Creamy Orange Panna Cotta

Silky smooth and creamy Italian panna cotta infused with bright fresh orange zest and juice, creating a refreshing citrus twist on the classic.

This Creamy Orange Panna Cotta is light yet luxurious, with a delicate wobble and elegant flavor. Served chilled with a simple orange sauce or fresh segments, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert.

Why You’ll Love This recipe

This Creamy Orange Panna Cotta offers a beautiful balance of rich creaminess and vibrant citrus notes that feel both refreshing and indulgent. It’s surprisingly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients, yet looks and tastes like something from a fine Italian restaurant.

Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or everyday treats, it can be prepared ahead of time so you can relax and enjoy with your guests. The bright orange flavor cuts through the richness, making every spoonful feel light and elegant.

Yield: 6 Serves

Creamy Orange Panna Cotta

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Silky Creamy Orange Panna Cotta with bright citrus flavor — elegant, refreshing, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Additional Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 2 large oranges
• ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
• 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
• 3 tablespoons cold water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For Serving (optional):

Toggle ingredient group

• Fresh orange segments
• Orange zest
• Mint leaves
• Simple orange sauce (orange juice + honey, reduced)

Instructions

1. Bloom the gelatin — Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it softens and blooms.
2. Infuse the cream — In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, orange zest, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently, until hot and steaming but not boiling (about 5 minutes).
3. Add orange flavor — Remove from heat and stir in the fresh orange juice and vanilla extract.
4. Melt the gelatin — Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm cream mixture and whisk until completely dissolved.
5. Strain for silkiness — Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large measuring jug to remove the zest and ensure a perfectly smooth texture.
6. Prepare the molds — Lightly grease 6 small ramekins, glasses, or molds with a neutral oil if you plan to unmold them.
7. Pour with care — Divide the mixture evenly among the prepared molds or serving glasses.
8. Cool before chilling — Allow the panna cottas to cool to room temperature for about 15–20 minutes.
9. Chill to perfection — Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set with a beautiful delicate wobble.
10. Serve beautifully — Run a thin knife around the edge if unmolding, or serve directly in glasses. Top with fresh orange segments, extra zest, mint leaves, or a drizzle of orange sauce. Enjoy every creamy spoonful!

Notes

Do not boil the cream mixture after adding gelatin. The panna cotta should have a soft, creamy set — not firm like jelly. Taste the mixture before pouring and adjust sweetness or orange intensity if needed. Fresh oranges make all the difference in this recipe.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 401Total Fat 31gSaturated Fat 20gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 95mgSodium 36mgCarbohydrates 26gFiber 0gSugar 26gProtein 5g

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

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use fresh orange zest and juice for the brightest flavor — avoid bottled juice. Bloom the gelatin properly to ensure a perfect delicate set. Strain the mixture for the smoothest texture.

Lightly grease the molds with neutral oil for easy unmolding. Chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Serve in glasses if you prefer to skip unmolding. Warm the orange segments or sauce slightly to create a lovely contrast with the cold panna cotta.

Ingredients Notes

Heavy cream forms the luxurious, silky base of the panna cotta. Fresh oranges provide vibrant zest and juice that infuse the dessert with natural citrus aroma and taste.

Gelatin is the key setting agent that gives the signature gentle wobble. Sugar balances the acidity of the orange while vanilla extract rounds out the flavors. A pinch of salt enhances all the tastes without being noticeable.

Variations and Substitutions

Add a splash of Grand Marnier or Cointreau for an adult version. Create a layered dessert with a thin chocolate or caramel layer at the bottom. Make it lighter using half milk and half cream.

For a tropical twist, combine orange with passionfruit or blood orange when in season. Turn it into orange chocolate panna cotta by adding cocoa powder or serving with dark chocolate shavings. Individual servings in small jars or ramekins work beautifully for parties.

Storage Options

Store the Creamy Orange Panna Cotta covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them in their molds until ready to serve for best shape retention.

Do not freeze as the texture will become grainy and separate. Add fresh orange segments or sauce only on the day of serving for maximum freshness.

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