Why You’ll Love Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe
Coffee panna cotta offers an irresistible combination of smooth creaminess and deep coffee flavor, making it the perfect dessert for coffee connoisseurs. The simple yet elegant presentation and the addition of decadent chocolate caramel sauce elevate this dessert to a luxurious treat. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night in, this panna cotta is sure to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1/4 cup cold water
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2 teaspoons (1 pack) unflavored gelatin
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1 1/4 cups heavy cream
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3/4 cup whole milk
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons Highground instant coffee
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Pinch of salt
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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Store-bought chocolate caramel sauce (or homemade salted caramel sauce)
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2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips for chocolate curls
Directions
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Prepare the ramekins: Lightly spray four individual ramekins with non-stick spray and set aside.
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Bloom the gelatin: In a small bowl, add gelatin and pour the cold water over it. Let it sit for 10 minutes to bloom.
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Heat the mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and instant coffee. Heat over medium-low, whisking frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the coffee has fully melted into the mixture.
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Finish the panna cotta base: Once the mixture is heated and bubbling around the edges, remove from heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until smooth, followed by the salt and vanilla extract.
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Chill the panna cotta: Pour the mixture into the prepared ramekins, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set.
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Serve the panna cotta: To release the panna cotta, dip each ramekin in hot water for 5 seconds, run a thin knife along the edges, then invert onto a small plate. Drizzle with chocolate caramel sauce and garnish with chocolate curls.
For the chocolate curls: Melt 2 tablespoons of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Spread the melted chocolate onto parchment paper and freeze for 5 minutes. Use an offset spatula or butter knife to create curls by running it along the length of the chocolate.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 20 minutes (excluding chilling time)
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Chilling time: 4 hours to overnight
Variations
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Decaf Option: For those sensitive to caffeine, you can replace the instant coffee with decaffeinated coffee for a similar flavor without the caffeine.
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Flavored Panna Cotta: Add a flavored extract, such as almond or hazelnut, to the panna cotta base for a unique twist.
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Chocolate Layer: For a more decadent treat, add a layer of melted chocolate at the bottom of each ramekin before pouring in the coffee panna cotta mixture.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover panna cotta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to reheat, dip the ramekin in warm water briefly to soften it before serving, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
FAQs
How do I know when the panna cotta has set properly?
The panna cotta should be firm to the touch but still slightly wobbly when fully set. If it still feels liquid after chilling for at least 4 hours, it needs more time in the fridge.
Can I use a different type of coffee for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different coffee types. Just make sure it’s finely ground and dissolves easily in the cream mixture.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Yes, panna cotta is best made ahead of time. It actually needs time to set in the fridge, making it the perfect make-ahead dessert for parties or gatherings.
Can I skip the chocolate caramel sauce?
Certainly! If you prefer a simpler version, you can skip the chocolate caramel sauce and serve the panna cotta plain or with fruit instead.
How can I make the chocolate curls?
To create chocolate curls, melt chocolate chips, spread the chocolate onto parchment paper, freeze for a few minutes, and then use a spatula to scrape the chocolate into curls.
Can I use flavored gelatin instead of unflavored?
Using flavored gelatin would alter the taste of the panna cotta and isn’t recommended if you want to maintain the classic creamy coffee flavor.
What other toppings can I use for the panna cotta?
You can top panna cotta with fresh berries, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for extra texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or any other non-dairy milk alternative. Be sure to check the texture, as the result may differ slightly.
What kind of ramekins should I use?
Any small ramekins that hold around 1/2 cup of liquid will work well. Glass or ceramic ramekins are great choices for even cooling.
Can I freeze the panna cotta?
Panna cotta can be frozen, though the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you freeze it, let it thaw in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
Coffee panna cotta is a decadent and easy-to-make dessert that combines the boldness of coffee with the smoothness of cream, all topped off with delicious chocolate caramel sauce and curls. Whether you’re a coffee lover or simply looking for a sophisticated dessert, this panna cotta will impress with minimal effort. Enjoy!
Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe
Indulge in this rich and creamy Coffee Panna Cotta, flavored with instant coffee and topped with a luscious chocolate caramel drizzle and chocolate curls. A simple yet decadent dessert that’s perfect for coffee lovers!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes + chilling
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilled
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 tsp unflavored gelatin (1 pack)
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp Highground instant coffee
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Chocolate caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips (for chocolate curls)
Instructions
- Spray 4 individual ramekins with non-stick spray and set aside.
- In a small bowl, pour cold water over the gelatin and let sit for 10 minutes to bloom.
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, and instant coffee. Heat over medium-low, whisking until the sugar dissolves and coffee is smooth.
- Remove from heat and whisk in bloomed gelatin. Stir in salt and vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture into prepared ramekins, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- To serve, dip each ramekin in hot water for 5 seconds, run a knife along the edges, and invert onto a plate.
- Drizzle with chocolate caramel sauce and top with chocolate curls made by melting chocolate chips and creating curls on parchment paper.
Notes
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours for best results.
- For a more decadent touch, top with homemade salted caramel sauce.
