Description
This Coffee Panna Cotta with Vanilla Cream is a smooth and creamy Italian dessert combining rich espresso flavor with silky gelatin-set custard. Topped with a fluffy vanilla whipped cream, it’s an elegant yet easy-to-make treat perfect for coffee lovers seeking a sophisticated sweet finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Panna Cotta
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1/4 cup strong brewed espresso (or 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Vanilla Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Bloom gelatin: Sprinkle the powdered gelatin evenly over the cold water in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it softens and blooms.
- Heat cream mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, brewed espresso, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Dissolve gelatin: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved and incorporated into the hot cream mixture.
- Cool and set: Allow the mixture to cool slightly before pouring it into serving glasses or ramekins. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours until the panna cotta is firm and set.
- Prepare vanilla cream: While the panna cotta chills, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or whisk until soft peaks form.
- Serve: Spoon or pipe the vanilla whipped cream over the chilled panna cotta just before serving. For extra garnish, sprinkle with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
- You can use decaf coffee if preferred to reduce caffeine.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and whole milk with almond milk.
- Adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top of the vanilla cream enhances presentation and flavor.
