This creamy chocolate panna cotta is a rich, elegant Italian dessert with silky texture and decadent flavor—perfect for a make-ahead treat.
PrintChocolate Panna Cotta
Chocolate Panna Cotta is a luxurious Italian dessert known for its creamy, custard-like texture and indulgent chocolate flavor. This elegant no-bake dessert is made by gently heating cream, milk, and sugar, blending it with rich chocolate and gelatin, then chilling it to perfection. Ideal for dinner parties or romantic evenings, it can be dressed up with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a glossy chocolate glaze. Smooth, sophisticated, and surprisingly simple to make, this chocolate panna cotta delivers a restaurant-quality dessert right from your own kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
2 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
1. Bloom the Gelatin:
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In a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the cold water and stir. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom (soften).
2. Heat the Cream and Milk:
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In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot and the sugar is dissolved (but not boiling).
3. Melt the Chocolate:
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Add the chopped chocolate to the hot cream mixture, stirring constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
4. Add Gelatin:
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Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the bloomed gelatin to the hot chocolate mixture and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
5. Add Vanilla:
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Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
6. Pour Into Molds:
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Pour the chocolate panna cotta mixture into individual serving cups or a large mold. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
7. Chill:
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Cover the panna cotta cups or mold with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, until fully set.
8. Serve:
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Once set, remove the panna cotta from the fridge. If you used a mold, you can dip the bottom of the mold in hot water for a few seconds to help release the panna cotta. Serve with whipped cream, berries, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce if desired.
Notes
Tips:
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Gelatin: Be sure to allow the gelatin to bloom before adding it to the hot mixture. This ensures that it dissolves properly.
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Chocolate: For a richer, more intense flavor, use dark chocolate or bittersweet chocolate. Milk chocolate will result in a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
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Serving Suggestions: Top with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or a dusting of cocoa powder to complement the richness of the chocolate.
Storage:
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Keep the panna cotta refrigerated, covered, for up to 3 days. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for dinner parties or special occasions.
🍫 FAQs: Chocolate Panna Cotta
Q: Can I make panna cotta ahead of time?
A: Yes! Panna cotta is perfect for making ahead. Prepare and refrigerate it up to 2–3 days in advance for best texture and flavor.
Q: How do I know if the panna cotta is set?
A: It should be firm to the touch but still jiggle slightly when you shake it. It usually takes at least 4 hours in the fridge to set properly.
Q: Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin?
A: Yes, but agar sets firmer than gelatin. Use about 1 tsp of agar powder and simmer it with the cream mixture for it to activate.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Use full-fat coconut milk or a combo of plant-based milk and cream. Note: the flavor and texture will change slightly.
Q: Can I freeze panna cotta?
A: It’s not recommended. Freezing can alter the silky texture and cause separation when thawed.
🍷 Pairings & Serving Suggestions
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Fresh Berries: Raspberries, strawberries, or cherries cut through the richness beautifully.
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Espresso or Coffee: A strong coffee adds balance to the creamy chocolate.
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Red Wine or Port: A bold red like Cabernet or a sweet port makes a romantic pairing.
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Crushed Biscotti or Almond Tuiles: Add crunch to contrast the silky texture.
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Sea Salt or Chili Flakes: For an adventurous twist, sprinkle lightly for flavor contrast.
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and portion sizes. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered medical or dietary advice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 25
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Protein: 4