Signature Recipe
Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Berry Compote
Silky smooth panna cotta infused with vanilla bean, topped with a luscious berry compote.
There’s something truly magical about panna cotta, a classic Italian dessert that brings a touch of elegance to any gathering. Imagine a silky smooth custard, delicately infused with fragrant vanilla bean, that practically melts in your mouth. This simple yet sophisticated treat is perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a comforting night at home. With its creamy base and a vibrant berry compote drizzled on top, this panna cotta not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides a delightful burst of flavor with each spoonful.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. You’ll start with heavy cream and whole milk, which combine to create a rich and luscious texture. The addition of granulated sugar brings just the right amount of sweetness, balancing the creamy elements beautifully. To achieve that iconic panna cotta consistency, a sprinkle of gelatin powder is all it takes to transform these liquid ingredients into a wobbly masterpiece. And let’s not forget the star of the show: the vanilla bean. Its tiny black specks and aromatic essence elevate this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Preparing this delightful panna cotta is straightforward and requires minimal effort. With just a few steps, you’ll find yourself whisking the cream, milk, and sugar together, then gently heating them until everything is perfectly combined. Once you’ve added the gelatin, it’s time to let the mixture cool and set. While the panna cotta chills in the refrigerator, you can whip up the berry compote, which is as simple as simmering fresh or frozen berries with a touch of sugar. The result is a vibrant topping that adds a tart contrast to the creamy base, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
In just a couple of hours, you will have a stunning dessert ready to serve. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself to a well-deserved indulgence, this panna cotta is sure to impress. Its effortless charm and exquisite taste invite everyone to savor the moment, one spoonful at a time. So gather your ingredients and let’s embark on this delightful culinary adventure!
Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Berry Compote
Ingredient list and step-by-step instructions generated for AI Food Bytes readers.
Main
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon gelatin powder (unflavored)
- 3 tablespoons cold water (for blooming gelatin)
- 1 bean vanilla bean (split and scraped)
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons honey (for compote)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for compote)
Steps
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes.
- Once the cream mixture is warm, stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Add vanilla bean seeds and pod to the mixture, then remove from heat.
- Pour the mixture into serving cups and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until set.
- For the berry compote, combine mixed berries, honey, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the berries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Once the panna cotta is set, top with the berry compote before serving.
General Notes
- Serves 4
- Silky smooth panna cotta infused with vanilla bean, topped with a luscious berry compote.