Panna cotta is an easy and elegant make-ahead dessert for any special occasion.
Italian panna cotta is definitely one of them.
What Is Panna Cotta?
Sally Vargas
Panna cotta literally means “cooked cream,” and that’s about all it is!
This panna cotta is like serving berries and cream, but fancier.
The barely-set custard also has a luxurious, silky texture that feels so elegant.
Sally Vargas
How To Work With Gelatin
Powdered gelatin must be softened first in cold liquid.
In this case, I do it in milk.
Then the softened gelatin needs to be warmed to fully dissolve.
Sally Vargas
When making panna cotta, I do this by pouring the warmed cream over the softened gelatin.
It’s a good place to start when looking for alternative gelling agents.
(Be sure to leave some room in the dish for the berries!)
Sally Vargas
How Long Does Panna Cotta Take To Set?
How Far Ahead Can You Make Panna Cotta?
Panna cotta is a fantastic make-ahead dessert!
Sally Vargas
(Skip this step if you are planning to serve straight from the dishes.)
Pour the milk into a medium mixing bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over top.
Stir with a fork to combine.
Set aside for 5 minutes without stirring to allow the gelatin to soften.
(It will look like curdled milk or milky applesauce.)
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring the cream, sugar, and salt to a simmer.
Stir frequently until the sugar is dissolved and the milk is just starting to steam.
Slowly pour the hot cream over the gelatin, whisking as you go for dissolve the gelatin.
Whisk in the sour cream and vanilla until smooth.
Divide the panna cotta mixture between the ramekins.
Transfer to the ramekins to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours until set, or overnight.
Pass through a fine meshed strainer to remove the seeds.
Set aside or refrigerate until needed.
(This sauce can also be made several days in advance and kept refrigerated.)
Slide a paring knife around the edge of each ramekin.
Place a dessert plate upside-down over the top of the ramekin.
Slowly lift the ramekin at a slight angle to release the panna cotta.
Spoon some of the sauce around the panna cotta and sprinkle with berries.
