Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 5 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you’re looking for a dessert that’s creamy, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make, Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta is your answer. This Italian classic is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a little luxury. With its smooth texture and rich vanilla flavor, it’s a dessert that feels special any time of year.

Ingredients for Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta

Heavy cream is the backbone of panna cotta, providing that signature creamy texture. Whole milk lightens it up just a touch, preventing it from being overly rich. Granulated sugar sweetens the dessert while letting the vanilla shine through. The star of the show, the vanilla bean, infuses the cream with its aromatic seeds, making this dessert feel luxurious. Unflavored gelatin is what sets the panna cotta, giving it that perfect wobble without overwhelming the delicate flavor. A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the vanilla.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don’t have vanilla beans, a high-quality vanilla extract can be a substitute. Use about 1-2 teaspoons.
  • To prevent a skin from forming on top, cover each dish with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface of the panna cotta.
  • If you’re unmolding the panna cotta onto plates, briefly dip the bottom of the dish in hot water to loosen it.

Serving Suggestions

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta pairs beautifully with a tart berry coulis or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a more decadent experience, try serving it alongside a small piece of dark chocolate or a biscotti. It’s also delightful with a sparkling dessert wine or a light, floral tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, but keep in mind that lower-fat milk will result in a less creamy texture. Whole milk is recommended for the best balance.
How long will panna cotta keep in the fridge?
It can stay fresh for up to three days when covered tightly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Substitute the cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use agar-agar in place of gelatin, adjusting the quantities as needed.

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta Recipe Walkthrough

Start by blooming the gelatin: sprinkle it over two tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes until it resembles a soft, spongy mass. Meanwhile, take your vanilla bean and slice it lengthwise. Use the back of a knife to scrape the seeds into a medium saucepan. Don’t forget to toss in the vanilla pod too, as it has lots of flavor.

Add the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt to the saucepan with the vanilla. Set it over medium heat. Stir occasionally, ensuring the sugar dissolves evenly. You’re looking for the mixture to get hot, but not boiling — small bubbles around the edges are your cue.

Once heated, remove the saucepan from the heat and take out the vanilla pod. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until it’s completely dissolved. This is crucial for a smooth panna cotta. Pour the mixture into your desired serving dishes, letting them cool at room temperature.

After they’ve cooled, transfer the dishes to the refrigerator and let them set for at least four hours. Overnight is even better if you’ve got the time. Before serving, consider garnishing with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it beginner-friendly.
  • The vanilla bean adds a depth of flavor you won't get from extract.
  • Customizable with various toppings to suit your taste.
  • Perfect make-ahead dessert for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 vanilla bean
1 packet (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons cold water
Pinch of salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it stand for about 5 minutes to bloom.
2. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into a saucepan. Add the vanilla pod, cream, milk, sugar, and salt.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat, remove the vanilla pod, and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
5. Pour the mixture into individual serving dishes and let it cool to room temperature.
6. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
7. Before serving, optionally garnish with fresh berries or a mint sprig.

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