Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like an elegant café treat but is secretly a breeze to make, this Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe is it. Silky-smooth, rich with real coffee flavor, and a showstopper for both dinner parties and solo indulgence, every spoonful is a dreamy blend of creaminess and espresso-kissed sweetness. Trust me, one bite and you’ll fall in love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Café-Level Flavor: Made with real espresso or instant espresso powder, this Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe delivers a bold coffee kick that’s both authentic and irresistible.
  • Incredibly Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll pull off a dessert that tastes truly fancy—without any fuss.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these ahead of time for stress-free entertaining or a ready-to-eat treat whenever cravings hit.
  • Customizable & Elegant: The silky base pairs perfectly with countless garnishes and lets you get creative with presentation—hello, wow factor!
Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Coffee Panna Cotta is all about spotlighting simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building that luscious texture and deep, cozy coffee flavor, so use the best you can—just seven essentials and a few fun garnishes make magic together.

  • Heavy Cream: Provides a rich and silky foundation that’s essential for that luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Whole Milk: Lightens things up slightly without sacrificing creaminess—don’t swap for skim!
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the panna cotta just enough to balance the coffee’s natural bitterness.
  • Instant Espresso Powder or Brewed Espresso: The undeniable star; choose a robust, high-quality espresso for the best coffee punch. Instant powder makes it super easy!
  • Unflavored Gelatin Powder: Sets the panna cotta to that signature wobble—be sure it’s “unflavored” so the coffee shines through.
  • Cold Water: Used to bloom the gelatin properly, helping avoid any lumps in your final dessert.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds welcoming warmth that rounds out every bite.
  • Pinch of Salt: Just a touch elevates all the other flavors.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, Whole Almonds, Fresh Mint (for garnish): These finishing touches add contrast, crunch, and restaurant-worthy flair.
  • Optional: Coffee Syrup or Reduced Espresso: Drizzled around the base for extra coffee intensity and gorgeous presentation.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe is just the beginning—you can easily make it your own without sacrificing its luxurious simplicity. Whether you want to tweak for dietary needs, flavor preferences, or whatever you have on hand, it’s endlessly adaptable.

  • Dairy-Free Version: Swap the cream and milk for coconut milk and coconut cream for a luscious, vegan-friendly twist that adds a hint of tropical flavor.
  • Mocha Panna Cotta: Whisk in a tablespoon of Dutch cocoa powder along with the coffee for a dreamy chocolate-coffee combo.
  • Decaf Delight: Use decaf espresso powder or decaffeinated brewed espresso if you want all the flavor, minus the buzz.
  • Spiced Coffee: Add a pinch of ground cardamom or cinnamon for an aromatic, spiced take on the classic version.

How to Make Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

This step is where all the silkiness begins! Sprinkle your unflavored gelatin evenly over the cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5–10 minutes until it forms a thick, softly set gel—blooming ensures the gelatin will melt smoothly into the cream later on. No shortcuts here; proper blooming means zero lumps in your panna cotta!

Step 2: Heat the Dairy and Dissolve Sugar

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, espresso powder (or brewed espresso), and a pinch of salt. Warm gently over medium heat, stirring often until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is steaming—but don’t let it boil! This creates a smooth base and allows those coffee aromas to bloom.

Step 3: Stir in Gelatin and Vanilla

Once the dairy mixture is hot and the sugar is dissolved, take the pan off the heat. Drop in the bloomed gelatin and stir until no trace of gelatin grains remain. Now, stir in the vanilla extract—it’ll add just the right touch of warmth and roundness to your coffee base.

Step 4: Strain and Divide

To guarantee a panna cotta that’s feather-light and free of any stray bits, pour your mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or mixing bowl. This small step makes an enormous difference in texture. Next, pour the liquid evenly into 4 to 6 ramekins or silicone molds.

Step 5: Chill Until Set

Let them cool at room temperature for a few minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for extra insurance. This is where the magic happens—the gelatin sets, the flavors meld, and your Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe transforms into a truly elegant dessert.

Step 6: Unmold and Garnish

When you’re ready to serve, carefully dip each ramekin in warm water for about 10 seconds (don’t submerge!), run a thin knife around the edge, and invert onto a plate. A gentle shake usually does the trick. Have fun with garnishes: a dusting of cocoa powder, a glossy whole almond, a mint sprig, and a drizzle of coffee syrup truly make these pop!

