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–+ servings
A molded serving of Classic Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta topped with mixed berries and sauce on a bright yellow plate.

Classic Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Berries

This recipe adapts a traditional Italian dessert for a lighter approach while keeping the creamy texture and delicate vanilla flavor you expect. It honors a classic family recipe, making it perfect for impressing guests at any dinner party.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Panna Cotta
  • 1 quart Heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 1 Vanilla bean, split lengthwise, seeds scraped
  • 2.25 teaspoons Unflavored powdered gelatin
  • 3 tablespoons Water For blooming gelatin
For Serving
  • Mixed berries For serving

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Ramekins or small serving glasses

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to bloom.
  2. Combine the heavy cream, sugar, and the scraped vanilla bean seeds (and the pod) in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is steaming, but do not let it boil.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Remove and discard the vanilla bean pod.
  4. Add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the warm cream. Whisk gently until the gelatin is completely dissolved and no granules remain.
  5. Pour the mixture evenly into four small ramekins or serving glasses.
  6. Cover the ramekins with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the panna cotta is fully set.
  7. Before serving, top each panna cotta with fresh mixed berries.

Notes

If you do not have a vanilla bean, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of high-quality vanilla extract. Add the extract after removing the cream mixture from the heat, just before adding the gelatin.
For easy unmolding, dip the bottom of each ramekin briefly in hot water before inverting onto a serving plate.

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