Salted Caramel Panna Cotta Recipe
If you’ve ever longed for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and a little indulgent treat all at once, you are going to adore this Salted Caramel Panna Cotta. This silky Italian dessert, gently infused with the richness of caramel and finished with a hint of salt, strikes the perfect balance between creamy smoothness and decadent sweetness. Whether you’re impressing guests or simply treating yourself after a long day, the Salted Caramel Panna Cotta is a simple yet stunning way to elevate your dessert game with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this dessert is wonderfully straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role. From the luscious cream that gives this panna cotta its signature velvety texture to the salted caramel that adds that irresistible, balanced sweetness and edge of saltiness, every element matters.
- 2 cups heavy cream: This creates the creamy base that gives the panna cotta its rich, silky mouthfeel.
- ½ cup sugar: Sweetens the dessert just enough to balance the salted caramel without overpowering it.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm aromatic note that complements the caramel beautifully.
- 1 tbsp gelatin (or 2 tsp powdered gelatin): Essential for setting the panna cotta to that perfect, delicate jiggle.
- ¼ cup salted caramel sauce: The star of the show that crowns this dessert with its distinctive salted-sweet flavor.
How to Make Salted Caramel Panna Cotta
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
Start by sprinkling your gelatin over a small bowl of cold water and let it soak for about five minutes. This blooming process is key to ensuring the gelatin melts evenly and sets the panna cotta perfectly without any lumps or graininess.
Step 2: Heat the Cream and Sugar
Next, gently warm your heavy cream in a saucepan, sprinkling in the sugar as it heats. Stir carefully until the sugar completely dissolves. This step softens the cream’s richness while ensuring the panna cotta is sweetened evenly throughout.
Step 3: Add Gelatin and Vanilla
Remove the cream mixture from the heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until it’s completely dissolved and silky smooth. Then add the vanilla extract for that subtle, fragrant touch which pulls all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Pour the luscious liquid into your serving glasses or ramekins. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours. This chilling time is where the magic happens — the panna cotta will transform from liquid to a silky, firm dessert that melts in your mouth.
Step 5: Finish with Salted Caramel
Just before serving, drizzle a generous spoonful of salted caramel sauce over the top. This finishing touch adds a delightful contrast of salty and sweet, elevating the panna cotta to an unforgettable treat.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Panna Cotta
Garnishes
While the salted caramel sauce is a star garnish itself, you can elevate presentation with a few extras. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a light dusting of cocoa powder, or even a delicate twist of candied orange peel can add an elegant flourish and complementary flavors.
Side Dishes
Salted Caramel Panna Cotta shines as a standalone dessert but pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a crisp biscotti. The fruit adds a fresh acidity that cuts through the richness, and a crunchy biscuit provides that satisfying textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a little wow factor, try serving your panna cotta in clear glasses or vintage teacups to showcase its creamy layers and the deep amber caramel topping. You could also layer it with crushed cookies or swirl caramel into the cream before chilling for beautiful marbling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover panna cotta (and it’s quite possible you will because it’s just so good), cover the cups tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days without losing any of its silky texture or flavor.
Freezing
Freezing panna cotta is generally not recommended as it can affect the delicate texture once thawed. The gelatin may cause unevenness or watery separation. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days when refrigerated.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be served cold, so reheating is unnecessary. If you crave a warm caramel flavor, consider warming a bit of salted caramel to drizzle on top as you serve rather than trying to heat the panna cotta itself.
FAQs
Can I use unflavored gelatin sheets instead of powdered gelatin?
Absolutely! Just bloom the sheets briefly in cold water, squeeze out excess liquid, and then stir them into the warm cream mixture. The substitution works perfectly as long as the gelatin is fully dissolved.
Is there a dairy-free version of Salted Caramel Panna Cotta?
Yes, you can substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use agar-agar powder instead of gelatin to create a similar texture while keeping it vegan-friendly. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious with caramel sauce.
Can I make the salted caramel homemade for this recipe?
Definitely! Homemade salted caramel adds a special touch, and with just sugar, butter, cream, and sea salt, you can customize the flavor and sweetness perfectly to your liking.
How long does it take for the panna cotta to set?
Typically, the panna cotta requires at least four hours in the refrigerator to set properly. For the best texture, avoid rushing this step as the gelatin needs time to work its magic.
Can I prepare Salted Caramel Panna Cotta in advance for a party?
Yes, it’s an ideal make-ahead dessert. Prepare it a day in advance, chill overnight, and add the final caramel drizzle just before serving for a no-stress, elegant treat your guests will adore.
Final Thoughts
There is just something utterly irresistible about the smooth creaminess of a Salted Caramel Panna Cotta enhanced by the perfect pinch of salt in the caramel sauce. Whether you’re new to making panna cotta or a dessert lover looking for that next favorite, this recipe will quickly become a cherished classic in your repertoire. Treat yourself and those you love to its simple elegance—you won’t regret it!
