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Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce Recipe

There’s something absolutely magical about the simplicity of a smooth, creamy Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce Recipe. This Italian dessert is elegant yet easy to whip up, boasting luscious vanilla flavors paired perfectly with a tangy raspberry sauce that bursts with freshness. If you’re looking for a dessert that both impresses and comforts, this recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Effortlessly elegant: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create a dessert that looks and tastes like it’s from a fine dining restaurant.
A perfect balance of flavors: The silky vanilla cream contrasts beautifully with the bright, tangy raspberry sauce, awakening your taste buds.
Versatile dessert: Whether for a dinner party, special occasion, or a sweet treat after a casual meal, this recipe always feels just right.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it hours in advance to reduce stress and spend more time enjoying your company or relaxing.

The image shows a smooth, creamy white panna cotta dessert sitting on a white square plate. On top of the panna cotta, there is a thick layer of bright red raspberry sauce dripping down the sides, with a fresh raspberry and small green mint leaves as decoration. A woman's hand holds a spoon, gently pouring more of the glossy red sauce onto the dessert. In the background, similar panna cottas with the same sauce and garnishes are arranged on white square plates on a white marbled surface, with a red cloth with white polka dots adding contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce, vanilla panna cotta, raspberry sauce dessert, Italian panna cotta recipe, easy elegant desserts

Ingredients & Substitutions

The beauty of this Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of basic ingredients. Each element plays a role — the creamy texture comes from whole milk and heavy cream, while pure vanilla extract brings that comforting aroma and flavor. Gelatin gently sets the custard to a perfect silky softness, and fresh raspberries provide a vibrant, natural tartness for the sauce.

Flat lay of fresh bright red raspberries, plump gelatin sheets, a small glass jug of whole milk, a smooth bowl of creamy heavy cream, rustic vanilla beans alongside a small bottle of pure vanilla extract, and a small pile of granulated sugar crystals, all beautifully arranged with gentle natural light highlighting their textures and colors, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce, vanilla panna cotta, raspberry sauce dessert, Italian panna cotta recipe, easy elegant desserts
  • Whole Milk: Adds a lighter creaminess that balances the heavy cream’s richness for a smooth mouthfeel.
  • Heavy Cream: Essential for that luscious, velvety texture panna cotta is known for.
  • Unflavored Gelatin: The key to setting the custard without overpowering its delicate softness.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: Offers authentic, aromatic vanilla flavor – avoid artificial vanilla for the best taste.
  • Fresh or Frozen Raspberries: Fresh is ideal for brightness, but frozen works wonderfully when raspberries aren’t in season.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin

Begin by sprinkling the unflavored gelatin evenly over water in a shallow bowl. This hydration step is important to ensure the gelatin dissolves smoothly later, giving your panna cotta that delicate, silky texture without any clumps.

Step 2: Heat the Milk and Sugar

In a saucepan set over medium-low heat, warm the whole milk and sugar, whisking regularly until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture reaches about 140°F. This gentle warming helps the sugar blend perfectly without boiling away any of the milk’s freshness.

Step 3: Incorporate the Gelatin

Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the gelatin mixture, making sure to scrape all the softened gelatin from the bowl. Return the pan to low heat and stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until the gelatin is fully dissolved. This step ensures your panna cotta will set evenly with the perfect jiggle.

Step 4: Add Cream, Vanilla, and Salt

Take the pan off the heat again and whisk in the heavy cream, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This combination brings richness, that signature vanilla aroma, and just a hint of balance to round out the flavors harmoniously.

Step 5: Chill the Panna Cotta

Pour the silky mixture evenly into ramekins or small glasses. Cover them gently and refrigerate for at least six hours, or overnight if you can wait that long. The slow chilling allows the panna cotta to set with a smooth, creamy consistency that melts in your mouth.

Step 6: Make the Raspberry Sauce

While the panna cotta chills, prepare the raspberry sauce by heating fresh or frozen raspberries in a saucepan over medium heat. Mash the berries as they soften, coaxing out their vibrant juices. After about 5 minutes, strain the mixture to remove seeds, then return the juice to the pan with sugar. Simmer until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon — approximately 10 minutes.

Step 7: Serve with Style

To elegantly serve your Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce Recipe, loosen the edges by running a thin knife along the ramekin. Dip the ramekin briefly in warm water to help release the dessert, then invert onto a plate. Top with 2-3 tablespoons of the luscious raspberry sauce for a beautiful, fresh contrast.

