Classic Italian Panna Cotta

Name: Classic Italian Panna Cotta with Strawberry Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 packet or 3 sheets gelatin; 360 ml whole milk; 240 ml whipping cream; 2 tsp Vanilla extract; 2 cups strawberries; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 tsp lemon juice

Craving something sweet? Look no further than this classic Italian panna cotta with strawberry sauce! It’s a simple yet delicious dessert that anyone can make, and the best part is that it only takes about 10 minutes to prepare! So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to tantalize your taste buds, then this classic Italian panna cotta recipe is sure to satisfy.

Panna cotta is a classic Italian dessert that is both delicious and easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create this creamy treat in no time. Whether you’re looking for something special to serve at dinner parties or simply want to surprise your family with an indulgent sweet treat, panna cotta should definitely be on the menu!

What is Italian Panna Cotta?

Italian panna cotta is a classic dessert that is simple to make and incredibly delicious. It is made with just a few ingredients: cream, milk, sugar, and gelatin. Panna cotta is typically served with a fruit sauce or compote, but it can also be enjoyed on its own.

This creamy dessert is believed to have originated in the region of Piedmont in northwestern Italy. The name panna cotta literally means “cooked cream.” It is thought to have first been made in the 18th century, and it quickly became a popular dessert throughout Italy.

Ingredients for Classic Italian Panna Cotta

Panna cotta is a classic Italian dessert that is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients. All you need is heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and gelatin.

Panna cotta is traditionally made with whole milk and heavy cream. However, you can also use lighter versions of these dairy products if you prefer. I like to use a combination of half-and-half and whole milk for my panna cotta. The ratio of milk to cream will affect the texture of the finished dessert. A higher ratio of cream will result in a richer, more luxurious panna cotta. If you want to lighten things up a bit, you can use all milk instead of cream.

The gelatin is what gives panna cotta its unique texture. It is important to bloom the gelatin before adding it to the hot cream mixture. This simply means that you need to soften the gelatin in cold water for about 5 minutes before adding it to the hot cream mixture. If you don’t bloom the gelatin first, it will not dissolve properly.

How to Make Classic Italian Panna Cotta

To start, combine the cream and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, add the sugar and vanilla extract and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Once the mixture comes to a simmer, add the dissolved gelatin, and whisk until it has dissolved.

Pour the mixture into serving glasses and let it set in freezer for 4 hours.

If you want to serve it in plate than pour the mixture into individual molds or ramekins and let it set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

When you’re ready to serve, simply turn the mold upside down onto a plate and enjoy!

How to Make Strawberry Sauce from Scratch

Assuming you have fresh strawberries on hand, making strawberry sauce from scratch is a quick and easy process. Simply wash the strawberries, remove the stem and leaves, and cut them into small pieces.

Add the strawberries to a saucepan with sugar and lemon juice and cook over medium heat until the strawberries are soft, and the sugar is dissolved.

Use a potato masher or immersion blender to puree the strawberry mixture, then strain it through a fine mesh strainer to remove any seeds. Let the sauce cool slightly, then enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Making a Perfectly Delicious Classic Italian Panna Cotta

Always start with a cold cream base. This will help the panna cotta set properly and prevent it from becoming grainy.
Cook the cream over low heat, stirring constantly. Bring it just to a simmer—you should see bubbles forming around the edge of the pan, but the cream should not be boiling.
Add your flavorings carefully. Panna cotta is a delicate dessert, so you don’t want to overwhelm it with strong flavors. Stick to classic choices like vanilla or almond extract or go for something unique like citrus zest or lavender oil.
Use gelatin to help the panna cotta set. Bloom the gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes before adding it to the hot cream mixture. Stir until the gelatin has completely dissolved.
Pour the panna cotta into individual serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This will give the dessert time to set properly and develop its flavor.

Variations on Classic Italian Panna Cotta

There are many variations on the classic Italian panna cotta. Some use different types of milk, such as almond or coconut milk, while others add fruit or chocolate to the mix. Here are some of our favorite variations on this classic dessert:

Almond Milk Panna Cotta: This variation uses almond milk in place of traditional dairy milk. It is a great option for those who are looking for a dairy-free option.

Coconut Milk Panna Cotta: This variation uses coconut milk in place of traditional dairy milk. It is a great option for those who are looking for a dairy-free option.

Fruit Panna Cotta: This variation includes fresh fruit, such as berries or stone fruit, mixed into the panna cotta mixture. You can also top the panna cotta with fruit once it is set.

Chocolate Panna Cotta: This variation includes chocolate, either in the form of melted chocolate or cocoa powder, mixed into the panna cotta mixture. You can also top the panna cotta with chocolate shavings or sauce once it is set.