Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that feels sophisticated but is secretly simple, Coffee Panna Cotta will absolutely win you over. Imagine the silky, creamy smoothness of classic Italian panna cotta, infused with a deep espresso kick that’s as satisfying as your favorite after-dinner coffee. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or just treating yourself on a quiet night in, Coffee Panna Cotta delivers an elegant finish with surprisingly little effort—and once you learn how easy it is to whip up, it may just become your new signature dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Coffee Panna Cotta is all in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each one brings something essential to the party—from that rich, creamy base to the bold coffee notes and gentle sweetness. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why every item matters.

• Heavy Cream: Provides the luscious, silky texture that makes panna cotta irresistible.
• Whole Milk: Lightens the cream just enough to prevent the dessert from feeling too heavy while still keeping it rich.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the coffee flavor without overpowering it, balancing the dessert perfectly.
• Powdered Gelatin: Sets the panna cotta into that classic, quivering shape we all know and love.
• Cold Water: Essential for “blooming” the gelatin so it dissolves smoothly into your cream mixture.
• Instant Espresso Powder (or strong brewed coffee reduced to 2 Tbsp): Delivers that signature deep coffee flavor—use more or less for your ideal strength.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the dessert, making the coffee pop while adding subtle warmth.
• Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings: Optional extras that make each serving feel delightfully special.

How to Make Coffee Panna Cotta

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

This first step guarantees the perfect texture. Simply sprinkle your powdered gelatin over the cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes—this is called “blooming,” and it allows the gelatin granules to absorb water so they melt seamlessly into your creamy mixture later. Don’t rush it; this is key to avoiding any gritty bits in your panna cotta.

Step 2: Heat the Cream, Milk, Sugar, and Coffee

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and espresso powder. Set it over medium heat and warm the mixture, stirring occasionally. You want to heat it just until the sugar fully dissolves and the coffee flavor is blended in, with gentle steam rising from the surface. Be sure not to let it boil—just a gentle simmer is perfect for preserving that smooth and creamy consistency.

Step 3: Combine with the Gelatin

Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the bloomed gelatin. Take your time here and whisk or stir until you’re sure the gelatin is completely dissolved—nobody wants surprise lumps! Once that’s done, stir in the vanilla extract to bring everything together with that inviting aroma.

Step 4: Pour and Chill

Carefully pour your mixture into ramekins, small glasses, or whatever serving dishes make you smile. Don’t worry about being too fancy—the silky-smooth finish will do all the work. Refrigerate the panna cotta for at least four hours, or until each one is softly set and has that satisfying wobble that makes panna cotta so mesmerizing.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once your Coffee Panna Cotta is perfectly chilled, it’s go-time! Top each one with a generous puff of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings if you love a little extra flair. That combination of velvety desserts and crunchy, cocoa-rich chocolate is pure magic.

How to Serve Coffee Panna Cotta

Garnishes

The crowning glory of any panna cotta is the final touch. For Coffee Panna Cotta, try a cloud of whipped cream, delicate chocolate shavings, or even a dusting of cocoa powder. These garnishes add visual appeal and the perfect extra dimension of flavor, making each spoonful feel truly luxurious.

Side Dishes

This dessert is a star on its own, but if you want to go the extra mile, pair Coffee Panna Cotta with crisp biscotti, buttery shortbread, or a handful of chocolate-covered espresso beans. The bite-sized crunch contrasts beautifully with the smooth panna cotta, elevating the whole experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to play with presentation! Serve Coffee Panna Cotta in glass tumblers, espresso cups, or even demitasse cups to lean into the theme. For a dramatic effect, unmold them onto dessert plates and surround them with swirls of coffee syrup or vibrant, fresh berries. Personal touches make each dessert feel like a thoughtful treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about Coffee Panna Cotta is its make-ahead magic. Cover your ramekins or glasses with plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. This not only preserves the texture but actually lets the flavors meld, making each bite more delicious.

Freezing

Freezing panna cotta isn’t usually recommended, as it can change the luxuriously creamy texture—but if you must, wrap each dish tightly and freeze for up to one month. To serve, thaw slowly in the fridge overnight and expect a slightly different (but still tasty) consistency.

Reheating

Panna cotta is always served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it! If you’d like, just let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to take the chill off before serving. This little trick makes the texture even silkier and the flavors a touch more intense.

FAQs

Can I make Coffee Panna Cotta without gelatin?

Traditional panna cotta does rely on gelatin for its signature texture, but you can experiment with agar-agar (a seaweed-based alternative). Use about half the amount and dissolve it thoroughly as it sets more firmly and quickly than gelatin.

How strong should the coffee be?

That’s up to you! For a bold punch, use the full 2 tablespoons of espresso powder. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste—you’re in control of your perfect Coffee Panna Cotta experience.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute coconut cream and almond milk for the dairy; just be aware that the flavor will shift toward the subtly nutty, tropical notes of coconut—but honestly, it’s a delicious twist you might love!

How do I unmold panna cotta without breaking it?

Run a thin knife around the edge of each ramekin and dip the bottom briefly in hot water to loosen. Invert onto a chilled serving plate and gently wiggle it free. Take your time, and your Coffee Panna Cotta should slide out beautifully intact.

Can I make Coffee Panna Cotta in advance for a party?

Yes! In fact, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert. Panna cotta needs those hours in the fridge to set, so prepare it the night before or in the morning for stress-free entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you love the idea of an easy, elegant dessert that delights with every spoonful, Coffee Panna Cotta may quickly become a regular on your table. Give it a try, play with the flavors and toppings, and most importantly—enjoy every creamy, coffee-kissed bite!

Print