Panna Cotta

Name: Panna Cotta
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 (1/4-oz.) packet unflavored gelatin; 1 1/4 c. half-and-half, divided; 1/2 c. granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt; 1 3/4 c. heavy cream; 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla bean paste; 1 c. seedless raspberry jam; 2 tbsp. orange liqueur or fresh orange juice; Fresh raspberries, to serve

It's as easy as making Jell-O!

By Leah PerezPublished: Jul 12, 2023

1 Rating

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Caitlin Bensel

Yields:

6 serving(s)

Prep Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

6 hrs 15 mins

For an effortless-yet-elegant, make-ahead dessert, look no further than panna cotta. This luscious Italian dessert translates literally to “cooked cream” and that name is not far from the truth. After just 15 minutes of stirring and cooking (and plenty of time to set up in the fridge), you are rewarded with a custard-like treat that tastes like it took hours and tons of effort to make. Instead, the main dish, sides, appetizers, and all-important cocktails can be attended to while this fruit dessert chills. So, grab a spoon and get ready to dig into this creamy, refreshing, and surprisingly light pudding.

What is in panna cotta?

A combination of half-and-half, sugar, unflavored gelatin, a little bit of salt, heavy cream, and beautiful vanilla bean paste make this simple dessert. Both the half-and-half and heavy cream are used to give the panna cotta that iconically creamy texture. Now, don't be alarmed: This is not the molded gelatin of your childhood. There's no fruit or vegetables floating around nor will it be served with cottage cheese or mayonnaise. It is also much softer than other gelatin desserts, putting it into the category of a lean pudding.

Is panna cotta a custard or a pudding?

While traditional custards are thickened with egg yolks and sometimes cornstarch, panna cotta is only thickened with gelatin which makes it a pudding. Since there's no rich egg yolk, this pudding feels light as air and does not require the precision or time that goes into a perfectly smooth crème brûlée.

How are you supposed to eat panna cotta?

Panna cotta looks very impressive when it is unmolded onto a plate. That can, however, be a little bit nerve-wracking. It is perfectly fine to serve the panna cotta right out of the ramekins (and still makes a nice presentation). Fresh fruit, caramel sauce, nuts, chocolate shavings, streusel, and fruit coulis (a thin, pureed sauce) are all common accompaniments to panna cotta. This recipe supplies a super easy “cheater’s coulis” made from seedless raspberry jam, orange liqueur, and water microwaved until smooth and pourable. Use orange juice or more water for a sauce without alcohol.

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Ingredients

Directions

1. Step 1In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over ¼ cup of the half-and-half. Allow the gelatin to soften for 10 minutes.
2. Step 2In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 1 cup of half-and-half, sugar, and salt. Whisk the mixture over medium-low heat until steaming. Add the gelatin and continue to whisk, careful not to boil the mixture, until the gelatin and sugar are dissolved.
3. Step 3Remove the mixture from the heat and whisk in the heavy cream and vanilla bean paste.
4. Step 4Place 6 (6-oz.) ramekins on a baking sheet. Divide the cream mixture among the ramekins, using a ladle or spoon so that the vanilla bean paste is evenly distributed. Place a large sheet of plastic wrap over the baking sheet, careful not to let the plastic touch the cream.
5. Step 5Refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
6. Step 6In a medium microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup, combine the raspberry jam, 3 tablespoons of water, and orange liqueur or orange juice. Microwave in 10-second increments until smooth and well combined. Allow to cool before using.
7. Step 7Fill a dish with hot water. Using a small knife, loosen the top edges of the panna cotta from the ramekin, careful not to cut into the custard. Dip the ramekin up to its rim into the bowl of water for about 3 seconds. Invert onto a serving plate.
8. Step 8To serve: Spoon the raspberry mixture over each serving of panna cotta. Top with fresh raspberries. Serve immediately.