Silky Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta Delight
This indulgent panna cotta is a creamy, egg-free custard flavored with real vanilla bean and set with gelatin. Served directly in ramekins with fresh berries.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 ramekins
Full Ingredient List
- 1 quart heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped
- 2 1/4 teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin
- 3 tablespoons water
- Mixed berries
- Salt
Base Panna Cotta
Tools and Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Ramekins
- Small bowl
Ingredients
| Quantity | Name | Preparation Notes | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 quart | heavy cream | ||
| 1/2 cup | sugar | ||
| 1/2, split lengthwise, seeds scraped | vanilla bean | Vanilla beans can be washed and reused or dried for vanilla sugar. | |
| 2 1/4 teaspoons | unflavored powdered gelatin | Sprinkle over water to bloom. | |
| 3 tablespoons | water | For blooming gelatin. |
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, mix the cream, sugar, and vanilla bean with seeds. Heat until it just simmers, then remove and cover for 15 minutes to steep. (Tips: Ensure you use a moderate heat to avoid scalding the cream.)
- Step 2: While the cream is steeping, sprinkle gelatin over water in a bowl and let it stand for about 5 minutes to moisten evenly. (Tips: Blooming the gelatin ensures it dissolves smoothly later.)
- Step 3: Remove the cover from the cream mixture, bring to a simmer again, then remove from the heat and stir in the gelatin until it dissolves completely. Extract and save the vanilla bean. (Tips: Stir well to avoid lumps from undissolved gelatin.)
- Step 4: Divide the panna cotta mixture into eight ramekins. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until set, about 3 hours. (Tips: Allow to cool slowly to prevent condensation on the cover.)
- Step 5: Serve the set panna cotta in the ramekins topped with mixed berries. (Tips: Use a variety of berries for color and flavor contrast.)
Additional Information
Notes: You can prepare this recipe up to three days in advance for convenient entertaining.