White Chocolate Panna Cotta

An elegant dessert that tastes like a dream, this is the best panna cotta recipe you'll ever make!

It's such an easy dessert that takes a little bit of skill and patience yet delivers a delicate flavor that takes the breath away!

Why you'll love this panna cotta recipe

It's an amazing recipe that is quite easy to make
The white chocolate and vanilla flavor is to die for
These are the perfect mini desserts for a dinner party
This simple recipe is great for a birthday, baby shower or any kind of celebration!

Equipment needed

There are a few important pieces of equipment that you'll need to make this easy recipe:

Heavy-based saucepan – a small saucepan is needed to heat the mixture
Silicone muffin pan – this is a great piece of equipment for baking

How to make panna cotta

You need white chocolate, milk, caster sugar, heavy cream and gelatine for this recipe.

Combine the heavy cream, milk, and caster sugar in a pot. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Add the white chocolate pieces and stir until completely melted and smooth.

Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water until soft.

Squeeze out excess water from the softened gelatin sheets. Add them to the warm cream mixture and stir until dissolved.
Pour the mixture into your chosen mold or cups. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until set.

Top Tip

Don't skip on the chilling time. You'll need plenty of patience when it comes to getting the perfect panna cotta.

What to serve with panna cotta

Tea or coffee

Pair this easy panna cotta recipe with your favourite cup of tea or coffee.

Wine pairing

You could even pair this Italian dessert with a glass of your favorite tipple.

A sweet sherry or a dry Italian white would be the perfect choice and would accentuate the sweetness and cut through the creaminess.

If you're a fan of bubbles, go for prosecco, cava or even champagne.

With Fresh Fruit

For a refreshing contrast, top the panna cotta with raspberries, other fresh berries, mango slices, or citrus segments.

With a Sauce

Serve with a strawberry coulis or caramel for added flavor and visual appeal.

With Crunch

Add a crunchy element like crushed cookies, nuts, or a tuile for texture contrast.

Variations to this recipe

Vanilla White Choc Panna Cotta

Add vanilla seeds, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste to the cream while heating.
The vanilla complements the white choc beautifully and adds depth to the flavor.

White Chocolate and Matcha Panna Cotta

Add 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to the panna cotta mixture for a unique twist.
The earthy bitterness of matcha complements the sweetness of the white choc.

Fruit panna cotta

Finish your vanilla panna cotta with fresh strawberries, blueberries or cherries for a fabulous fruity flourish.
Other fruits you could use include blackberries, raspberries, peaches or even slices of pineapple.
You could also add a drizzle of strawberry sauce, mixed berry sauce or caramel sauce to the top of your panna cotta.

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Zesty panna cotta

Add a squeeze or two of lemon juice for a zesty finish.

White Chocolate Panna Cotta served in small glass bowls.

Popular substitutions

Gelatin

If you prefer not to use a gelatin mixture, substitute it with agar-agar.
Use about 1 teaspoon of agar-agar powder dissolved in the milk.
Agar-agar sets more firmly than gelatin so the texture will be slightly different.
You can also use powdered gelatin in place of sheets. One tablespoon of gelatin powder is equivalent to four sheets.

Milk Substitutes

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream or whipping cream and milk with coconut milk or a combination of almond milk and coconut cream. This will give the panna cotta a slightly different flavor but still rich and creamy.
Lighter Option: You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to make a lighter panna cotta. The texture will be less rich, but it will still be delicious.

Sugar

Honey or Maple Syrup: Substitute the caster sugar with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Remember that this will slightly change the sweetness and flavor of the panna cotta.

White Chocolate

Milk or Dark Chocolate: Although it will change the flavor significantly, you can replace white chocolate with milk or dark for a different version of panna cotta. Note that dark will make the dessert richer and less sweet.

Top tips

Follow the recipe notes to a tee to your panna cotta recipe turns out right.
Allow your chilled dessert to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

What is panna cotta?

It's a classic creamy Italian dessert with a wonderfully smooth texture and melt-in-your-mouth taste.

With ingredients that include cream, sugar, vanilla and gelatin, this classic recipe is absolutely delicious.

Sometimes made with added strawberries and other fruits, panna cotta originated in Italy in the early 1900s.

What does the term 'panna cotta' mean?

The Italian term 'panna cotta' translates into English as 'cooked cream'.

What kind of cream is best for this recipe?

To get the perfect creamy texture use whipped cream, known as double cream in the UK, or whipping cream.

How do you serve panna cotta?

When it comes to taking it out of the mold, you'll first need to ensure that the dessert has been chilled for at least 4 hours or longer.
When unmolding, run a knife around the edge of the ramekin or mold to ease the panna cotta from the fish.
Wipe a dessert plate with a tamp paper towel – this makes it easier to reposition the panna cotta if you don't quite place it correctly first time.
Release the panna cotta over the plate by tapping the side of the ramekin and lifting the pan until its settles onto the serving dish.

What's the difference between creme brulee and panna cotta?

It's not as thick and creamy as creme brulee. Also, creme brulee, a French dessert, is baked in the oven and contains eggs. Its Italian counterpart, panna cotta, is cooked on the stovetop and doesn't contain any eggs.

Is panna cotta a pudding?

Yes. This delicious Italian recipe is a classic pudding that makes for the perfect end to a three course meal.

Does panna cotta taste like flan?

While there are some similarities, these two desserts actually vary quite a bit when it comes to taste and texture.

What are the main ingredients in panna cotta?

Cream, milk, sugar, vanilla and gelatin. Sometimes with added fruit.

Does panna cotta contain raw egg?

No, there's no egg in panna cotta recipes.

Why has my panna cotta not set?

It could be that you have added certain fruits to your dessert.

The likes of pineapple and kiwi, for example, contain enzymes that break down the protein in gelatin. This prevents it from setting.

To avoid this, heat your fruit before adding it to the mixture.

How do you save panna cotta that didn't set?

Try reheating it on a low heat to see if it sets. Make sure it doesn't boil though, as you'll ruin the flavor and texture.

What can I use in place of vanilla extract?

Use vanilla bean paste or scrape a vanilla pod.

How do you store panna cotta?

Refrigeration

In Molds/Cups: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Unmolded: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Before Serving

Let refrigerated panna cotta sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Not recommended as it may cause graininess. If necessary, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge for at least six hours.

Leftover Toppings

Store separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days and add just before serving.

Other wonderful dessert recipes

Is that sweet tooth crying out for more? Take a look at these amazing recipes, from tried and tested classics to modern marvels. You'll love them!

No bake raspberry cheesecake – this wonderful cheesecake recipe is all about the fresh berries!
Peach cobbler – a winter favorite, this recipe has stood the test of time
Lardy cake – classic British baking at its best
Toffee sauce – there are so many ways to use this incredibly indulgent sauce!

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