Vanilla Panna Cotta Recipe - Little Sweet Baker (2024)

FAQs

Why is my panna cotta not setting? ›

One potential problem is the gelatin didn't melt all the way or you boiled the gelatin mixture. When you boil gelatin, it loses its thickening power and won't set up as desired. The other issue is not giving the panna cotta enough time to set up.

The gelatin gets stronger as it sits, so this will be a bit rubbery by days 4 or 5, but you can mitigate this by letting the panna cotta sit at room temperature for about half an hour before serving.

Panna cotta means “cooked cream” in Italy, and that's essentially what the base is: heated heavy cream (often with a little half-and-half or whole milk) set with powdered gelatin and flavored with vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.

Panna cotta is a traditional Italian dessert made with either cream or a combination of cream and milk, plus sugar and gelatin. It is usually molded in small custard cups or ramekins and can be served right from the dish or unmolded.

Pour the panna cotta mixture into eight 4-ounce ramekins and let cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the panna cotta is set but still jiggly, at least 3 hours.

Cover each panna cotta with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until it's set; the time will vary depending on the size and shape of your containers, but expect four to six hours.

Too much gelatin could result in a texture that is too firm and Jello-like (you want the panna cotta to be just barely firm enough to unmold).

If the panna cotta refuses to let go, try quickly dipping the mold in hot water and trying again. One trick is to brush a very thin layer of flavorless oil on the inside of each mold before pouring in the mixture. If the panna cotta absolutely won't come out, get a spoon and enjoy it straight from the dish...

Did you know that…? Panna cotta is probably the only dessert which can be made without eggs, flour, sugar and baking. Although panna cotta is not mentioned in Italian cookbooks before 1960, it is often regarded as a traditional Italian dessert of the Piedmont region.

Is panna cotta good or bad for you? ›

Panna cotta can always be the right dessert — whether you're throwing a fancy party or a small one, have lots of time or no time, are gluten-free, dairy-free, allergy-prone, vegan, or simply craving a delicious and creamy sweet. It's perfect.

Translation of "Panna cotta" in French

Panna cotta is a traditional cream-based dessert. Le panna cotta est un dessert classique fait à partir de crème.

Unlike creme brulee, eggs are not used to thicken the mixture for panna cotta. Instead, gelatin is added before the mixture comes to a boil. It is then strained, poured into moulds and frozen till it sets. The cream is usually infused with vanilla or other flavourings before it is mixed with the other ingredients.

Blanc-manger, panna cotta or molded cream, the idea is similar: gelatin is added to milk and/or cream infused with herbs, spices or nuts.

The ultimate panna cotta should have the perfect wobble — this is an indication of the texture, which should be silky, creamy, melt in the mouth but not too bouncy or rubbery. I'd rather a panna cotta that is more wobbly than too set, personally.

Prepare a panna cotta mixture by mixing together 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, vanilla, sugar, and gelatin in a small saucepan over medium heat. When combined, stir in jam. Pour the mixture into the tall glass, filling the glass 3/4 full, then freeze for 30 minutes.

The reason for the gelatin is obvious — a perfect panna cotta should have just enough that it seems the cream is barely holding together. It quivers when you touch it. When there's too much gelatin, the custard feels stiff and cheesy. Too little and, well, you've got a puddle on the plate when you unmold it.