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Creamy Panna Cotta Recipe with Easy Luscious Berry Sauce for Dessert

creamy panna cotta - featured image

A silky smooth creamy panna cotta paired with a vibrant, luscious berry sauce. This easy dessert is perfect for any occasion and sure to impress with its nostalgic comfort and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups heavy cream (480 ml)
  • 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
  • 1 vanilla bean pod, split and scraped (or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract)
  • 2 1/2 tsp gelatin powder (about 7 grams)
  • 3 tbsp cold water (45 ml)
  • 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen, about 300 grams)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (15 ml)
  • 2 tbsp water (30 ml)

Instructions

  1. Pour 3 tablespoons cold water into a small bowl. Sprinkle the 2 1/2 teaspoons gelatin evenly over the surface. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it blooms and absorbs the water, becoming gelatinous.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Split the vanilla bean pod lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the pan, then toss the pod in as well (or add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract later). Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling—about 5 minutes.
  3. Remove the saucepan from heat. Take out the vanilla pod with a spoon. Add the bloomed gelatin and whisk until completely dissolved, about 1–2 minutes. If you used vanilla extract, stir it in now. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
  4. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean mixing bowl to catch any stray vanilla bits or gelatin lumps. Then, carefully pour the mixture into your chosen serving glasses or ramekins, filling each about 3/4 full.
  5. Place the panna cotta in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set fully. The texture should be silky but firm enough to hold its shape if unmolded.
  6. While the panna cotta chills, combine 2 cups mixed berries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons water in a small pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the sauce thickens slightly—about 8–10 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and let the berry sauce cool to room temperature before serving.
  8. Spoon the luscious berry sauce generously over the chilled panna cotta just before serving. Garnish with a few fresh berries or a mint sprig if desired.

Notes

Bloom gelatin properly to avoid lumps. Keep cream mixture just below boiling to prevent curdling. Strain vanilla bean bits for a silky finish. Frozen berries can be used directly for the sauce. Chill panna cotta at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture. Berry sauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: panna cotta, creamy dessert, berry sauce, easy dessert, vanilla panna cotta, luscious berry sauce, quick dessert, family dessert