Description

A creamy, elegant vanilla bean panna cotta paired with a bright, tangy berry coulis. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dessert is simple to prepare and can be made ahead.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups heavy cream (480 ml)
1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
1 whole vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
⅓ cup granulated sugar (65 g)
2 ¼ teaspoons gelatin powder (one envelope)
2 cups fresh or frozen mixed berries (300 g)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
¼ cup water (60 ml) for blooming gelatin
Optional: additional sugar for coulis if berries are tart

Instructions

Bloom the gelatin by sprinkling it over ¼ cup (60 ml) of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until softened.
In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Split the vanilla bean pod lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the pot; add the pod as well.
Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot but not boiling (around 170°F or 75°C).
Remove from heat and fish out the vanilla pod. Add the bloomed gelatin and whisk until completely dissolved. If using vanilla extract, add 2 teaspoons now.
Let the mixture cool slightly for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour the cream mixture evenly into ramekins or serving glasses. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
While panna cotta chills, prepare the berry coulis by blending berries with lemon juice and optional sugar if needed. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and chill until serving.
Serve panna cotta chilled with a spoonful of berry coulis on top. Garnish with whole berries or mint if desired.

Notes

[‘Do not skip blooming the gelatin to ensure a smooth set.’, ‘Use real vanilla bean for authentic flavor and visual appeal.’, ‘Chill panna cotta for at least 4 hours; overnight is best.’, ‘Adjust sweetness of berry coulis to taste.’, ‘Make ahead and store panna cotta covered in fridge up to 3 days; store coulis separately.’, ‘For firmer set, add half teaspoon more gelatin.’, ‘For vegan version, substitute coconut milk and agar-agar.’]

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ramekin (approx. 4
Calories: 320
Sugar: 15
Sodium: 40
Fat: 27
Saturated Fat: 17
Carbohydrates: 18
Fiber: 2
Protein: 4

Keywords: vanilla bean panna cotta, panna cotta recipe, easy dessert, berry coulis, weeknight dessert, creamy dessert, gelatin dessert