Creamy Vanilla Panna Cotta

A smooth, silky Italian dessert with a delicate vanilla flavor, perfect for an elegant treat.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped)

• 2 tsp powdered gelatin

• 3 tbsp cold water

Optional Topping

• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

• Honey or caramel drizzle

• Mint leaves for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Bloom the Gelatin

1. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl.

2. Let sit for 5 minutes until it softens.

2️⃣ Heat the Cream

1. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and sugar.

2. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot, but do not boil.

3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract (or seeds from vanilla bean).

3️⃣ Add Gelatin

1. Stir the bloomed gelatin into the hot cream mixture until fully dissolved.

4️⃣ Pour into Molds

1. Pour mixture into 4 small serving cups or ramekins.

2. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours (or overnight) until set.

5️⃣ Serve

• Run a knife around the edge to loosen if unmolding.

• Top with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey or caramel, and mint leaves.

🔥 Tips

• For extra creaminess, substitute half the milk with more cream.

• Can be flavored with almond extract, citrus zest, or a splash of liqueur for variety.

• Make ahead — perfect for dinner parties.