This milk panna cotta with coffee syrup is an elegant dessert that’s very easy to prepare. Wow your guests with minimal effort! Homemade panna cotta is one of my favorite desserts. As soon as you try this recipe, you’ll understand why!
I love making panna cotta for dessert, especially if I’m having guests over. It sounds fancy, it looks fancy, and it’s So. Ridiculously. Easy.
Panna cotta makes me look good. Also, it takes less effort than a box of cake mix.
I had an interesting conversation recently about how for kitchen novices, certain recipes and concepts will appear intimidating on the surface. However, if those same beginners can take a deep breath, relax, and read the recipe, they’ll realize it’s no big thing.
Have you ever made Jello? Or maybe Jello shots in college? Cool, you can make panna cotta.
You’ll note that the recipe says 3 hours of prep time. That’s 3 hours in the fridge. I’m saying 15 minutes of active time here and that’s a stretch. Heat, stir, chill, serve. DONE.
I used Weck 1/5 liter tulip jars for serving, but you don’t have to use anything fancy. Wine glasses, small mason jars, or standard drinking glasses will all look great. The dessert is beautiful on it’s on. No need to purchase anything extra.
Milk Panna Cotta with Coffee Syrup
Ingredients
For the Panna Cotta:
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Coffee Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup good quality dark roast coffee or 2 shots espresso
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Panna Cotta:
- In a large mixing bowl (preferably one with a spout), combine the gelatin with 1-2 tablespoons of water, enough to dissolve the powder. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the milk, sugar and vanilla in medium-sized saucepan set over medium-high heat. Whisk to help the sugar dissolve. Once the mixture is simmering, remove from the heat and pour over the gelatin. Whisk until the gelatin and milk are combined, gently scraping the bottom of the bowl to make none of the gelatin is left behind. (Note: If the milk foams up slightly, use a spoon to discard the foam before proceeding with the next step).
- Divide the mixture evenly between 6 serving cups (wine glasses or small mason jars are a great option). Place in the refrigerator until firm, at least 3 hours.
Prepare the Coffee Syrup:
- Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan and turn the heat to medium high. Once the mixture is simmering, stir several times to help the sugar dissolve. You can either remove it from the heat as soon as the sugar dissolves, or let the syrup reduce for several minutes to a thicker consistency.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes, then stir in the coffee or espresso. Chill alongside the panna cotta.
- To serve, top each panna cotta with 1/4 cup or more of the coffee syrup.
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
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i love making panna cotta for guests too! i never knew how easy it actually was until i tried it the first time, i think the whole gelatine thing is kind of daunting. SO beautiful. and that coffee syrup looks & sounds so fabulous too Xx
I love these! I have to try making Panna Cotta already! Love the coffee syrup!
I really need to try my hand at panna cotta, it’s so simply gorgeous!
Isn’t panna cotta the best? the coffee and coconut versions are especially good, so love this!! <3
panna cotta + coffee = pure happiness. this is totally a must try Jennifer!
15 minutes of active time? Count me in! (And also give me two spoons:)
You’ve got me at coffee!! Such a easy to make yet delicious dessert.
These were so easy and elegant! My family loved them!
These are the perfect thing to serve at parties – tasty and impressive!
Perfect look and taste.
These Wreck jars are the perfect way to serve this delicious panna cotta.
This is like restaurant food at home. So impressive for entertaining!
Very creative with the coffee syrup- yum!
Just made this. So yummy! I have no idea why I was so shocked by how amazing the coffee syrup tastes. That is going on some ice cream pronto.
Thanks for posting an all milk version! I usually make it with part cream, but only had some whole milk to use up.
This was good, but I think the panna cotta itself needs a touch more sugar and more vanilla for my taste. Without the coffee syrup, I thought it was too bland. But since the syrup is sweet, I understand you don’t want to go overboard.