
Caramel Panna Cotta
Prep
20 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
6
Difficulty
Easy
This silky caramel panna cotta has become my go to dessert when I want something that feels fancy but doesn't require hours in the kitchen. With just 45 minutes total, you'll have an elegant Italian custard that'll impress anyone at your table. The mascarpone cheese adds richness while providing beneficial probiotics for digestion, and the homemade caramel sauce takes this from simple to absolutely spectacular. Best part? Most of these ingredients are probably already sitting in your pantry, so you can whip this up on a weeknight without a special trip to the store.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 400 mlcream
- 200 gsugar
- 150 mlcaramel sauce
- 20 mllemon juice
- 50 gunsalted butter
- 1 mlvanilla extract
- 10 ggelatin
- 200 gmascarpone cheese
- 25 gcocoa powder
- 150 mlheavy cream
- 5 gsalt
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
In a medium saucepan, combine cream, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
Tip: Be patient, as this step can take a few minutes.
- 2
In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 50ml of hot water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
Tip: Make sure to let it bloom, as this will help the gelatin dissolve properly.
- 3
Remove the cream mixture from the heat and add in the bloomed gelatin, stirring until dissolved.
Tip: Be careful not to scald the mixture.
- 4
Let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Tip: Don't overmix at this stage.
- 5
In a separate bowl, whip the mascarpone cheese until smooth, then fold in the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Tip: Be patient, as this step can take a few minutes.
- 6
In a small saucepan, heat the caramel sauce over low heat until warm.
Tip: Be careful not to burn the caramel.
- 7
To assemble the panna cotta, pour the cooled cream mixture into individual serving cups. Top with whipped mascarpone mixture and drizzle with warm caramel sauce.
Tip: You can garnish with cocoa powder or cocoa nibs for added flavor and texture.
- 8
Refrigerate the panna cotta for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
Tip: Make sure to refrigerate until set, as this will help the panna cotta hold its shape.
- 9
Before serving, sprinkle with cocoa powder or cocoa nibs for added flavor and texture.
Tip: This will also help to hide any air pockets that may form during refrigeration.
Recipe Variations
Get AI-powered ingredient substitution suggestions.
You Might Also Like

Beergarita
My go to drink for summer gatherings is this refreshing Beergarita, and let me tell you, it's a total crowd pleaser. The combination of tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and a cold Corona creates something that tastes way more complicated than it actually is. Lime juice is packed with vitamin C, which is great for your immune system, and the whole thing takes just five minutes to throw together. Best part? It's incredibly budget friendly since you're probably already stocking most of these ingredients anyway.

Tropical Quinoa
This tropical quinoa bowl has become my go to weeknight dinner because it comes together in just forty minutes and tastes like a mini vacation on a plate. Quinoa is one of my favorite ingredients since it's a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids, making it so satisfying and perfect for keeping energy levels steady. The combination of papaya, red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro brings vibrant flavors and colors, while the rice wine vinegar and orange zest add just the right brightness. Best part is the ingredient list is simple and affordable, yet feels fancy enough to impress anyone at your table.

Crispy seabass with preserved lemon yogurt
This is one of my favorite quick weeknight dinners because it comes together in just ten minutes flat. Crispy seabass with preserved lemon yogurt is that perfect balance of impressive and effortless, with tangy Greek yogurt and zingy preserved lemon creating a sauce that feels restaurant quality but tastes like home. The seabass gets beautifully golden and flaky while the freekeh provides substantial whole grains packed with fiber and protein. It's the kind of meal that makes you feel like you're treating yourself without any fuss.
Reviews
Sign in to write a review.