Description
This delicate and creamy Strawberry Panna Cotta is a classic Italian dessert featuring a smooth vanilla-infused cream base set with gelatin, topped with a vibrant homemade strawberry sauce. Perfect for a light yet indulgent treat, it requires minimal preparation and a few hours of chilling to achieve the perfect silky texture.
Ingredients
Panna Cotta Base
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ whole vanilla bean (seeds extracted) or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Sauce
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced and divided
- 3 tablespoons granulated white sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Gelatin: Place the whole milk in a small bowl and evenly sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the surface. Allow it to soak undisturbed for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Heat Cream Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla seeds, and the scraped vanilla bean pod. Heat over medium heat and bring to a low boil, then let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the milk and gelatin mixture until completely dissolved and smooth.
- Strain the Mixture: Pour the liquid through a mesh strainer into a clean bowl or measuring cup to remove any undissolved gelatin bits, ensuring a silky smooth panna cotta base.
- Chill the Panna Cotta: Pour the strained mixture into individual serving glasses or molds. Cover them with plastic wrap or lids and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the panna cotta to set firmly.
- Prepare Strawberry Sauce: Place half of the sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a slow boil over medium heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sugar is dissolved and the strawberries soften.
- Add Fresh Strawberries: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the remaining fresh strawberry slices to the warm sauce.
- Cool the Sauce: Allow the strawberry sauce to cool completely to room temperature.
- Serve: Once the panna cotta is fully set and chilled, spoon the cooled strawberry sauce generously over the top. Return to the refrigerator if necessary until ready to serve.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries for the sauce to maximize natural sweetness and flavor.
- The vanilla bean adds a more intense flavor, but vanilla extract is a convenient substitute.
- If you prefer a firmer panna cotta, consider increasing gelatin to 3 teaspoons.
- Make sure not to boil the cream mixture vigorously but keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent curdling.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead, making it ideal for entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
