Coffee Panna Cotta is a creamy, velvety Italian dessert with the perfect balance of rich coffee flavor and smooth, indulgent cream. This elegant treat is easy to make with just a few ingredients and no baking required, making it ideal for dinner parties, special occasions, or a delightful end to any meal. The combination of espresso or strong coffee and the silky texture of panna cotta creates a dessert that’s both satisfying and luxurious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and rich: The smooth, creamy texture of panna cotta is the perfect backdrop for the bold coffee flavor.

• Easy to make: With just a few basic ingredients, you can create an impressive dessert with minimal effort.

• No-bake dessert: Panna cotta doesn’t require any baking, making it ideal for those who want a quick yet elegant dessert.

• Coffee lovers’ dream: If you love coffee, this dessert is a must-try. The coffee flavor is perfectly balanced with the creamy sweetness of the panna cotta.

• Customizable toppings: You can serve it with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder for extra flair.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk (or any milk of choice)

• ½ cup brewed strong coffee (or espresso)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons powdered gelatin

• 3 tablespoons cold water

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

• Whipped cream or chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom (soften).

2. Heat the cream and milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling. Do not let it simmer.

3. Add the coffee: Remove the cream and milk mixture from the heat and stir in the brewed coffee or espresso. Mix until fully incorporated.

4. Dissolve the gelatin: Add the bloomed gelatin to the hot coffee cream mixture and stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved. If needed, return the mixture to low heat for a minute to help dissolve the gelatin, but don’t let it boil.

5. Flavoring (optional): Stir in the vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.

6. Cool the mixture: Allow the coffee panna cotta mixture to cool slightly for 5-10 minutes.

7. Pour into molds: Pour the mixture into individual serving cups, ramekins, or a large mold. Leave a little space at the top for garnish or whipped cream.

8. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the panna cotta is fully set and firm to the touch.

9. Serve: Once set, serve the panna cotta chilled. Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder for extra flavor and elegance.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 4-6 servings, depending on the size of your cups or ramekins.

• Preparation time: 10 minutes

• Chill time: 4 hours or overnight

• Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream and almond milk as substitutes for a dairy-free version of panna cotta. You can also use a plant-based gelatin substitute.

• Chocolate coffee panna cotta: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cream and milk mixture for a chocolate-coffee flavor combination.

• Vanilla bean panna cotta: Replace the vanilla extract with the seeds from a vanilla bean for a more luxurious flavor.

• Toppings: Top your panna cotta with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a few coffee beans, or a sprinkle of finely grated dark chocolate for a decadent finish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the panna cotta in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. It can also be covered and kept in the serving cups or ramekins.

• Reheating: Panna cotta should be enjoyed chilled and does not need to be reheated. If you find it too firm after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! Panna cotta is perfect for making ahead of time. It needs to chill for at least 4 hours, so making it a day in advance is ideal.

Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?

Yes, you can substitute brewed coffee with instant coffee granules mixed with hot water. Just ensure the coffee is strong enough to impart the right flavor.

What can I use instead of powdered gelatin?

If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan option, you can use agar-agar, which is a plant-based gelling agent. The measurements and method may vary slightly, so follow the instructions on the agar-agar package.

How do I know when the panna cotta is set?

The panna cotta should be firm but slightly wobbly when touched. If it’s not set after a few hours, it might need a little more time in the fridge.

Can I make this recipe in a larger mold instead of individual cups?

Yes, you can make it in a larger mold, but you may need to adjust the chilling time based on the size of the mold. A larger mold may take longer to set fully.

Can I use a different flavor of coffee?

Certainly! You can experiment with different flavored coffees like vanilla, caramel, or mocha to create unique variations of panna cotta.

Conclusion

Coffee Panna Cotta is an elegant and easy-to-make dessert that combines the rich flavors of coffee with a smooth, creamy texture. This indulgent treat is perfect for coffee lovers, and its silky texture and subtle sweetness make it a showstopper for any dinner or gathering. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a luxurious dessert that will impress your guests or satisfy your own cravings.