Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe
If you love the combination of rich, creamy desserts and the bold flavor of coffee, Coffee Panna Cotta is a dream come true. This elegant Italian treat brings together velvety-smooth cream, a gentle touch of sweetness, and a deep espresso note in every spoonful. It’s the kind of dessert that looks sophisticated, yet comes together with little effort—perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a little “me” time. If you’re searching for a dessert that balances simplicity and taste, Coffee Panna Cotta absolutely needs a spot on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Coffee Panna Cotta:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder (or strong brewed coffee, reduced)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
For Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
How to Make Coffee Panna Cotta
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
Start with a small bowl and sprinkle the powdered gelatin evenly over the cold water. Let it stand, untouched, for about five minutes. This “blooming” step hydrates the gelatin and ensures your panna cotta will set with a flawless texture—skip it and you risk lumps!
Step 2: Heat the Cream, Milk, Sugar, and Coffee
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, pour in the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and espresso powder. Gently stir everything together until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is uniform. Watch carefully that it doesn’t boil—gentle heat is the secret to a creamy Coffee Panna Cotta, so you avoid scorching the cream.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Dissolve the Gelatin
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for fragrant depth. Now, whisk in the bloomed gelatin, making sure it melts completely into the warm mixture. Give it a minute with a whisk so nothing gets left behind—undissolved gelatin would mean a grainy, not dreamy, panna cotta!
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Divide the smooth, coffee-laced mixture evenly among six ramekins or pretty dessert glasses. Let them cool to room temperature for a few minutes before covering and transferring to your fridge. Patience pays off: chilling for at least four hours allows your Coffee Panna Cotta to set to that signature, delicate wobble.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, crown each chilled panna cotta with billowy whipped cream and a generous scattering of chocolate shavings. Whether you’re serving one or a whole dinner crowd, these finishing touches make the Coffee Panna Cotta truly irresistible.
How to Serve Coffee Panna Cotta
Garnishes
The right garnish can turn a simple panna cotta into a bona fide showstopper. Classic whipped cream and chocolate shavings add drama, but you can try a pinch of cocoa powder, a few chocolate-covered espresso beans, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair. The key is to complement, not overpower, that silky-smooth coffee flavor.
Side Dishes
While Coffee Panna Cotta shines on its own, pairing it with a crisp biscotti or a thin almond cookie offers contrast in both texture and flavor. For a more decadent touch, serve it with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce alongside some fresh seasonal berries—strawberries and raspberries play particularly well with coffee!
Creative Ways to Present
If you love a little drama at dessert time, unmold the panna cotta onto a plate and surround it with a coffee caramel or chocolate sauce. Or, serve them in espresso cups for a playful nod to the star ingredient. Individual glass jars or stemless wine glasses let the creamy layers shine through, especially if you finish with a layer of chocolate ganache beneath the whipped cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the joys of Coffee Panna Cotta is just how well it keeps. Simply cover individual glasses or ramekins tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and dreamy for up to three days—perfect for planning ahead or savoring a solo treat.
Freezing
While technically possible, freezing panna cotta is not recommended; the texture can become grainy once thawed because of dairy and gelatin. However, if you do try freezing, make sure the dessert is well wrapped and consume within a month—but for best results, keep it in the fridge.
Reheating
Coffee Panna Cotta is all about that gorgeously chilled texture, so reheating isn’t required or recommended. If you accidentally over-chill and it becomes too firm, just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to gently soften before serving.
FAQs
Can I use decaf coffee for Coffee Panna Cotta?
Absolutely! If you’d like to enjoy your panna cotta later in the evening or serve it to guests avoiding caffeine, simply swap in high-quality decaf espresso powder or decaf strong brewed coffee. The flavor stays bold but without the kick.
Is it possible to make Coffee Panna Cotta vegetarian or dairy free?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe easily. For dairy free, substitute full-fat coconut milk or another creamy plant-based milk for the cream and milk. Use vegetarian gelatin alternative, like agar-agar, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions since it behaves differently from animal gelatin.
How do I unmold panna cotta from ramekins?
To unmold, dip the ramekins briefly in warm water (don’t let the water go over the top), then run a thin knife around the edge and invert onto a serving plate. The panna cotta should release with a gentle shake—just be patient and avoid forcing it out to maintain its smooth shape.
Can I adjust the sweetness or coffee strength?
Certainly! Taste the mixture before pouring into ramekins; if you want it sweeter or more robust, add a touch more sugar or espresso powder. Everyone’s coffee preference is personal, so tweak to your heart’s content.
What’s the best way to present Coffee Panna Cotta at a party?
Serve in elegant glass cups, espresso mugs, or wine glasses for visual appeal. A clear vessel lets the creamy layers show, and a dollop of whipped cream plus chocolate curls on top makes every serving look restaurant-worthy—presentation really does make a difference!
Final Thoughts
Coffee Panna Cotta is one of those special desserts that looks and tastes impressive but is secretly easy to make. Whether you’re a coffee devotee or just want to try something new for your dessert repertoire, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this recipe a whirl. Every spoonful is pure bliss—you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and rich flavor of this Coffee Panna Cotta, a delightful Italian dessert that is perfect for any coffee lover. Made with a hint of espresso and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, this no-bake treat is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Coffee Panna Cotta:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder (or strong brewed coffee, reduced)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
For Garnish:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Bloom Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let stand for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, and espresso powder. Stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture is hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Add Gelatin: Add bloomed gelatin to the cream mixture and whisk until completely dissolved.
- Chill: Divide mixture into ramekins or dessert glasses. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings before serving.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of cream and milk.
- Adjust the coffee strength to your taste—add more for a stronger flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling, No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 panna cotta
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
