Coffee Panna Cotta

Coffee Panna Cotta is a silky, creamy Italian dessert infused with rich coffee flavor. Smooth, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for dinner parties, holidays, or any coffee lover.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp instant espresso powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 1 tbsp unflavored gelatin powder
• 3 tbsp cold water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup strongly brewed espresso or coffee
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of kosher salt

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- For the panna cotta ---
2. 2Sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water in a small bowl and let it bloom for 5–10 minutes, until it looks spongy and fully hydrated.
3. 3In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cream, milk, sugar, espresso powder, vanilla, and salt. Warm over medium heat, whisking now and then, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is steaming hot but not boiling. Take it off the heat.
4. 4Whisk the bloomed gelatin into the hot cream mixture until it's fully dissolved and the base is smooth.
5. 5Lightly grease 6 ramekins or panna cotta molds with cooking spray.
6. 6Pour the mixture evenly into the molds. Let sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, until fully set.
7. 7Right before serving, whip the cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
8. 8Finish each panna cotta with a spoonful of whipped cream and a drizzle of coffee syrup.
9. 9--- For the coffee syrup ---
10. 10Combine the brewed coffee, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
11. 11Let it simmer for 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about half and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon; it'll thicken a bit more as it cools.
12. 12Take off the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let the syrup cool completely before using.
13. 13Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of syrup over each panna cotta right before serving. Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream and finish with chocolate curls, cocoa powder, or chocolate-covered espresso beans.