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4.8 from 75 votes

Creamiest Panna Cotta

Although it only has four simple ingredients (hint, there's no gelatin) this ultra-creamy Panna Cotta melts in your mouth like butter. It’s the best way I’ve found for making this popular Northern Italian dessert.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Additional Time
2 hrs
Total Time
3 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 366 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For caramel
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 115 grams evaporated cane sugar (about ½ cup)
  • 2 tablespoons water
For Panna Cotta
  • 1 ⅔ cup heavy cream (I used 42% butterfat)
  • 75 grams granulated sugar (about ⅓ cup)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅔ cups egg whites (about 3-4 eggs)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 280 degrees F (140 C).
  2. Prepare a tray with 6 six ounce ramekins.
  3. Add 3 tablespoons of water to a saucepan with a lid and then add the sugar into the middle of the pot. Cover with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue to boil with the lid on until the sugar dissolves completely. 
  4. Once the sugar has melted remove the lid and and start measuring the temperature. You can stir it at this point if you need to. 
  5. When the caramel reaches a medium brown color (350 degrees F), remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly and carefully pour 2 tablespoons of room temperature water into it, whisking to combine. Be very careful as the hot caramel will sputter.
  6. Divide the caramel between the ramekins.
  7. Boil some water
  8. To prepare the custard, put the cream, sugar, and vanilla in a pot and heat, stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved (don't let the mixture boil). Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool to lukewarm. You can use an ice bath to speed this up.
  9. While you're waiting for the cream to cool, measure out the egg whites into a tall liquid measuring cup. If you don't have one, you can use any tall container your hand blender will fit in.
  10. Once the cream has cooled, pour the cream mixture into the egg whites. Stick the hand blender in the mixture and swish it around a bit without turning it on to remove any air trapped near the blades. With the blender fully submerged, pulse until the mixture is homogeneous. The idea is to mix evenly without incorporating any air.
  11. Divide the Panna Cotta custard between the ramekins and pour boiling water into the tray halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
  12. Carefully put the tray into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the custard has reached 163 degrees F (73 C).
  13. Let the ramekins cool, cover and refrigerate until set.
  14. Run a hot paring knife or needle around the edge of the ramekin to separate and then unmold the Panna Cotta onto a plate. Garnish with strawberries, or other berries.

Nutrition Information

Calories 366kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 33g (11%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 24g (37%) Saturated Fat 15g (75%) Cholesterol 90mg (30%) Sodium 70mg (3%) Potassium 93mg (3%) Sugar 31g (62%) Vitamin A 970IU (19%) Vitamin C 0.4mg (0%) Calcium 45mg (5%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 366

% Daily Value*

Calories 366kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 33g 11%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 24g 37%
Saturated Fat 15g 75%
Cholesterol 90mg 30%
Sodium 70mg 3%
Potassium 93mg 2%
Sugar 31g 62%
Vitamin A 970IU 19%
Vitamin C 0.4mg 0%
Calcium 45mg 5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.