Name: Classic Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 cup whole milk; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped; 2 cups heavy cream; 2 cups mixed fresh berries; 2½ tsp unflavored gelatin powder; 3 tbsp cold water (for blooming); Edible flowers or gold leaf (optional); Pinch salt

Silky vanilla bean-flecked panna cotta trembles elegantly in glasses, crowned with fresh berries and edible flowers. This classic Italian dessert offers creamy luxury with make-ahead ease—perfect bridal shower sophistication chilled to perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This classic vanilla bean panna cotta is your bridal shower elegance essential—velvety cream sets into wobbly perfection infused with real vanilla bean specks for authentic, fragrant depth far superior to extract. Light yet indulgent, it’s naturally gluten-free, portion-perfect in individual glasses, and infinitely prettier with berry compote or gold leaf. Make-ahead magic means zero last-minute stress, while the gentle unmolding or in-glass serving suits any skill level. Guests swoon over the restaurant-quality texture, hosts adore the simple stir-and-chill method—customize with pastel coulis for theme perfection. One pot, pure luxury, bridal dessert dreams delivered.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Bloom Gelatin → Fully for smooth set.
Vanilla Scrape → Seeds + pod infuse cream.
Low Heat → Prevents scorching dairy.
Strain Silk → No lumps or pods.
Cool Slightly → Before pouring avoids condensation.
Chill Overnight → Firm wobble perfection.
Unmold Dip → Warm water bath release.
Berry Fresh → Top day-of vibrancy.

Yield: 8 Servings

Classic Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta

Wobbly vanilla bean panna cotta with berries—elegant make-ahead bridal dessert.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup whole milk
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups mixed fresh berries
2½ tsp unflavored gelatin powder
3 tbsp cold water (for blooming)
Edible flowers or gold leaf (optional)
Pinch salt

Instructions

Bloom Gelatin → Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in small bowl—let sit 5 minutes until spongy.
Scrape Vanilla → Split bean lengthwise; scrape seeds—add seeds and pod to saucepan.
Heat Cream → Pour cream, milk, sugar, salt into pan with vanilla—warm medium-low stirring until sugar dissolves.
Infuse Deep → Heat just below simmer 5 minutes—fragrant vanilla magic blooms gently.
Melt Gelatin → Remove from heat; discard pod—stir bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
Strain Silk → Pour through fine sieve into pitcher—no lumps or pod remnants.
Cool Slightly → Let mixture cool 10 minutes—prevents glass condensation.
Portion Pretty → Divide into glasses or molds—tap gently to release bubbles.
Chill Set → Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight—perfect wobble awaits.
Berry Crown → Toss berries with lemon juice; spoon over set panna cotta—garnish flowers and serve.

Notes

Real vanilla bean > extract for specks and flavor.
Don’t boil cream—curdles easily.
Overnight chill best texture.
Unmold: dip in warm water 10 sec.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 334Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 15gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 73mgSodium 35mgCarbohydrates 26gFiber 2gSugar 23gProtein 5g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.