Caramel Panna Cotta – Home Cooking Adventure

This Caramel Panna Cotta is a sophisticated and delicate Italian dessert that combines the creamy elegance of panna cotta with the rich, deep flavor of caramel. It is a delectable finish to any meal, whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion.

This eggless and gluten-free treat begins with a simple caramel made from sugar and water, which is carefully cooked until it reaches a golden amber hue. The caramel coats the bottom and sides of the ramekins, creating a beautiful, glossy layer that will crown the dessert when inverted.

The vanilla panna cotta mixture is poured over the set caramel in the ramekins. After chilling for several hours, the panna cotta firms up to a perfectly silky texture.

When ready to serve, invert the ramekins onto plates, revealing the delightful caramel layer now sitting atop the panna cotta. This dessert is not only delicious but also looks beautiful, especially when garnished with fresh berries and sprigs of rosemary or mint. The freshness of the berries and herbs adds a vibrant contrast to the rich, creamy caramel panna cotta.

How to make Caramel Panna Cotta

Begin by preparing the caramel. Place the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat, and cook without stirring until the sugar dissolves and takes on a caramel color. Immediately divide the caramel among 4 ramekins, each with a capacity of 4-5 oz (120-150ml). Rotate the ramekins to coat the bottoms and sides with the caramel, then set them aside.

Next, prepare the panna cotta. Dissolve the gelatin in 2 tablespoons of cold water and let it swell for 5 to 10 minutes. In a medium saucepan, bring the cream, milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla to a simmer over medium-low heat, ensuring it does not boil. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes before adding the bloomed gelatin. Stir until the gelatin has completely dissolved.

Evenly divide the panna cotta mixture into the caramel-coated ramekins. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the panna cotta to set.

When ready to serve, dip each ramekin into a bowl of hot water for about 30 seconds to loosen the caramel. Run a sharp knife around the edges of the panna cotta, then invert each ramekin onto a plate. Garnish with fresh berries and sprigs of fresh rosemary or mint.

Hope you will try this amazing Caramel Panna Cotta and enjoy this elegant and delightful dessert! If you do, make sure to share the photos with me on Instagram. Would love to see how this recipe turns out for you.

Other similar desserts you may like to try

If you love chocolate you may like to try this delightful Chocolate Panna Cotta made with silky smooth chocolate-infused cream. It is perfectly set and garnished with chocolate sauce and berries.

Try the delicate flavors of this Vanilla and Raspberry Panna Cotta, an elegant dessert featuring a vibrant raspberry panna cotta layer topped with a silky vanilla panna cotta.

This Strawberry Panna Cotta is an amazing dessert with a creamy vanilla panna cotta topped with a fresh, sweet strawberry sauce. It is a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion.