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Panna Cotta is a perfect dessert. It may look and feel complicated but it is one of the most quick and easy desserts out there. With just basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create this elegant dessert in the comfort of your home. If you want a low-stress, failsafe dessert, this is the recipe for you.
Panna cotta is an Italian delicacy and means “cooked cream” in Italian. As the name implies, it is made from heated cream and milk combined with gelatine, sweetened with sugar and infused with vanilla flavours. Which is then refrigerated until set.
The other great thing about panna cotta is that it is an eggless, gluten-free, no-bake recipe. It can also be made with dairy-free milk and cream. So in short, it is an adjustable and adaptable recipe.
Want to try another no-bake recipe? Here are some. No-Bake Salted Caramel Cheesecake, Salted Caramel Fudge.
Panna Cotta has a subtle flavour due to which they can be served with almost anything. Fresh fruits, berry sauces, chocolate sauce or coffee sauce are commonly used dressings for panna cotta. I’ve used fresh blueberries, mint, and blueberry sauce.
Ingredients Required
(For a detailed ingredient list find the recipe card below)
- Heavy cream
- Milk
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- China grass– China grass is a vegan replacement for gelatine. If you want to use gelatine feel free to use it. You can also use agar-agar, vegan gelatine etc. Whatever you use make sure it is non-flavoured.
How to make classic Panna Cotta?
(For a detailed instruction list find the recipe card below)
- Soak china grass in some milk. Then melt the china grass by cooking it with the rest of the milk.
- Add sugar, cream, and vanilla extract. Cook till everything is well combined.
- Pour into ramekins or moulds. Refrigerate till set.
Can we make Panna Cotta ahead of time?
Yes. It makes a great make-ahead recipe. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Just make sure to cover the moulds with plastic film to not let it dry out. Let it sit for 30 minutes at room temperature before serving.
Is it ok to freeze Panna Cotta?
Yes. They freeze well too. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. And before serving let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Can Panna Cotta be stored at room temperature?
Unfortunately no. Because of the cream and milk, they can go stale very easily or quickly. So, If you are not serving immediately refrigerate or freeze.
Tools and ingredients used (Affiliate links)
Silicone Moulds | Muffin Tray | Vanilla Extract | China Grass
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Classic Panna Cotta
Ingredients
- 180 g Milk ¾ cup
- 120 g Heavy cream ½ cup
- 50 g Sugar ¼ cup
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 10 g China grass 1 packet
Instructions
- Soak china grass in a saucepan with ¼ cup of milk for 10 minutes.
- Pour the rest of the milk and cook on medium heat till the china grass is completely melted.
- Add sugar and mix till melted. Switch off the flame.
- Add Vanilla extract and cream. Cook on medium flame till everything is well combined.
- Pour into ramekins or silicone moulds. After they cool down to room temperature refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
- Serve with fresh fruits or fruit sauce.