Panna Cotta is a delicious Italian dessert, it’s served chilled and has a custard like consistency, it’s ultra creamy and slightly sweet and you can infuse many different flavors into it. One of my favorite versions is coffee infused panna cotta, it’s the perfect finish to a lovely summertime meal.
The key to making the perfect coffee panna cotta with the utmost of flavor is to brew and use espresso, I repeat espresso, don’t bother trying to make it with regular coffee it won’t have any flavor at all, trust me.
I like to garnish mine with chocolate espresso beans, the more coffee flavor the better for me, but you could even use shaved chocolate, some chopped hazelnuts, a dollop of whipped cream, whatever you like.
Panna cotta is great for entertaining because you can make it the day before and have it chilling in your fridge and ready to serve to your guests when it’s dessert time.
Did I mention how easy it is to make? You only need a few simple ingredients which in turn will give you a very WOW presentation.
This recipe for panna cotta is one you don’t have to un-mold, so find your prettiest glasses to serve it in and they don’t have to be big ones either. Add a few cookies on the side and you’ll have the perfect summertime dessert!
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- 1 envelop of plain gelatin, like Knox
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup hot espresso
- 4 to 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1½ cups of half-and-half
- In a very small bowl bloom the gelatin with the water. Heat in microwave for 30 seconds to dissolve.
- Mix the sugar into the warm espresso in a medium bowl until dissolved. Add the gelatin mixture stirring well so it's not sticking to the bottom using a rubber spatula.
- Stir in all the half-and-half.
- Pour into four small glasses then refrigerate.
- Panna cotta should be set in around 2 hours or so.
- Garnish with chocolate espresso beans or a topping of your choice, right before you're ready to serve.
I’m Marie, a wife, mother, mother-in-law, and gramma of two beautiful girls. My passion is food, clear and simple but especially Italian food, hence the name of my blog, Proud Italian Cook. I want you to feel right at home here so grab a cup of coffee, I’ll get the pastries, take a look around and enjoy your visit! {
A well made panna cotta is a truly lovely way to end a meal.
I’m in love with this recipe thank you thank you xoxo
MMMMMMmmmmmm…I love ALL panna cotta!
Another perfect example of simple Italian cooking! I need to make this – I haven’t made a panna cotta in ages! And it is great for entertaining!
An absolutely perfect dessert as far as I’m concerned. My love for smooth and creamy, not too sweet and then espresso combined — YUM! Yes indeed it is perfect any time of year. Great recipe and I love your presentation. Do you have any left over??????
Coffee panna cotta is one of my favorites Marie. But you are a tease showing it with your cucidati. I want it all now.