Pro Tips for Making Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe

  • Espresso Matters: Use a high-quality instant espresso or freshly brewed espresso—cheap, bitter coffee will show up in the final flavor.
  • Perfect Bloom: Give your gelatin the full 5–10 minutes to bloom, and don’t skip the fine-mesh sieve step for ultimate smoothness.
  • Texture Control: Want a firmer set? Add up to an extra ½ teaspoon of gelatin—your panna cotta will hold up beautifully, even unmolded.
  • Unmolding Like a Pro: Run a thin knife gently around the edge and be patient; a quick dip in hot water helps release the panna cotta without melting it.

How to Serve Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe

Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

The right garnish elevates every bite! Dust with unsweetened cocoa powder for a hint of bitterness that plays off the sweet, creamy base. A glossy whole almond on top adds crunch and an earthy note. Don’t forget a sprig of fresh mint—it brightens the presentation and imparts a fragrant pop.

Side Dishes

This Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe is rich and satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp biscotti or a plate of buttery almond cookies. Want a lighter touch? Fresh berries or a fruit compote balance the creaminess with natural tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the panna cotta in clear glasses for a modern touch, or serve in espresso cups for an adorable Italian twist. Drizzle some reduced espresso or coffee syrup around each serving for a dramatic, restaurant-style effect. If you’re entertaining, set out a “garnish bar” so guests can customize each serving—fun and interactive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover panna cotta tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to airtight containers. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for advanced prep or unexpected guests who drop by for coffee.

Freezing

While technically possible, I don’t recommend freezing panna cotta—the texture can become grainy after thawing. For the creamy-smooth experience you expect from a Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe, stick to fridge storage.

Reheating

Panna cotta is meant to be served chilled, not reheated! If it’s set too firmly, let it rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften the texture slightly for that signature silky wobble.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe ahead of time?

    Yes! In fact, panna cotta is almost always made ahead—it needs at least 4 hours to set, and can relax in the fridge for up to 3 days. Perfect for effortless elegant entertaining.

  2. Can I use regular drip coffee instead of espresso?

    Espresso really delivers the strongest flavor, but if all you have is drip coffee, just make it extra strong and use it in place of the espresso. Your panna cotta will still be lovely, though slightly less bold.

  3. How do I safely unmold panna cotta without breaking it?

    Dip each ramekin briefly in warm (not hot!) water and gently loosen the edge with a thin knife. Then invert onto the serving plate and give it a few patient shakes. If you’re nervous, you can always serve directly in the ramekin or glass—just as delicious and even easier!

  4. Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet panna cotta?

    Absolutely! You can dial back the sugar by 1–2 tablespoons if you prefer your Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe less sweet. Just taste the mixture before chilling; the coffee flavor will become more pronounced.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience just how effortlessly impressive this Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe is! Whether you’re sharing it at a special gathering or simply spoiling yourself after a long day, this creamy, coffee-infused dessert always delivers a little touch of magic. Give it a try—and prepare for rave reviews!

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Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe

Coffee Panna Cotta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 79 reviews
  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Chilling, Mixing, Straining
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of Coffee Panna Cotta, a classic Italian dessert infused with the bold flavor of espresso. This elegant dessert is perfect for coffee lovers and those who appreciate a silky, smooth treat.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Panna Cotta:

  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder or 1 shot brewed espresso
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
  • 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For Garnish:

  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Whole almonds
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Optional: coffee syrup or reduced espresso for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Bloom the Gelatin: Sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until thick.
  2. Heat the Dairy Mixture: Combine cream, milk, sugar, espresso, and salt in a saucepan. Warm until steaming.
  3. Combine Gelatin and Vanilla: Remove from heat, add gelatin and vanilla, mix well.
  4. Strain and Pour: Strain the mixture and pour into ramekins.
  5. Divide and Chill: Chill for at least 4 hours.
  6. Unmold and Garnish: Unmold, garnish with cocoa, almonds, mint, and coffee syrup.

Notes

  • Use high-quality espresso for better flavor.
  • For a firmer texture, add more gelatin.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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