Panna Cotta

Name: Panna Cotta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2.5 teaspoons powdered gelatin; 3 tablespoons cold water; 1 cup mixed berries (for coulis); 2 tablespoons sugar (for coulis); 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Published: June 18, 2026 | Italian Cuisine | ⏱ 15 min

Elegant panna cotta with a vibrant red berry coulis topping

Panna Cotta, meaning 'cooked cream' in Italian, is one of the most elegant and deceptively simple desserts. A mixture of cream, sugar, and vanilla is gently warmed, set with a hint of gelatin, and chilled until it wobbles perfectly. Topped with a tangy berry coulis, it cuts through the richness for a perfectly balanced, effortlessly beautiful dessert.

Recipe Info

Prep Time10 min

Cook Time5 min

Total Time15 min

Servings4

DifficultyEasy

CuisineItalian

2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2.5 teaspoons powdered gelatin
3 tablespoons cold water
1 cup mixed berries (for coulis)
2 tablespoons sugar (for coulis)
1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 Instructions

Bloom the gelatin

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.

Warm the cream

In a saucepan, heat cream, milk, and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is steaming (do not boil). Remove from heat.

Add gelatin and set

Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm cream until fully dissolved. Stir in vanilla. Pour into 4 ramekins or glasses. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Make the coulis

Simmer berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small pot for 5 minutes. Blend and strain the mixture. Let cool.

Serve

Spoon the cooled berry coulis over the set panna cotta before serving.

Pro Tips

Do not boil the cream, or the gelatin may lose its setting power.
Lightly oil the ramekins with flavorless oil if you plan to unmold the panna cotta.

Nutrition Information

Calories	340 kcal
Protein	4g
Fat	26g
Saturated Fat	16g
Carbohydrates	24g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	20g
Sodium	45mg

* Nutritional values are approximate and based on per-serving calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

This happens if the mixture is poured into molds while still too warm and not stirred well. Let it cool slightly at room temperature, stirring occasionally, before pouring into molds.

Rating

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.7 (140 votes)

About the Author

Stephanie Grine

Recipe Developer & Food Enthusiast

I am a passionate home cook who believes that great food brings people together. Every recipe on TodayFoodsMenu is developed, tested, and photographed in my home kitchen — not a professional test...

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