Name: Coffee Panna Cotta with Espresso Whipped Cream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 360 ml Full Cream / Whole Milk; 360 ml Thickened / Heavy Cream (30% fat content); 80 g Caster Sugar; 15 g Instant Coffee Granules (or instant espresso powder); 7 g (2 teaspoons) Gelatine Powder; 1 tablespoon Cold Water (for gelatin bloom); 120 ml Thickened / Heavy Cream (30% fat content minimum); 20 g Icing Sugar; Espresso Powder, to taste (for dusting)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 52 reviews

If you adore the rich, creamy indulgence of a classic Italian dessert with a bold coffee twist, this Coffee Panna Cotta with Espresso Whipped Cream Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Silky, smooth panna cotta infused with the deep flavors of coffee, topped with a luscious espresso-spiked whipped cream, creates a dreamy combination that’s perfectly balanced between decadent and refreshing. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or treat yourself, this dessert offers an elegant yet surprisingly approachable way to celebrate coffee in a beautifully creamy form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass filled with a smooth, light brown creamy dessert forms the bottom layer. On top, there is a generous dome of white whipped cream sprinkled with fine dark brown cocoa powder. Three whole coffee beans rest on the whipped cream, evenly spaced. The glass sits on a small round wooden coaster, all placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, blurred glasses with similar light brown dessert and scattered coffee beans add depth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe thrives on simplicity and quality. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, rich flavor, and coffee aroma that make this dessert so unforgettable.

Full Cream / Whole Milk (360 ml): Adds creaminess and lightness to balance the richer cream.

Thickened / Heavy Cream (360 ml + 120 ml): The backbone of panna cotta’s luscious texture and the base for airy whipped cream.
Caster Sugar (80 gr): Sweetens without graininess, melting smoothly into your mixture.
Instant Coffee Granules (15 gr): Infuses the panna cotta with intense coffee flavor, essential for coffee lovers.

Gelatine Powder (7 gr): Provides that signature wobble and delicate set, ensuring the panna cotta holds shape perfectly.
Cold Water (1 tablespoon): Hydrates the gelatin, allowing it to bloom and dissolve evenly.
Icing Sugar (20 gr): Sweetens the whipped cream gently and helps achieve soft peaks.

Espresso Powder: Sprinkled sparingly on top, it crowns the dessert with an extra burst of bold coffee aroma.

How to Make Coffee Panna Cotta with Espresso Whipped Cream Recipe

Coffee Panna Cotta with Espresso Whipped Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Cream Base

Begin by combining the full cream milk, thickened cream, caster sugar, and instant coffee granules in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk continuously to make sure all ingredients blend together smoothly and the coffee fully dissolves, infusing the mixture with rich flavor. When it reaches a simmer, remove it from the heat immediately so you don’t lose the delicate creaminess.

Step 2: Bloom the Gelatine

While your coffee mixture is warming, sprinkle the gelatin powder over a small bowl containing cold water. Stir the two together and let it sit for a few minutes until the gelatin forms a thick paste. This step ensures the gelatin will melt uniformly into the warm coffee cream without clumping.

Step 3: Combine Gelatine with Coffee Mixture

Take the gelatin paste and whisk it vigorously into the warm coffee cream off the heat. Stir thoroughly until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This guarantees a perfectly set panna cotta with no gritty bits.

Step 4: Strain and Pour

Pour your mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a jug to catch any lumps or air bubbles, making the panna cotta ultra-silky. Then, distribute evenly into your chosen serving dishes — glasses, ramekins, or any pretty dessert bowls you like.

Step 5: Chill Until Set

Refrigerate the panna cotta for at least 3 hours, or overnight if you can wait that long. The texture should be delicately wobbly but set firm enough to hold its shape when served.

Step 6: Whip the Espresso Cream Topping

Right before serving, whip the remaining thickened cream with sifted icing sugar in a chilled bowl. Begin on medium speed until it just starts to thicken, then increase to high until soft peaks form. For that signature espresso kick, fold in or dust lightly with espresso powder. Pipe or dollop generously over each panna cotta, elevating each bite with a fluffy, aromatic finish.

How to Serve Coffee Panna Cotta with Espresso Whipped Cream Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely ground espresso powder or a few coffee beans scattered on top makes a simple yet elegant garnish that hints at the coffee flavors inside. For an extra touch, try adding a light dusting of cocoa powder or a chocolate-covered espresso bean for crunch.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with crisp biscotti or almond shortbread cookies, introducing a crunchy contrast to the panna cotta’s silky softness. A small glass espresso shot alongside intensifies the coffee theme and makes for a memorable coffee-focused finale.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dessert in clear glasses layered with chocolate shavings or crushed amaretti cookies at the bottom for a delightful textural surprise. Alternatively, top with a delicate caramel drizzle or a few fresh raspberries to add a pop of color and tartness that complements the coffee’s bitterness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover panna cotta chilled in airtight containers or covered well with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will maintain its texture and flavor beautifully for up to 3 days, making it perfect as a make-ahead dessert for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Freezing

Freezing panna cotta is generally not recommended because it can affect the creamy texture once thawed. However, if you must freeze it, do so without the whipped cream topping and thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed cold and should not be reheated. If the panna cotta has been in the fridge too long and begins to lose its ideal texture, gently whisking the mixture before chilling can refresh it. For the whipped cream, always add fresh before serving.

FAQs

Can I use instant espresso powder instead of instant coffee granules?

Absolutely! Instant espresso powder works beautifully in this recipe and often offers a deeper, more intense coffee flavor that complements the panna cotta wonderfully.

What can I substitute for gelatin if I want a vegetarian version?

Agar agar is a good vegetarian substitute, but keep in mind it sets differently and can produce a firmer texture. Use the manufacturer’s instructions for conversion and experiment to get your desired wobble.

How long does it take for the panna cotta to set?

Generally, it takes at least 3 hours in the refrigerator for the panna cotta to set properly, though overnight chilling yields the best texture with a smooth, gentle wobble.

Can I prepare the whipped cream topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can whip the cream and add espresso powder up to one hour before serving. Keep it chilled in the refrigerator and whisk lightly before piping or dolloping to refresh the texture if needed.

Is Coffee Panna Cotta with Espresso Whipped Cream Recipe suitable for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe scales up easily and can be prepared a day ahead, making it ideal for entertaining without last-minute stress.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Panna Cotta with Espresso Whipped Cream Recipe is a total winner when you want a dessert that feels both special and comforting. Its smooth coffee-infused creaminess combined with that dreamy espresso whipped topping will have you reaching for seconds and planning it for your next gathering. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved treat in your culinary repertoire.