Description
This Salted Caramel Panna Cotta recipe offers a silky, creamy Italian dessert that perfectly balances the richness of a classic panna cotta with the sweet and salty allure of homemade caramel sauce. A make-ahead treat that’s elegant, indulgent, and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Panna Cotta:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup cold water and let it sit undisturbed for 5–10 minutes to fully bloom and soften.
- Heat the Dairy Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Add Gelatin and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin along with the vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and the gelatin is fully incorporated.
- Chill the Panna Cotta: Pour the mixture evenly into ramekins or serving glasses. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set to a firm, creamy consistency.
- Prepare Salted Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Without stirring, allow the sugar to melt and turn a deep amber color. Once achieved, carefully whisk in the heavy cream (expect bubbling), then add the unsalted butter and sea salt. Stir until smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
- Cool the Caramel Sauce: Let the caramel sauce cool slightly to thicken and temper before serving.
- Serve: Once the panna cotta is fully set, spoon the salted caramel sauce over each serving. Serve chilled for a perfect contrast of creamy and sweet-salty flavors.
Notes
- Make the caramel sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator; gently reheat before serving to restore silky texture.
- For easy unmolding of the panna cotta, dip ramekins briefly into hot water before inverting onto plates.
- This dessert can be prepared up to a day in advance for convenience.
- Use good quality vanilla extract and sea salt for the best flavor impact.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
