panna Cotta recipe that yields six individual dessert cups. This classic Italian dessert features a smooth, vanilla-infused custard set with gelatin and topped with a fresh berry compote for a refreshing and elegant treat.
Ingredients
For the Panna Cotta
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin (1 packet Knox gelatin)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
For the Berry Compote
- 2 cups berries (1 cup raspberries and 1 cup quartered strawberries)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Bloom the gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the 2 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin over 1 cup of whole milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften and bloom.
- Heat the cream mixture: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Incorporate gelatin: Remove the cream mixture from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and mix well.
- Add sour cream: Whisk in 1 cup of sour cream until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Pour into molds: Divide the mixture evenly into six dessert cups or ramekins. Allow them to cool slightly before refrigerating.
- Chill: Refrigerate the panna cotta for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight until set.
- Prepare berry compote: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of berries (1 cup raspberries, 1 cup quartered strawberries) with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the berries soften and release their juices, the mixture thickens slightly (about 10 minutes). Let cool.
- Serve: Spoon the berry compote over the set panna cotta in each cup and serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure you do not boil the cream mixture, as overheating can affect the gelatin setting.
- For a smoother texture, strain the berry compote after cooking to remove seeds if desired.
- The panna cotta can be made a day ahead to save time and improve flavor melding.
- You may substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste.
- Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor in the compote.
