Description
A foolproof, make-ahead vanilla panna cotta with a fresh berry coulis. This elegant dessert is stress-free to prepare, requiring only 20 minutes of active time plus chilling, making it perfect for dinner parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for blooming gelatin)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste OR 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for coulis)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Fresh mint leaves (optional garnish)
- Powdered sugar (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Sprinkle gelatin powder over 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl and let sit for 5-10 minutes to bloom.
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and 1/3 cup sugar. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until sugar dissolves and mixture is warm (do not boil).
- Remove saucepan from heat. Add bloomed gelatin and whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until completely dissolved.
- Stir in vanilla bean paste or extract. For extra smoothness, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher.
- Pour mixture into ramekins or glasses, filling about 3/4 full. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
- While panna cotta chills, blend mixed berries, 2 tablespoons sugar, and lemon juice until smooth for the coulis.
- Spoon berry coulis over the set panna cotta. Garnish with fresh mint or powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not boil the cream as it can cause separation or a cooked taste. Straining the mixture ensures a silky texture. Panna cotta should be jiggly, not rubbery. Do not freeze as texture may become grainy. Gelatin must be fully bloomed and dissolved to avoid clumps.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin with couli
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 35
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: panna cotta, vanilla dessert, berry coulis, make ahead dessert, dinner party dessert, elegant dessert, gluten-free dessert