This Brown Sugar Espresso Panna Cotta is a silky, elegant dessert that blends the deep caramel notes of brown sugar with the bold aroma of espresso. Smooth, creamy, and lightly set, it’s the kind of dessert that feels luxurious yet is surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and coffee bitterness, making it ideal for espresso lovers. It requires minimal ingredients, no baking, and can be prepared ahead of time, which makes it perfect for entertaining or special occasions. The texture is velvety and delicate, while the flavor feels rich without being heavy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1/8 teaspoon fine salt
Directions
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the cold water. Let it bloom for 5 minutes until fully hydrated.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, brown sugar, espresso powder, and salt.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar and espresso are fully dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the bloomed gelatin. Stir gently until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture through a fine strainer to ensure a smooth texture.
- Divide evenly among serving glasses or ramekins.
- Allow the panna cotta to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
- Serve chilled, directly from the glasses or unmold if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes.
Chilling and setting time is about 4 to 6 hours.
Total time from start to finish is around 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Variations
For a stronger coffee flavor, increase the espresso powder to 2 1/2 teaspoons. You can substitute dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses taste. For a lighter version, replace half of the heavy cream with additional whole milk. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top can add extra visual appeal and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store the panna cotta covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the smooth texture.
FAQs
Can I make this panna cotta ahead of time?
Yes, it is ideal for making a day in advance since it needs several hours to set properly.
What type of espresso should I use?
Instant espresso powder works best for smooth texture and even flavor distribution.
Can I use regular coffee instead of espresso?
Espresso powder is recommended, as brewed coffee may weaken the flavor and affect consistency.
How do I know when panna cotta is set?
It should be firm around the edges with a gentle wobble in the center when shaken.
Can I unmold the panna cotta?
Yes, briefly dipping the ramekins in warm water helps release them cleanly.
Is this dessert very sweet?
It has a balanced sweetness, with espresso adding a slight bitterness to complement the sugar.
Can I make this recipe without gelatin?
Gelatin is essential for the classic panna cotta texture, so substitutions will change the result.
What can I serve with this panna cotta?
Fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a light dusting of cocoa powder pairs well.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients while keeping the method the same.
Why is my panna cotta grainy?
This can happen if the mixture boils or the gelatin is not fully dissolved.
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Espresso Panna Cotta is a refined dessert that combines creamy indulgence with bold coffee flavor. Whether served at a dinner party or enjoyed as a quiet treat, this recipe delivers elegance, simplicity, and unforgettable taste in every spoonful.
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Brown Sugar Espresso Panna Cotta
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Brown Sugar Espresso Panna Cotta is a creamy, no-bake dessert that blends the caramel depth of brown sugar with bold espresso flavor. Smooth, elegant, and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for coffee lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1/8 teaspoon fine salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cream, milk, brown sugar, espresso powder, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring until dissolved and hot (do not boil).
- Remove from heat and stir in bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve for smooth texture.
- Divide into serving glasses or ramekins. Let cool at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
- Serve chilled as is or unmold if desired.
Notes
- Do not boil the cream mixture to avoid curdling or graininess.
- Use dark brown sugar for deeper molasses flavor if preferred.
- Garnish with cocoa powder, caramel drizzle, or whipped cream for presentation.
- Can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored covered in the fridge.
- Use instant espresso for best texture and flavor integration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilled
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 panna cotta
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
