Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta

Name: Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 2 cup heavy cream (cold); 0.5 cup whole milk; 0.33 cup sugar (granulated); 2 pcs vanilla bean (split lengthwise, seeds scraped); 2.25 tsp gelatin powder (unflavored); 3 tbsp water (cold, for blooming gelatin); 1 pinch salt; 1 cup mixed berries (fresh, for serving)

RATING

0.0/5

TASTE SCORE

8/10

Silky, creamy Italian dessert with a delicate wobble and fragrant vanilla bean specks throughout. This elegant panna cotta sets to a perfect, spoonable texture and melts on the tongue, finished with a simple berry compote or enjoyed on its own.

PREP

15m

COOK

10m

SERVES

1 PIECE

527 cal

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

For 4 servings

2 cupheavy cream · cold½ cupwhole milk⅓ cupsugar · granulated2 pcsvanilla bean · split lengthwise, seeds scraped2.25 tspgelatin powder · unflavored3 tbspwater · cold, for blooming gelatin1 pinchsalt1 cupmixed berries · fresh, for serving

NUTRITION · PER SERVING

527

CALORIES · 1 PIECE

Protein5g · 4%

Carbs27g · 20%

Fat46g · 79%

Fiber2g

Sugar23g

Saturated fat28g

Cholesterol164mg

Sodium86mg

Potassium219mg

Phosphorus81mg

How we calculate →

METHOD · 6 STEPS

prep · ~10 min
Bloom the gelatin.
In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin powder evenly over the cold water. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the granules swell and the surface looks wrinkled and firm.
TIPNever stir gelatin during blooming — it creates lumps that won't dissolve later.
prep · ~2 min
Split and scrape the vanilla beans.
Using a paring knife, split each vanilla bean lengthwise. Scrape the sticky black seeds from both halves with the back of the knife. Reserve the pods.
simmer · ~8 min
Warm the cream mixture.
1.Combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla seeds, and the scraped vanilla pods in a medium saucepan.
2.Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
3.Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and tiny bubbles form around the edges. Do not let it boil.
4.Remove from heat the moment it starts steaming heavily.
TIPScalding the cream releases the vanilla bean's full aroma. Boiling will scorch the dairy and ruin the delicate flavor.
mix · ~2 min
Dissolve the bloomed gelatin.
Fish out and discard the vanilla pods. Whisk the bloomed gelatin slab into the hot cream mixture until it melts completely and no streaks remain. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup with a spout.
TIPStraining ensures a silky finish — it catches any undissolved gelatin bits and vanilla pod fragments.
assemble · ~240 min
Pour into ramekins and chill.
1.Lightly grease four 6-oz ramekins with a neutral oil or nonstick spray.
2.Divide the strained cream mixture evenly among the ramekins.
3.Tap each ramekin gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
4.Refrigerate uncovered for at least 4 hours, or until fully set and jiggly in the center.
TIPCover only after the surface has firmed up (about 1 hour) to avoid condensation dripping onto the panna cotta.
serve · ~3 min
Unmold and serve.
1.Run a thin knife around the edge of each ramekin to loosen the panna cotta.
2.Dip the bottom of the ramekin in hot water for 5 seconds.
3.Invert onto a chilled dessert plate and give a firm shake until it releases.
4.Top with fresh mixed berries and serve immediately.
TIPIf the panna cotta refuses to release, dip again for 3-5 more seconds. Overheating will melt the delicate cream.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Use a digital scale for gelatin powder to ensure consistent setting every time.
2
Let the panna cotta chill at least 6 hours or overnight for the best wobble.
3
Grease ramekins very lightly so the panna cotta slides out cleanly.
4
Do not skip straining the cream base; it guarantees a velvety texture.
5
If unmolding, dip ramekin in hot water no more than 5 seconds to avoid melting.
6
For a make-ahead dessert, keep panna cotta covered in fridge up to 3 days.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Citrus Infused

Citrus-Infused

Add 2 strips of lemon or orange zest to the cream while warming; remove before straining. This brightens the dessert with a fresh citrus note.

Dairy Free

Dairy-Free

Substitute heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut cream and a neutral plant milk. Use agar-agar instead of gelatin for a vegan-friendly panna cotta.

Chocolate

Whisk 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder into the warm cream mixture before adding gelatin. The chocolate deepens the richness and pairs beautifully with berries.

Spiced

Add 1 cinnamon stick and 2 cardamom pods to the cream while heating. The warm spices add complexity and make the dessert feel cozy for colder months.

HEALTH BENEFITS