Indulge in this silky, creamy Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta that melts in your mouth and delights every dessert lover. With the natural fragrance of real vanilla beans and a smooth, custard-like texture, this dessert is perfect for elegant dinner parties or a simple, sweet treat. Serve it with fresh berries, fruit coulis, or a drizzle of caramel for a stunning presentation. Easy to prepare ahead of time, it’s a versatile dessert that always impresses guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chilling)
- Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 2 1/2 tsp powdered gelatin
- 3 tbsp cold water
- Fresh berries or fruit coulis, for serving
Instructions
- Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla bean seeds plus pod. Heat over medium until just simmering; do not boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Pour mixture into serving glasses or ramekins. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Remove vanilla pod. Serve chilled with fresh berries or drizzle with fruit coulis.
Tips, Variations & Storage
- For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with whole milk.
- Add a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier or Amaretto for an adult twist.
- Prepare a day in advance for convenience; it actually improves the texture.
- Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, you might also like:
- Lemon Panna Cotta
- Vanilla Cheesecake Bites
- Mango Panna Cotta
- For more creamy desserts, check BBC Good Food Panna Cotta Recipes.
