Silky Smooth Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta

Silky Smooth My GoTo Panna Cotta Recipe

By Kendra ThompsonSeptember 16, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for Silky Smooth Panna Cotta

Fancy a taste of Italy? Ever wondered how to whip up a dessert that's both fancy and unbelievably easy? Let me introduce you to the panna cotta recipe .

It’s like a blank canvas for flavour, and trust me, it's way easier than it sounds.

A Taste of Italy, Made Easy!

This Italian dessert recipe literally means "cooked cream." So posh, right? It’s all about simple elegance. Think creamy texture and subtle vanilla notes.

It’s traditionally from the Piedmont region. But now you can make it in your kitchen without fuss. The best part? This easy panna cotta recipe only takes about 15 minutes to prep.

And a few minutes to cook. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill in the fridge!

Why This Panna Cotta Recipe Rocks

Honestly, this homemade panna cotta is a total game changer. It's a perfect make-ahead dessert for dinner parties. Or even a cheeky treat for yourself.

Panna cotta with berries is just next level, adding freshness. Plus, it's naturally gluten-free. So, everyone can enjoy this creamy dessert recipe!.

But seriously, what makes this panna cotta recipe special? It's the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. And a delicious vanilla bean panna cotta is hard to beat.

Plus, you can totally make panna cotta variations using chocolate or coconut. It’s an Italian dessert recipes everyone will adore.

It is naturally creamy and delicious, even panna cotta without gelatin can be made.

From My Kitchen to Yours

I first tried panna cotta on a trip to Italy. Seriously, best dessert ever. After I got home, I just had to learn how to make it myself.

And now, I'm sharing my favourite version with you. Get ready to impress! Let's dive into the ingredients to make it.

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this easy panna cotta recipe . Seriously, it’s easier than convincing your nan to try sushi.

Trust me! This creamy dessert recipe will become your new favorite!

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, let’s get down to brass tacks with the ingredients. Don't skimp on quality where it counts! Using decent cream makes a massive difference, honestly.

And nobody wants a dodgy, grainy panna cotta with berries !

Main Ingredients

Heavy Cream (Double Cream): 2 1/2 cups ( 600ml ). Go for the good stuff. If it looks thick and creamy, you're onto a winner.
Whole Milk: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). Full fat is best, but semi skimmed will do in a pinch.
Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup ( 100g ). Standard white sugar is spot on.
Vanilla Bean: 1 , split and seeds scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract). Real vanilla is magic, but extract works just fine. For a truly special vanilla bean panna cotta , splurge on the bean!
Powdered Gelatin (Gelatine): 2 1/4 teaspoons ( 7g ). Make sure it's fresh. Old gelatin is a no-go! This is what makes it a gelatin dessert recipe .
Cold Water: 3 tablespoons ( 45ml ). Just from the tap.

Seasoning Notes

This homemade panna cotta is all about the vanilla. But, you can jazz it up a bit. A pinch of lemon zest can add a lovely zing!

Vanilla: Essential. Bean or extract, it’s the star!
Lemon Zest (Optional): Just a tiny bit to brighten things up.
Salt: A pinch enhances the sweetness.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a ton of fancy gear. Simple is best, and panna cotta variations are endless, so let’s keep it easy.

Small Saucepan
Whisk
6 ramekins or dessert glasses
Small bowl
Measuring cups and spoons

Honestly, the ramekins? Mugs work too if you’re desperate. The key is to have something to chill the Italian dessert recipes mixture in! This is a super easy make-ahead desserts , you know?

Let's Make Some Panna Cotta, Shall We?

Honestly, who doesn't love Panna Cotta ? It's the ultimate creamy dessert recipe , super easy to make, and always a crowd pleaser.

Plus, it sounds fancy. I love Italian dessert recipes and the vanilla bean panna cotta is like a little hug in a bowl.

I'm going to show you how to nail this easy panna cotta recipe every single time. Trust me, you'll be showing off to your mates in no time!

Prep Like a Pro

First things first, get your stuff together. This is called mise en place , fancy French for "everything in its place.

" Measure out 2 1/2 cups of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, and have your 2 1/4 teaspoons of gelatin ready.

Oh, and don't forget the vanilla. Get 1 vanilla bean, or use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract if you're in a rush.

This will ensure it's the best homemade panna cotta ! I always bloom my gelatin first. Pop it in 3 tablespoons of cold water.

It makes it much easier to work with.

step-by-step: Creamy Perfection

Okay, here's the lowdown:

Bloom the gelatin in cold water.
Heat cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla in a pan.
Stir until sugar is gone, don't boil!
Take it off the heat. Add bloomed gelatin, and mix.
Pour into little dishes.
Chill in fridge for at least 4 hours .

When it's done, it should wobble, but be firm.

Pro Tips from Yours Truly

Don't boil the cream! I did that once, and it was a disaster. Keep the heat low. Make sure all the gelatin dissolves, or you'll have lumps.

Nobody wants lumpy panna cotta. Another tip? You can totally make-ahead desserts like this. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days.

And if you fancy something a little different, try adding some panna cotta with berries . Yummy! If you're feeling extra adventurous, there are plenty of panna cotta variations to try like chocolate or coffee.

If you are vegan, consider searching for panna cotta without gelatin .

Honestly, this gelatin dessert recipe is the bee's knees. So easy, so delicious, and so impressive. Give it a whirl and let me know what you think!

Recipe Notes: Panna Cotta Perfection!

So, you're about to dive into making this easy panna cotta recipe ? Ace! Before you get your pinny on, let's chat about a few things.

Honestly, these are the bits that separate a good homemade panna cotta from a stunning one. It's all about the little details, innit?

Serving Suggestions: Make it Fancy!

Right, presentation time! For a simple yet elegant look, serve your vanilla bean panna cotta in clear glasses. This lets those gorgeous layers shine.

Top with a generous pile of fresh panna cotta with berries . Think raspberries, strawberries, maybe a few blueberries if you're feeling adventurous.

Alternatively, unmold them onto plates. A drizzle of berry coulis or a sprig of mint adds a touch of class.

Feeling extra? A cheeky shot of espresso on the side is very Italian.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh

This creamy dessert recipe is best enjoyed within a couple of days. Keep the make-ahead desserts covered in the fridge. They should last up to three days, tops.

Freezing isn't ideal; the texture can get a bit wonky when it thaws. I wouldn’t bother, tbh.

If you do need to reheat, don't! Panna cotta is a cold dessert. Just let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for optimal creaminess.

Variations: Switch it Up!

Fancy a change? There are loads of panna cotta variations . For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream. It gives a lovely tropical twist.

You can also make a chocolate panna cotta recipe by whisking in some cocoa powder with the cream and sugar.

Delicious! And if you are looking for a panna cotta without gelatin version, try using Agar agar as gelatin substitute, there are a lot of gelatin dessert recipes out there, where they use it.

Seasonal fruits also work wonders. Peaches in the summer, stewed apples in autumn get creative!

Nutrition Basics: A Little Indulgence

Okay, let's be real, this isn't a salad. But as far as Italian dessert recipes go, it's not the worst thing you could reach for.

The simplified nutrition information is about 320 calories per serving. Key health benefit? Pure joy. Treat yourself, you deserve it!

So there you have it, my lovelies! A few notes to make your panna cotta experience even better. Get in the kitchen and enjoy.

And don’t forget to tag me when you share your creations!

Frequently Asked Questions

My panna cotta isn't setting what did I do wrong?

Ah, the dreaded unset panna cotta! A few things could be the culprit. Firstly, make sure your gelatin is properly bloomed and fully dissolved. If the cream mixture was too hot when you added the gelatin, it may have damaged the gelatine's properties.

Also, did you use the correct amount of gelatine for your cream ratio? Check the packet instructions, or if using a substitute like Agar agar, ensure you've measured properly. Finally, patience is key! Give it plenty of time in the fridge overnight is ideal.

Can I make this panna cotta recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Panna cotta is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. In fact, it's better that way! You can prepare it up to 2-3 days in advance. Just keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator to prevent it from absorbing any stray fridge odors. This makes it perfect for dinner parties less stress on the day!

How do I get my panna cotta out of the ramekins without it falling apart?

Getting a clean unmold is all about finesse. Gently run a thin knife around the edge of the panna cotta to loosen it from the ramekin. Then, briefly dip the bottom of the ramekin in warm (not hot!) water for a few seconds. Place a serving plate on top of the ramekin and carefully invert.

Give it a gentle shake, and hopefully, it should release. If it's stubborn, try dipping it again for a shorter time. You can also serve it directly in the ramekins less fuss!

What are some tasty variations I can make to this panna cotta recipe?

Panna cotta is a blank canvas for flavour! You could infuse the cream with coffee beans for a caffeinated kick, or add citrus zest (lemon, orange, or lime) for a refreshing twist. Berries are a classic pairing, but don't be afraid to experiment with other fruits like peaches or mangoes.

For the chocolate lovers, add cocoa powder to the cream before heating. You can also try flavouring the sauce you will serve with the Panna Cotta.

Is panna cotta healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Let's be honest, panna cotta is a treat, not a health food! It's rich in cream and sugar, so it's relatively high in calories and fat. However, a small portion can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

You can lighten it up slightly by using a lower fat cream or a sugar substitute, but remember it will alter the texture. Also consider the added sugar content of the recipe. Portion control is your friend here!

Can I make a vegan version of this panna cotta recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can! To make a vegan panna cotta, you'll need to replace the heavy cream and milk with plant based alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream. Instead of gelatin, use agar agar powder, which is a seaweed based gelling agent.

Make sure to follow the package instructions for the agar agar, as the ratios will be different. With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy a delicious and cruelty free panna cotta!