This Coffee Panna Cotta has the right amount of coffee flavor and is creamy and smooth.
This is the treat for you if you like coffee and sweets!
You only need a few things to make it, and you can do it ahead of time. It’s great for a dinner party or a cozy night in.
Let’s do it!
Ingredients
- Two cups of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of whole milk
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons of instant espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Unflavored gelatin in one packet (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- Three tablespoons of water
- Optional: whipped cream and chocolate shavings for decoration
Equipment
- A small pot
- Whisk
- Spoons and cups for measuring
- Bowl that is small
- Small glasses or ramekins
- Wrap in plastic
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Gelatin Bloom
Sprinkle the gelatin over the water in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until it looks soft and a little thicker.
Step 2: Warm up the coffee and cream.
Put the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and espresso powder in a small saucepan and heat them over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar is gone and the coffee is fully mixed in. Just warm it up; don’t let it boil.
Step 3: Put in the vanilla and gelatin
Take the saucepan off the heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin until it is completely dissolved. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Step 4: Pour into ramekins and chill
If you want it to be even smoother, strain the mixture through a fine sieve before pouring it into ramekins. Wrap in plastic and put in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight.
Step 5: Serve and have fun!
To serve, dip the bottom of each ramekin in warm water for a few seconds, then turn it over onto a plate. If you want, you can add whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top.
Tips and Variations
- Completely dissolve the gelatin. No one wants lumps in their panna cotta! Before mixing, let it bloom all the way.
- Use good coffee. A high-quality espresso powder makes a big difference because coffee is the main flavor.
- ✅ Don’t let it boil. The cream mixture should be warm but not boiling, or the texture won’t be as smooth.
- ✅ Chill for at least four hours, but overnight is even better for the perfect set.
- ✅ Let it go! – To get the mold out easily, dip the ramekin in warm water for a few seconds and then turn it over onto a plate.
Alternatives
- ☕ Decaf option: Use decaf espresso powder instead of regular espresso powder.
- Dairy-free: Instead of heavy cream and whole milk, use coconut cream and almond milk.
- 🍮 Add a little cinnamon or Kahlúa to give the flavor a boost.
- For a mocha panna cotta, add 2 tablespoons of melted dark chocolate.
Storage
- ✔️ Do this a day in advance! After sitting in the fridge overnight, it tastes even better.
- ✔️ Keep covered in the fridge for up to three days.
- You may keep it in the fridge for up to three days if you cover it.
- ⚠️ Don’t freeze it; it will change the texture.
Conclusion
Time to get to work! There you go! A simple, creamy panna cotta that tastes like coffee and looks fancy. Let me know how this recipe turns out in the comments if you try it! Did you put any fun things on top? 🍫☕💛