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Glass cup of silky white Italian vanilla panna cotta topped with red raspberry coulis and fresh mint
italian Easy dessert

Silky Vanilla Panna Cotta with Berry Coulis

Delicate, wobbly Italian sweet cream infused with real vanilla bean and topped with a vibrant raspberry-strawberry coulis.

Prep
15 min
Cook
5 min
Total
20 min (plus chilling)
Servings
4

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a small dish, sprinkle gelatin evenly over 3 tbsp cold water. Let sit 5 minutes to bloom.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, and scraped vanilla bean seeds and pod. Heat over medium heat until hot and steaming, but do not boil.
  3. Remove saucepan from heat. Remove vanilla pod. Add bloomed gelatin to hot cream and whisk gently until completely dissolved.
  4. Pour mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring pitcher.
  5. Divide cream evenly among 4 dessert glasses or lightly oiled ramekins.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) until gently set with a soft wobble.
  7. Make coulis: Simmer berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small pot for 4-5 minutes until berries break down. Blend and pass through a fine sieve to remove seeds. Cool completely.
  8. Spoon vibrant red berry coulis over chilled panna cotta, garnish with fresh berries and mint, and serve cold.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Essential Tips

  • The secret to authentic panna cotta is using just enough gelatin so it sets with a delicate wobble rather than a rubbery block
  • Serving directly in clear glasses looks beautiful and eliminates the stress of unmolding
  • Strain through a fine mesh sieve to catch any undissolved gelatin granules

⭐ Why This Recipe Works

  • Incredible seductive wobble and melt-in-your-mouth texture
  • Light and refreshing after a rich dinner
  • Takes only 15 minutes of hands-on cooking
  • Stunning restaurant presentation in clear glasses

🔄 Delicious Variations

  • Mango Passionfruit: Top with tropical mango purée and fresh passionfruit seeds
  • Coffee Panna Cotta: Whisk 1 tbsp instant espresso powder into hot cream
  • Coconut Panna Cotta: Use full-fat coconut milk for a vegan alternative using agar-agar

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I unmold panna cotta?
Dip ramekins in hot water for 5 seconds, run a thin knife along the rim, and invert onto a serving plate.
Why did my gelatin not dissolve?
Make sure to bloom gelatin in cold water first, then stir into hot (not boiling) cream until clear.
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