Description
A silky, no-bake dessert with bold espresso flavor and warm brown sugar sweetness. This brown sugar espresso panna cotta is easy to make ahead and features a rich coffee custard topped with a glossy brown sugar glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin (about 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup instant espresso powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 1/2 cups chilled whole milk
- 4 cups cold heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar (for glaze)
- 1/2 cup water (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for glaze)
- Flaky sea salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together gelatin, brown sugar, espresso powder, and salt. Gradually whisk in chilled milk until smooth. Let sit for 20 minutes to bloom the gelatin.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk continuously for about 5 minutes until gelatin and sugar are fully dissolved. Do not boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in cold heavy cream. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large serving bowl or individual cups.
- Refrigerate uncovered for 8 hours, then cover and chill for another 4 hours until fully set.
- To make the glaze, combine light brown sugar, water, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves. Let cool to room temperature and store covered until ready to use.
- Before serving, spoon glaze over each panna cotta and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
Notes
- Use individual ramekins or jars for easier serving and presentation.
- For a deeper coffee flavor, increase espresso powder slightly.
- To reduce sweetness, serve glaze on the side or use less sugar in the base.
- Ensure gelatin fully dissolves and avoid overheating for best texture.
- Top with grated dark chocolate or cocoa powder for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