How to Serve Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce Recipe

A single-layer dessert sits on a white square plate with a smooth, creamy white panna cotta base topped with a glossy, bright red raspberry sauce that slightly drips down the sides. A fresh raspberry and a small green mint leaf sit on top of the sauce, adding texture and color contrast. A gold spoon holds a scoop of panna cotta and sauce, captured mid-air in front of the dessert. Three fresh raspberries are scattered around on a white marbled surface underneath the plate. The scene is softly lit with a clean, simple look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce, vanilla panna cotta, raspberry sauce dessert, Italian panna cotta recipe, easy elegant desserts

Garnishes

Feel free to elevate the plating by adding fresh mint leaves, a few whole raspberries, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. These simple touches brighten the look and add subtle layers of fresh flavor that complement the creamy panna cotta and tart sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a crisp glass of sparkling wine or a delicate cup of herbal tea. As a light finale, it complements fresh fruit salads or simple biscotti for textural contrast without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving panna cotta in clear glasses layered with fresh raspberries or granola for a parfait effect. Alternatively, create mini panna cotta bites using silicone molds and garnish each with a single raspberry and edible flower for a charming party treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your panna cotta covered tightly with plastic wrap or in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. It’s best enjoyed within two days when it’s at its creamiest. If extra liquid pools on top after storage, a quick blot with a paper towel will freshen it right up!

Freezing

While you can freeze panna cotta, freezing might alter its smooth texture, making it less silky once thawed. For this reason, I don’t recommend freezing if you’re aiming to preserve its classic creamy indulgence.

Reheating

Panna cotta is best served chilled and doesn’t require reheating. If you need to soften it slightly, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance its dreamy texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different fruit sauce instead of raspberry?

    Absolutely! While raspberry sauce is classic and vibrant, you can swap in strawberry, blueberry, or even passion fruit sauce to customize the dessert to your liking and seasonality.

  2. How do I know when the gelatin is fully dissolved?

    The mixture should become smooth with no visible gelatin granules after gently heating and constant whisking for about 3-4 minutes. If grains remain, keep whisking on low heat until everything is smooth.

  3. Can I make this dessert vegan?

    Traditional panna cotta relies on dairy and gelatin, but you can experiment with coconut milk or almond milk and agar-agar as a vegan substitute to achieve a similar texture and flavor.

  4. What’s the best way to unmold panna cotta?

    Loosen edges with a thin knife, briefly dip ramekins in warm water, then invert onto serving plates and gently tap to release. This process helps maintain the smooth shape without cracking.

Final Thoughts

If you want to indulge in a dessert that’s both refined and comforting, the Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce Recipe is a winning choice. It’s a recipe that invites moments of joy with every silky spoonful and vibrant berry bite. So, grab those simple ingredients and give yourself the gift of a homemade Italian treat — you won’t regret it!

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Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce Recipe

Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 141 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

Classic Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce is a smooth and creamy Italian dessert made with milk, cream, sugar, and gelatin, infused with pure vanilla extract. It is elegantly paired with a fresh raspberry sauce made from real raspberries and sugar, cooked down to a thick, flavorful topping. This make-ahead dessert is perfect for any occasion and offers a delicate balance of rich creaminess with bright, fruity tartness.


Ingredients

Scale

Panna Cotta

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup water
  • 1 packet unflavored gelatin (about 2 ½ teaspoons)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Raspberry Sauce

  • 24 ounces fresh or frozen raspberries
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Hydrate the gelatin: Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin evenly over ⅓ cup of water in a shallow bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes to bloom and become gelatinous.
  2. Warm milk and sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1 cup whole milk and ½ cup granulated sugar. Whisk occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches about 140°F (60°C).
  3. Dissolve gelatin: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the hydrated gelatin, scraping all the gelatin from the bowl. Return the pan to low heat and stir continuously until the gelatin fully dissolves, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add cream, vanilla, and salt: Remove from heat again and whisk in 2 cups heavy cream, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon salt until fully combined.
  5. Chill the panna cotta: Pour the mixture into a 4-cup measuring cup or container with a spout and evenly divide into six 4-ounce ramekins or small glasses. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until set.
  6. Prepare raspberry sauce: Place 24 ounces of fresh or frozen raspberries in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Mash the berries with a potato masher or whisk as they heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until the berries release their juices.
  7. Strain seeds and combine sugar: Pass the berry mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl to remove seeds. Rinse the pan and return the strained raspberry juice to it. Add ⅓ cup of granulated sugar and whisk to combine.
  8. Reduce the sauce: Bring the raspberry juice and sugar mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  9. Cool and refrigerate sauce: Remove from heat and pour the sauce into a bowl to cool for 10-15 minutes. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. The sauce should yield about 1 to 1 ½ cups.
  10. Unmold panna cotta and serve: To invert panna cotta, run a thin knife around the top edge of each ramekin about ⅛ inch deep. Dip the ramekin up to three-quarters in warm water for 1-2 minutes. Dry the ramekin, then quickly invert it onto a serving plate and gently tap to release the panna cotta. Garnish each with 2-3 tablespoons of raspberry sauce.

Notes

  • Storage: Cover your panna cotta tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days—best within 2 days for freshness. Excess liquid might appear after storing; blot gently with a paper towel and refresh with fresh toppings before serving.
  • Freezing: Freezing panna cotta is possible but may change its texture after thawing, so it is not recommended.
  • Ramekin size: Using 4-ounce ramekins or small glasses is ideal to portion perfectly for serving.

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