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vanilla bean panna cotta - featured image

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta: Best Easy Elegant Dessert

  • Author: Saly
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A silky, elegant, and make-ahead dessert featuring creamy vanilla bean panna cotta paired with a bright, tangy berry compote. This gluten-free recipe requires no baking and looks restaurant-quality.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 whole vanilla bean (seeds scraped, pod included)
  • 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
  • 1/4 cup cold water (for blooming gelatin)
  • 2 cups mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, strawberries)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for compote)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons water (for compote)
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bloom the gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin over 1/4 cup cold water in a small bowl and let sit for 5-10 minutes until spongy.
  2. Heat the cream mixture: In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla bean seeds/pod. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot but NOT boiling.
  3. Dissolve the gelatin: Remove saucepan from heat. Squeeze excess water from bloomed gelatin and add to warm cream. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until completely dissolved. Strain mixture if needed to remove clumps.
  4. Pour and chill: Pour mixture into ramekins or molds. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until set.
  5. Make the berry compote: While panna cotta chills, combine berries, 2 tablespoons sugar, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, simmering for 5-7 minutes until berries break down and mixture thickens slightly. Cool to room temperature.
  6. Assemble and serve: Spoon berry compote over chilled panna cotta. Garnish with mint if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not boil the cream mixture as high heat damages gelatin. For best results, make the panna cotta 24-48 hours ahead to allow flavors to meld. If using vanilla extract instead of beans, add 2 teaspoons after removing from heat. Panna cotta does not freeze well; store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ramekin with compo
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 20
  • Sodium: 45
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 11
  • Carbohydrates: 22
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 4

Keywords: vanilla bean panna cotta, berry compote, make ahead dessert, gluten-free dessert, elegant dessert, no bake dessert, easy panna cotta

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Find it online: https://cookelu.com/vanilla-bean-panna-cotta-best-easy-elegant-dessert/