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Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe

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5 from 102 reviews

This Decadent Coffee Panna Cotta is a smooth and creamy Italian dessert infused with strong brewed coffee, creating a perfect balance of rich flavor and subtle sweetness. It sets to a silky texture thanks to gelatin and is elegantly served chilled, making it an ideal treat for coffee lovers seeking a sophisticated dessert.

Ingredients

For the Panna Cotta

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup brewed strong coffee
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons gelatin powder
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For Garnish

  • Whipped cream (optional)
  • Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold water and let it sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes until it swells and becomes spongy, which activates the gelatin for dissolving.
  2. Heat the Cream Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, brewed coffee, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves. Be careful not to let the mixture boil, as boiling can affect texture.
  3. Dissolve the Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm cream mixture and whisk thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth without lumps.
  4. Pour and Chill: Pour the mixture evenly into serving molds or ramekins, leaving some space at the top. Place the molds in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or until the panna cotta is fully set and firm to the touch.
  5. Serve: To serve, briefly dip the bottoms of the molds into hot water for a few seconds to loosen the panna cotta. Carefully invert each mold onto a serving plate. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired, and enjoy this elegant dessert chilled.

Notes

  • Do not boil the cream mixture to preserve a smooth texture.
  • Use freshly brewed strong coffee for the best flavor infusion.
  • For a firmer panna cotta, you may increase the gelatin by half a tablespoon.
  • Make sure to chill the panna cotta for at least 4 hours for proper setting.
  • Serve with garnishes like whipped cream or chocolate shavings to enhance presentation and flavor.