Coffee Panna Cotta

Coffee Panna Cotta is a luscious, silky Italian dessert infused with the rich, bold flavor of coffee. This creamy treat is the perfect balance between a light texture and deep, robust taste, making it an ideal finale for any meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, Coffee Panna Cotta is an elegant dessert that feels both luxurious and effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Coffee Panna Cotta offers an irresistible combination of smooth, creamy texture and bold coffee flavor. It is simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivers a sophisticated and impressive result. Perfect for coffee lovers and those who appreciate refined desserts, it is a delightful choice for dinner parties, special occasions, or whenever you desire a touch of indulgence.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Granulated sugar
• Instant coffee or brewed espresso
• Unflavored gelatin
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over a few tablespoons of cold milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to bloom.
2. In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, the remaining milk, sugar, coffee, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is steaming, but not boiling.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved.
4. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
5. Pour the mixture into serving glasses or molds.
6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
7. To serve, unmold the panna cotta onto plates if desired or serve directly in the glasses.

Servings and Timing

This recipe typically yields 4 to 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Setting time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Mocha Panna Cotta: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the mixture for a chocolate-coffee twist.
• Sweetened Panna Cotta: Adjust the amount of sugar to your taste if you prefer a sweeter dessert.
• Alcohol-Infused: Add a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa for an adult version.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut milk and coconut cream for a vegan option.
• Toppings: Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or caramel sauce for added richness.

Storage/Reheating

Store Coffee Panna Cotta covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
It should be kept chilled until ready to serve and should not be reheated, as heat will cause the gelatin to break down and the dessert to lose its structure.

FAQs

What is panna cotta?

Panna cotta is an Italian dessert made from sweetened cream thickened with gelatin and molded into a soft, creamy dessert.

Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?

Yes, strong brewed coffee or espresso works beautifully in this recipe for a more authentic flavor.

How long does panna cotta take to set?

Panna cotta typically takes about 4 hours to fully set in the refrigerator.

Can I make Coffee Panna Cotta ahead of time?

Yes, it is an excellent make-ahead dessert that can be prepared a day or two in advance.

Why is my panna cotta not setting?

The panna cotta may not set properly if the gelatin is not fully dissolved or if the ratio of liquid to gelatin is off.

Can I make it without gelatin?

You can substitute gelatin with agar-agar for a vegetarian version, but the texture may be slightly different.

How strong should the coffee be?

It should be strong enough to impart a noticeable flavor, such as a shot of espresso or a double-strength brewed coffee.

Can I freeze panna cotta?

Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture, making it grainy once thawed.

What type of cream is best?

Use heavy cream or whipping cream with a fat content of around 35% for the best creamy texture.

Can I flavor the panna cotta with other ingredients?

Absolutely; flavorings like cinnamon, vanilla beans, or even hazelnut extract pair wonderfully with coffee.

Conclusion

Coffee Panna Cotta is a sophisticated yet simple dessert that brings together the rich aroma of coffee with the silky smoothness of classic panna cotta. Whether served at a formal dinner party or as a special treat at home, it is sure to impress. With a handful of ingredients and easy preparation steps, this dessert is an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their dessert repertoire.

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