How to Make the Perfect Creamy Vanilla Panna Cotta
Italian · Easy · 20 min · 6 servings
This silky panna cotta is a kid friendly recipe that wiggles like jello making it super fun for children to eat. Parents love how simple this no bake Italian pudding is to prepare with just a handful of ingredients.
Why this recipe works
This Creamy Vanilla Panna Cotta recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 4g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 0.33 cup granulated sugar
- 2.5 tsp unflavored gelatin powder
- 3 tbsp cold water
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
Sprinkle gelatin powder over cold water in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until it absorbs the water and becomes spongy. This step is essential for a perfectly set panna cotta.
Step 2: Heat the Cream Mixture
Combine heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture is just about to simmer. Remove from heat immediately.
Step 3: Combine and Pour
Add the bloomed gelatin and vanilla extract to the warm cream mixture. Stir until gelatin is completely dissolved. Pour the mixture into 6 serving glasses or lightly oiled ramekins.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover each glass with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set. Serve straight in glasses or unmold onto plates and top with fresh berries or fruit sauce.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- heavy cream → coconut cream for a dairy free version
- unflavored gelatin powder → agar agar powder for a vegetarian option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not blooming the gelatin first causing it to clump in the hot cream
- Boiling the cream mixture which can affect the texture of the finished pudding
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 4g protein, 22g carbs, 20g fat, 0g fiber.
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