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Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta

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4.1 from 44 reviews

Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta is a classic Italian dessert that offers a smooth, creamy texture with the delicate flavor of real vanilla bean. This elegant treat is simple to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and a few hours of chilling to set. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a sophisticated sweet treat at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
  • 3 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, scraped vanilla bean seeds, and sugar. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved but do not let it boil.
  2. Bloom the Gelatin: While the cream mixture is heating, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin evenly over the cold water in a small bowl. Let it stand for 5 minutes to soften and bloom.
  3. Combine Gelatin with Cream: Remove the saucepan from heat once the sugar is dissolved. Add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the hot cream and stir thoroughly until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
  4. Chill to Set: Pour the combined mixture into individual ramekins. Place them in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or until the panna cotta is firm and set.

Notes

  • For a stronger vanilla flavor, steep the vanilla bean seeds and pod in the cream for 10-15 minutes before heating.
  • You can substitute the vanilla bean with 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract if unavailable.
  • To unmold, briefly dip ramekins into warm water and invert onto a serving plate.
  • Add fresh berries or a fruit compote on top for added flavor and decoration.
  • Ensure gelatin is fully dissolved to avoid lumps in the final dessert.