Panna Cotta is a classic Italian dessert that’s creamy, smooth, and utterly delicious. This version adds a rich coffee flavor, making it the perfect treat for coffee lovers. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. Follow this easy Coffee Panna Cotta recipe to make a dessert that’s both sophisticated and easy to prepare.
Ingredients for Coffee Panna Cotta
To make this indulgent coffee panna cotta, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee or espresso powder
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Preparing the Coffee Panna Cotta Base
- Dissolve the Coffee: In a small bowl, mix the instant coffee or espresso powder with about 1/4 cup of warm water. Stir until the coffee is fully dissolved, creating a smooth coffee concentrate.
- Bloom the Gelatin: In another small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to “bloom.” This step ensures that the gelatin will dissolve evenly later.
- Heat the Cream and Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture just to a simmer, but avoid boiling.
Mixing Coffee and Gelatin
- Add the Coffee: Once the milk and cream mixture is simmering, add the dissolved coffee concentrate. Stir to combine. This will infuse the panna cotta with a rich coffee flavor.
- Add the Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin and a pinch of salt, mixing until the gelatin is completely dissolved into the creamy mixture.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract, giving the panna cotta a hint of sweetness that balances the coffee.
Chilling the Panna Cotta
- Pour Into Molds: Pour the panna cotta mixture into small ramekins or dessert cups. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover the ramekins with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate: Place the panna cotta in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until set.
Serving the Coffee Panna Cotta
- Unmold and Serve: Once the panna cotta has set and is firm, you can serve it directly in the ramekins or unmold it onto plates. To unmold, run a warm knife around the edges and gently invert onto a plate.
- Optional Garnish: For an extra touch, you can garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or some chocolate shavings. Serve with a shot of espresso for a truly indulgent experience.
Coffee Panna Cotta is the perfect dessert for coffee lovers who enjoy rich, creamy treats. With its velvety texture and bold coffee flavor, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. The best part is that it can be made ahead of time, so you don’t have to stress over dessert when you have company. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful Italian classic!
FAQs
What is panna cotta?
Panna cotta is a classic Italian dessert made by simmering cream, milk, and sugar, then adding gelatin to set it. It’s creamy and smooth in texture, often served with fruit or flavored syrups.
Can I use decaffeinated coffee for this recipe?
Yes, you can use decaffeinated coffee or espresso powder if you want to enjoy the dessert without the caffeine.
Can I make coffee panna cotta ahead of time?
Yes, coffee panna cotta can be made a day in advance. It needs to chill for at least 4 hours to set, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.
How can I garnish my coffee panna cotta?
You can garnish with whipped cream, cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of caramel or coffee syrup for added flavor.
Can I make this recipe without gelatin?
Gelatin is what helps the panna cotta set, but you can use agar-agar as a substitute if you prefer a vegetarian option.
