Creamy, lightly sweet, and infused with rich coffee flavor, this coffee panna cotta is an elegant dessert that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. With its smooth, delicate texture and beautiful layered look, it’s perfect for dinner parties or a quiet treat at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers a luxurious dessert without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. The contrast between the creamy milk layer and the aromatic coffee layer creates a balanced flavor that isn’t overly sweet. It’s also a make-ahead dessert, which means less stress and more time to enjoy the moment. Plus, it’s served chilled, making it refreshing and light despite its indulgent feel.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 3/4 cups whole milk, divided
1/2 cup dessert-style coffee creamer (such as coconut caramel or vanilla)
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin powder (about 14 grams total)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
1 3/4 cups water
Directions
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 1/2 cups of the milk with all of the coffee creamer. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.
Remove from heat and add 3/4 of the first gelatin envelope. Whisk until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
Pour the milk mixture into serving glasses. For a layered, angled look, place the glasses at a tilt inside small bowls or ramekins.
Refrigerate the glasses at an angle for 30 minutes.
Transfer the glasses to the freezer for 30 minutes, then return them to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to fully set the first layer.
While the milk layer sets, combine the water, remaining 1/4 cup milk, instant coffee, and vanilla in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Remove from heat and add 3/4 of the second gelatin envelope. Whisk until fully dissolved.
Remove the glasses from the refrigerator and set them upright.
Carefully pour the coffee mixture over the set milk layer.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then repeat the freezer-and-refrigerator setting process used earlier until fully set.
Serve chilled and enjoy.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Active preparation time is about 15 minutes.
Total time, including chilling and setting, is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Variations
You can customize this panna cotta easily. Use vanilla or hazelnut-flavored creamer for a different flavor profile. For a stronger coffee taste, increase the instant coffee to 1 1/2 tablespoons. If you prefer a lighter dessert, substitute low-fat milk for whole milk, keeping in mind the texture will be slightly softer.
Storage/Reheating
Store coffee panna cotta covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold and should not be reheated, as heat will cause it to lose its set texture.
FAQs
Can I make coffee panna cotta ahead of time?
Yes, it’s an excellent make-ahead dessert and can be prepared a day in advance.
Why didn’t my panna cotta set properly?
This usually happens if the gelatin wasn’t fully dissolved or if the mixture was overheated after adding gelatin.
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?
Instant coffee works best for smooth texture, but very strong brewed coffee can be used if strained well.
Is this dessert very sweet?
No, it’s lightly sweet with a balanced coffee flavor that isn’t overpowering.
Can I make this without a layered effect?
Yes, simply pour the milk layer flat, let it set, then pour the coffee layer directly on top.
What type of milk works best?
Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but lower-fat milk can be used with slightly softer results.
Can I freeze panna cotta to speed up setting?
Short freezer intervals are fine, but do not freeze it solid as this affects texture.
Is panna cotta gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just scale all ingredients evenly and use larger or additional serving glasses.
How do I know when it’s fully set?
The surface should feel firm but gently spring back when lightly touched.
Conclusion
Coffee panna cotta is a simple yet impressive dessert that brings together creamy sweetness and bold coffee flavor in perfect harmony. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this recipe offers an easy way to enjoy a refined, restaurant-style dessert right at home.
A smooth, creamy Italian dessert layered with a rich coffee flavor and sweet milk base. This elegant coffee panna cotta is simple to prepare, requires no baking, and makes a perfect make-ahead treat.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups whole milk, divided
1/2 cup dessert-style coffee creamer (e.g., coconut caramel or vanilla)
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 1/2 cups of the milk with all of the coffee creamer. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.
Remove from heat and add 3/4 of the first gelatin envelope. Whisk until completely dissolved.
Pour the milk mixture into serving glasses. For a layered, angled look, tilt the glasses inside small bowls or ramekins.
Refrigerate the glasses at an angle for 30 minutes.
Transfer the glasses to the freezer for 30 minutes, then return to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to fully set the milk layer.
Meanwhile, combine the water, remaining 1/4 cup milk, instant coffee, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Remove from heat and add 3/4 of the second gelatin envelope. Whisk until fully dissolved.
Remove the glasses from the fridge and set them upright.
Carefully pour the coffee mixture over the set milk layer.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then place in the freezer for 30 minutes followed by refrigeration for another 30 minutes until fully set.
Serve chilled and enjoy.
Notes
Do not overheat the gelatin or it may not set properly.
For a stronger coffee flavor, increase instant coffee to 1 1/2 tablespoons.
Use vanilla or hazelnut-flavored creamer for a different twist.
Avoid freezing solid as it affects the panna cotta texture.
This dessert is best served cold and should not be reheated.
