Homemade panna cotta: the recipe

Creamy and versatile, panna cotta is a timeless, classic traditional Italian dessert. Eaten with a spoon, this dessert’s elegance lies in its simplicity – the delicacy of fresh cream provides a perfect neutral base that can be enhanced with various garnishes and toppings.

While vanilla and aromas can enrich it, it’s jams and preserves that really bring out its qualities, creating a perfect balance between the softness of the dessert and the zestiness of the fruit.

Here’s how to prepare the perfect panna cotta (and how to choose the best accompaniment)!

Ingredients for panna cotta

To create the perfect panna cotta, you need just a few basic ingredients. Here are the quantities you need to prepare 4 portions of 150 ml each:

• 500 g of fresh single cream
• 80 g of sugar
• 1 vanilla pod
• 8 g of sheet gelatin

If you have specific dietary needs or prefer a vegetarian version, you can find various alternatives to sheet gelatin in our guide on natural gelling agents for desserts.

How to prepare homemade panna cotta

Panna cotta is quick to prepare: just a few minutes to make, a few hours for it to set in the fridge and it will be ready to serve:

• First, soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for about 15 minutes.
• Split the vanilla pod lengthwise and extract the seeds with the tip of a knife.
• Pour the cream into a small saucepan and add the sugar and vanilla.
• Cook over low heat, and as soon as the cream begins to boil, turn off the heat.
• Drain the softened gelatin (without squeezing it too much) and add it to the hot cream.
• Stir carefully until the gelatin is completely dissolved and mixed in with the other ingredients.
• Carefully pour the mixture into your moulds and leave them in the fridge for at least 5 hours, until the panna cotta is completely set.
• To unmould your individual portions, dip each one in hot water and then gently turn it upside down onto a plate.
• Garnish as desired before serving!

How to garnish panna cotta and choose the jam

Panna cotta can be enhanced with various toppings that will bring out its flavour and add a visual twist. Classic caramel sauce is a timeless choice, but maple syrup, honey, chocolate sauce, or chopped nuts also go perfectly with this dessert.

Jams, however, are the ideal accompaniment: the slight acidity and intense colour of raspberry jam, for example, perfectly balances the sweetness of the cream. Strawberry jam adds a more delicate and fresh taste, while apricot jam provides a fruity and slightly astringent flavour that creates a sophisticated contrast with the neutrality of the dessert.

How to serve panna cotta

Panna cotta can be presented in several ways, and each will add a refined touch. The classic version involves gently unmolding the individual portions directly onto a plate, creating the iconic “bell” shape.

Alternatively, you can opt for transparent dessert glasses, bowls, or small jars, which not only prevent breaking a moulded panna cotta, but also allow you to create visible layers of panna cotta and toppings.

However you present it, serve the panna cotta well chilled, accompanied by a dessert spoon. You can always add a touch of colour with some fresh fruit or mint leaves.

Storage and fridge life

Panna cotta is a dessert that should be stored in the fridge. If prepared with fresh ingredients and stored properly, it can last up to 3-4 days without its taste or texture changing. For best results, cover the moulds or containers with cling film to prevent it from absorbing odors and to keep its creamy consistency.

To ensure maximum freshness and quality of the dessert,  store the plain panna cotta in the fridge without any toppings to keep it fresh and creamy. Toppings, sauces, and jams should be added just before serving, to prevent the dessert from becoming too moist.

By following these simple tips, every spoonful of your dessert will taste as good as it gets until the very last bite!