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Creamy Italian Panna Cotta with Vibrant Berry Sauce Recipe

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3.8 from 11 reviews

Panna Cotta is a classic Italian no-bake dessert celebrated for its silky, smooth texture and luscious creaminess. This elegant treat combines rich cream and a hint of vanilla, set to perfection with gelatin. It’s traditionally served chilled, topped with a vibrant mixed berry sauce that adds a fresh, tangy contrast. Simple to prepare and perfect for making in advance, panna cotta is ideal for special occasions or casual get-togethers, impressing guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 8

Ingredients

Panna Cotta

  • 2¼ teaspoons unflavored gelatin
  • 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Berry Sauce

  • 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bloom the Gelatin: Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it softens and becomes spongy.
  2. Heat the Cream Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups heavy cream, ½ cup whole milk, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently and heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
  3. Add Gelatin and Vanilla: Remove the cream mixture from heat. Add the bloomed gelatin and stir until it completely dissolves. Then stir in 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract.
  4. Chill the Panna Cotta: Pour the mixture evenly into serving molds or glasses. Allow them to cool slightly at room temperature before covering and refrigerating for at least 4 hours or until set firm.
  5. Prepare the Berry Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups mixed berries, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the sauce thickens slightly, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  6. Serve: Once the panna cotta is fully set, spoon the chilled berry sauce over each serving. Garnish with fresh berries if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a smoother texture, strain the berry sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds before serving.
  • Use fresh gelatin—check the expiration date for best results in setting.
  • You can substitute vanilla extract with other flavorings such as almond or coffee for variation.
  • The dessert can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or use low-fat cream.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Italian