Description
This Coffee Panna Cotta is a silky, creamy Italian dessert infused with the rich flavor of strong brewed coffee. It features a smooth texture created by combining heavy cream, milk, and gelatin, lightly sweetened and delicately flavored with vanilla. Perfect for an elegant dessert, it requires minimal cooking and sets beautifully in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup brewed strong coffee
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) unflavored gelatin
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Gelatin: Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the whole milk in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the gelatin to bloom and absorb the milk, creating a smooth texture when melted.
- Heat the Cream Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, brewed strong coffee, and granulated sugar. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling to prevent scalding.
- Combine Gelatin and Cream Mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat, then add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the hot cream and coffee mixture. Whisk thoroughly until the gelatin is fully dissolved, ensuring a uniform texture. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Pour and Cool: Pour the mixture evenly into ramekins or serving glasses. Let them cool to room temperature to prevent condensation, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
- Serve: Once set, serve the panna cotta chilled. Garnish with optional toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the presentation and complement the coffee flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the cream mixture does not boil to avoid a grainy texture.
- Blooming the gelatin is crucial for a smooth consistency.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso instead of regular brewed coffee.
- To easily unmold panna cotta, dip the ramekins in warm water briefly before inverting onto plates.
- Cover the panna cotta while chilling to prevent it from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
