Sweet Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe – Irresistibly Smooth

Silky smooth and elegantly decadent, this coffee panna cotta recipe promises a luxurious dessert that dances between rich espresso intensity and creamy Italian tradition.

The delicate balance of robust coffee flavors melts perfectly into a cloud-like custard that whispers sophistication.

Each spoonful carries the deep, aromatic essence of carefully brewed espresso, suspended in a trembling, velvety cream.

Cold and seductive, this dessert transforms an ordinary evening into a gourmet experience.

Dark coffee notes intertwine with sweet cream, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

The recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum pleasure, making it a secret weapon for impressing dinner guests.

Indulge in this elegant treat that turns a simple coffee moment into a sublime culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Coffee Panna Cotta

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Provides rich, silky texture that creates luxurious mouthfeel; choose full-fat dairy for maximum creaminess.

• Sugar, Instant Coffee: Balances sweetness and delivers robust coffee profile; select high-quality instant coffee for deeper flavor notes.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall taste complexity; opt for pure extract over imitation for authentic, deep aroma.

• Gelatin, Cold Water: Critical for achieving perfect wobbly consistency; ensure gelatin is fresh and fully dissolved.

• Chocolate Caramel Sauce, Chocolate Curls: Adds decadent finishing touch; use premium dark chocolate for sophisticated presentation.

• Non-Stick Spray: Ensures smooth release of panna cotta from ramekins; choose neutral-flavored spray.
• Salt: Subtle flavor enhancer that elevates overall taste profile; use fine sea salt for even distribution.

Tools for Crafting Smooth Coffee Panna Cotta

• Ramekins: 4 individual small ceramic or glass dishes for individual servings.
• Stockpot: Medium-sized pot for heating cream mixture evenly and gently.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly dissolving sugar and blending ingredients without lumps.
• Small bowl: Used for blooming gelatin and mixing delicate ingredients.
• Plastic wrap: Covers ramekins during chilling to prevent surface film.
• Small plate: For serving and presenting the inverted panna cotta.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for accurate recipe results.

How to Prepare Coffee Panna Cotta Step by Step

• Ramekin Preparation

Coat small serving dishes with a light spray to ensure smooth release of the dessert.

• Gelatin Awakening

Sprinkle gelatin powder into cold water, allowing it to soften and become smooth.

• Creamy Coffee Base

Combine cream, milk, sugar, and coffee in a pot, gently heating until sugar dissolves and a rich aroma emerges.

• Gelatin Integration

Remove pot from heat and whisk softened gelatin into the warm mixture until completely smooth and silky.

• Flavor Enhancement

Add a touch of salt and vanilla to elevate the coffee’s deep, complex notes.

• Chilling Period

Transfer mixture into prepared ramekins and refrigerate until firm and delicately set, typically 4-6 hours.

• Elegant Presentation

Carefully unmold dessert by briefly dipping ramekins in warm water, then plate with a drizzle of decadent chocolate sauce and delicate chocolate shavings.

Tips to Perfect the Texture in Coffee Panna Cotta

• Coffee Panna Cotta Edition
• Bloom gelatin precisely by using cold water and letting it sit exactly 10 minutes for perfect texture without clumps.
• Experiment with different instant coffee brands or swap with espresso powder to create personalized flavor profiles matching your coffee preferences.
• Top with chocolate shavings, crushed coffee beans, or a delicate caramel drizzle to elevate the visual and taste experience of this classic Italian dessert.
• Prepare panna cotta up to 3 days in advance, storing covered in refrigerator for stress-free entertaining and convenient dessert planning.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter versions or dietary accommodations without compromising the creamy, smooth texture.

How to Serve Coffee Panna Cotta Like a Dessert Shop

• Coffee Dessert Companion: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the rich coffee flavor, creating a luxurious dessert experience.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings or drizzle melted chocolate over the panna cotta for an indulgent touch that enhances the coffee notes.
• Nutty Crunch Topping: Scatter toasted almond slivers or crushed hazelnuts around the dessert to introduce a delightful textural element and nutty undertone.
• Caramel Swirl Finale: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce or store-bought dulce de leche over the panna cotta for an extra layer of sweet sophistication that complements the coffee's depth.

Best Way to Chill and Store Coffee Panna Cotta

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store coffee panna cotta in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping them covered with plastic wrap to prevent moisture absorption and flavor contamination.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these delightful desserts 24-48 hours before your event, allowing flavors to deepen and texture to set perfectly in the refrigerator.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual panna cotta portions in heavy-duty aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe containers for emergency sweet treats lasting up to 2 weeks.
• Temperature Control Tips: Always keep coffee panna cotta chilled between 35-40°F to maintain optimal texture and prevent bacterial growth, using the coldest part of your refrigerator for storage.

Silky Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Silky coffee panna cotta delights dessert enthusiasts with its rich, creamy texture. Italian-inspired elegance meets bold espresso notes, inviting you to savor each luxurious spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 2 teaspoons (6 grams) unflavored gelatin
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) cold water
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 ¼ cups (296 milliliters / 10 fl oz) heavy cream
• ¾ cup (177 milliliters / 6 fl oz) whole milk
• 2 tablespoons (10 grams) Highground instant coffee
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) pure vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Vessel Preparation: Lightly coat serving dishes with non-stick spray to ensure effortless dessert removal after chilling.
2. Gelatin Activation: Sprinkle gelatin powder into cold water, allowing complete absorption and softening for precise texture development.
3. Liquid Base Creation: Combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, and instant coffee grounds in a saucepan, gently heating while whisking to create a smooth, integrated mixture with consistent temperature and flavor distribution.
4. Temperature Management: Continue heating until subtle bubbles emerge around pan edges, confirming sugar dissolution and optimal ingredient integration.
5. Gelatin Incorporation: Remove from heat and seamlessly blend softened gelatin, stirring until the mixture achieves complete uniformity without visible granules.
6. Flavor Enhancement: Introduce a subtle salt pinch and pure vanilla extract, thoroughly mixing to amplify the dessert’s aromatic complexity.
7. Molding and Chilling: Delicately pour the coffee-infused liquid into prepared vessels, covering with plastic wrap to prevent surface moisture and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing complete setting and texture refinement.
8. Presentation Technique: Briefly immerse vessels in hot water for quick release, then carefully invert onto serving plates, garnishing with decadent chocolate caramel sauce and elegant chocolate curls for a visually stunning dessert finale.

Notes

• Gelatin Activation: Ensure gelatin fully softens in cold water for 10 minutes to prevent lumpy texture and guarantee smooth setting.
• Temperature Control: Heat mixture gently to prevent scorching, watching for small bubbles as a sign of proper sugar dissolution and ingredient integration.
• Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours, covering with plastic wrap to prevent moisture formation and maintain pristine surface appearance.
• Elegant Unmolding: Briefly dip serving vessels in hot water for 5 seconds to release panna cotta cleanly, creating professional restaurant-style presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Drinks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg