Espresso Panna Cotta is a creamy and indulgent dessert that combines the richness of heavy cream and milk with the bold flavor of espresso. This silky treat is easy to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients, and is perfect for coffee lovers. Topped with dark chocolate shavings, it’s an elegant, satisfying way to end a meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups whole milk

• 1 ½ tsp unflavored gelatin powder

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream

• 3 heaping tsp instant espresso powder

• ¼ cup sugar

• Pinch of salt

• Dark chocolate shavings, for garnish

Directions:

1. Prepare the Gelatin:
   Pour the milk into a saucepan and gently sprinkle the gelatin powder into the milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.

2. Dissolve the Gelatin:
   Stir the milk and gelatin mixture over medium heat until the gelatin fully dissolves.

3. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
   Add the heavy cream, espresso powder, sugar, and salt to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and stir until the sugar has dissolved.

4. Pour and Chill:
   Pour the panna cotta mixture into dessert cups. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight. Stir the mixture every 20 minutes during the first hour to ensure smooth consistency.

5. Garnish and Serve:
   Before serving, garnish the panna cotta with dark chocolate shavings. Enjoy!

Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving):

(These values are estimates based on common ingredients and serving sizes.)

Calories: ~250-300 kcal
Fat: ~20g
Carbohydrates: ~18g
Protein: ~3g
Cholesterol: ~50mg
Sodium: ~40mg
Vitamin A: ~15% DV
Iron: ~4% DV

This espresso panna cotta is the perfect dessert to indulge in, especially for those who love coffee!

The Charm of Panna Cotta: A Silky Italian Classic

Panna cotta, which translates to “cooked cream” in Italian, is a traditional Italian dessert made with cream, milk, sugar, and gelatin. It’s known for its delicate, smooth texture, which is a result of the gentle cooking process and the use of gelatin to set the cream into a custard-like consistency. Panna cotta is incredibly versatile and can be infused with a variety of flavors, such as vanilla, chocolate, or fruit, but the addition of espresso in this version makes it especially irresistible for coffee enthusiasts.

This dessert’s appeal lies in its simplicity and its ability to be customized with different flavors. Espresso Panna Cotta, in particular, stands out due to the rich, deep coffee flavor that balances beautifully with the creamy base. The slightly bitter espresso, combined with the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the cream, creates a sophisticated flavor profile that’s both comforting and elegant.

Key Ingredients: What Makes Espresso Panna Cotta Special

The beauty of Espresso Panna Cotta lies in its minimal ingredient list, which allows each component to shine. Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients:

1. Whole Milk: The milk provides a smooth base for the panna cotta, contributing to its creamy texture. Whole milk is preferred for its richness, which balances the heaviness of the cream.

2. Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives panna cotta its signature indulgent, silky texture. The richness of the cream complements the coffee flavor perfectly, creating a luxurious mouthfeel.

3. Unflavored Gelatin Powder: Gelatin is the setting agent in panna cotta. It creates the smooth, firm texture without making it too stiff. The gelatin helps the cream mixture set into a delicate, custard-like consistency.

4. Instant Espresso Powder: Espresso powder brings the bold, deep coffee flavor that defines this dessert. Instant espresso powder dissolves easily in the cream mixture, infusing the panna cotta with a rich coffee flavor.

5. Sugar: Sugar sweetens the panna cotta and helps balance out the bitter notes of the espresso, creating a well-rounded dessert.

6. Pinch of Salt: A small pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor and helps bring out the richness of the cream and espresso.

7. Dark Chocolate Shavings: Dark chocolate shavings make for the perfect garnish, adding a touch of decadence and a slight bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sweetness of the panna cotta.

Step-by-Step Process to Make Espresso Panna Cotta

Making espresso panna cotta is straightforward and doesn’t require complicated techniques. The process consists of blooming the gelatin, dissolving it into the cream and milk mixture, adding the espresso, and then letting the mixture set. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Gelatin: Begin by pouring the whole milk into a saucepan. Gently sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder over the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom. This allows the gelatin to absorb the liquid and fully hydrate.

2. Dissolve the Gelatin: After the gelatin has bloomed, place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture gently until the gelatin is completely dissolved. This should only take a minute or two.

3. Add the Remaining Ingredients: To the gelatin mixture, add the heavy cream, espresso powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low and stir until the sugar has fully dissolved. Be careful not to bring the mixture to a boil; just gently heat it to ensure the ingredients combine smoothly.

4. Pour and Chill: Once the mixture is well combined and smooth, pour it into individual dessert cups or molds. Cover each cup with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 to 6 hours, or overnight if possible, until the panna cotta is fully set.

5. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the panna cotta with freshly shaved dark chocolate for an elegant touch. The bitterness of the chocolate pairs perfectly with the rich coffee flavor of the panna cotta, adding depth to the dessert.

Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

Espresso Panna Cotta is a rich and indulgent dessert that pairs well with a variety of complementary flavors. Here are a few ideas for serving:

1. Berries: Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries provide a bright, tangy contrast to the richness of the panna cotta. You can either serve the berries on the side or add them as a topping for added color and flavor.

2. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy panna cotta. It also enhances the indulgence factor of the dessert.

3. Coffee Pairing: Since this dessert is coffee-flavored, why not pair it with a good cup of espresso or coffee? A nice cappuccino or a latte can make the perfect accompaniment to enhance the coffee experience.

4. Chocolate Pairing: If you love chocolate, you can pair this dessert with a chocolate truffle or a small piece of dark chocolate for a more indulgent treat.

Conclusion: A Creamy, Indulgent Coffee Dessert

Espresso Panna Cotta is a simple yet indulgent dessert that brings together the best of coffee and creamy sweetness. The smooth, velvety texture of the panna cotta is enhanced by the bold flavor of espresso, making it a perfect treat for coffee lovers. The addition of dark chocolate shavings adds a sophisticated touch and balances out the richness of the dessert. Whether served after a meal or enjoyed on its own, this espresso panna cotta is sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings with its elegant flavors and luxurious texture.