Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Panna Cotta is an elegant and rich dessert that’s both luxurious and surprisingly easy to make. The creamy, smooth texture of the panna cotta pairs perfectly with the deep, indulgent flavor of chocolate. It’s a no-bake dessert, which makes it perfect for preparing ahead of time, and it requires only a few ingredients. The result is a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that is both sophisticated and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as a sweet treat at home, this dessert is bound to be a hit.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk (or non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or use dark chocolate for a richer flavor)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) unflavored gelatin
2 tbsp cold water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom (absorb the water).
Heat the Cream and Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot but not boiling. Stir in the chopped chocolate and continue to stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Dissolve the Gelatin: Once the chocolate mixture is smooth and fully combined, remove it from the heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until it is completely dissolved in the mixture.
Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Pour into Molds: Carefully pour the chocolate mixture into individual serving dishes or molds. If you prefer, you can use small ramekins or glasses.
Chill: Refrigerate the panna cotta for at least 4 hours, or until it has fully set. It should have a soft, creamy consistency when ready to serve.
Serve: Once set, gently run a knife around the edges of the panna cotta if you want to remove it from the molds, or serve it directly in the dish. Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or berries for an extra touch of elegance.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)

Variations

Flavored Chocolate: Add a bit of espresso powder or a shot of coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor for a mocha twist.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or almond milk as a substitute for the dairy to make this recipe dairy-free.
White Chocolate Panna Cotta: For a lighter flavor, replace the semi-sweet chocolate with white chocolate.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a warm, spicy kick to the chocolate.
Fruit Toppings: Garnish with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a fruity contrast to the rich chocolate.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the panna cotta in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While panna cotta is typically served chilled and not frozen, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
Reheating: Panna cotta should not be reheated, as it may alter the texture. If you’ve frozen it, let it thaw in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier panna cotta. Keep in mind that the flavor will be less intense than with semi-sweet or dark chocolate.

2. Can I make this panna cotta ahead of time?

Absolutely! Panna cotta is perfect for making ahead of time. It needs several hours to set, so it’s ideal for preparing the day before serving.

3. Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin?

Yes, agar-agar can be used as a substitute for gelatin, but it requires a different method. You’ll need to follow the package instructions for how much agar-agar to use and dissolve it in boiling water before adding it to the chocolate mixture.

4. Can I use dark chocolate for a richer flavor?

Yes, using dark chocolate will give the panna cotta a richer, slightly more intense flavor. Choose a high-quality dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher for the best results.

5. How do I prevent lumps in the panna cotta?

To prevent lumps, ensure that the chocolate is fully melted and the gelatin is completely dissolved before pouring the mixture into the molds. Stir gently throughout the process to keep the texture smooth.

6. Can I make this recipe in larger quantities?

Yes, you can double or triple the recipe to serve more people. Just be sure to adjust the size of your molds or serving dishes accordingly.

7. Can I make this panna cotta without vanilla extract?

If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can leave it out, or substitute it with a small amount of another flavoring, such as almond extract or orange zest.

8. Can I remove the panna cotta from the mold?

Yes, you can remove the panna cotta from the mold by running a knife around the edges and carefully inverting the mold onto a plate. However, serving it directly from the dish or glass is also perfectly fine.

9. What’s the best way to garnish Chocolate Panna Cotta?

Top the panna cotta with a dollop of whipped cream, shaved chocolate, or fresh berries. You can also drizzle a little caramel sauce or chocolate syrup for an extra treat.

10. Why does my panna cotta have a wobbly texture?

The wobbly texture is perfectly normal! Panna cotta should have a soft, silky, and jiggly consistency. If it’s too firm, it may have set too long or used too much gelatin.

Conclusion

Chocolate Panna Cotta is an elegant, rich dessert that’s perfect for any chocolate lover. With its creamy, silky texture and deep chocolate flavor, it’s a treat that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for dinner parties, special occasions, or simply as an indulgent treat. Whether you serve it on its own or add toppings like whipped cream or berries, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and provide a memorable end to any meal.

Chocolate Panna Cotta

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Chocolate Panna Cotta is a luxurious, creamy dessert that blends the rich taste of chocolate with a smooth, velvety texture. This no-bake treat is perfect for any special occasion, offering a sophisticated yet easy-to-make indulgence.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk (or non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or use dark chocolate for a richer flavor)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) unflavored gelatin
2 tbsp cold water

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Instructions

Prepare the Gelatin:

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom (absorb the water).
Heat the Cream and Milk:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot but not boiling. Stir in the chopped chocolate and continue to stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Dissolve the Gelatin:
1. Once the chocolate mixture is smooth and fully combined, remove it from the heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until it is completely dissolved in the mixture.
Add Vanilla:
1. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Pour into Molds:
1. Carefully pour the chocolate mixture into individual serving dishes or molds. If you prefer, you can use small ramekins or glasses.
Chill:
1. Refrigerate the panna cotta for at least 4 hours, or until it has fully set. It should have a soft, creamy consistency when ready to serve.
Serve:
1. Once set, gently run a knife around the edges of the panna cotta if you want to remove it from the molds, or serve it directly in the dish. Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or berries for an extra touch of elegance.

Notes

If you prefer a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate.
Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved to avoid lumps in the panna cotta.
Feel free to experiment with different toppings like caramel sauce or fresh fruit.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 300
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 35mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg