If you have a sweet tooth and love desserts that feel both luxurious and comforting, the Salted Caramel Panna Cotta Recipe is going to be your next obsession. This silky Italian dessert combines the creamy richness of panna cotta with the deep, buttery flavor of salted caramel, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty that melts in your mouth. It’s incredibly elegant, yet surprisingly easy to make, so whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends, this dessert never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Salted Caramel Panna Cotta Recipe plays a vital role in creating that luscious texture and unforgettable flavor. Each one is simple but essential, contributing to the overall richness, smoothness, or that satisfying salty-sweet note.
- Heavy cream: Provides the creamy base that makes the panna cotta so silky and smooth.
- Whole milk: Lightens the cream slightly, giving balance and a delicate texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dessert while helping to balance the salted caramel flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a wonderful depth and aromatic warmth to the panna cotta.
- Powdered gelatin: The magic ingredient that sets the panna cotta into its perfect, wobbly firmness.
- Water (for gelatin): Used to bloom the gelatin properly for smooth texture.
- Sea salt: Brings out the boldness of the caramel and creates that irresistible salty-sweet sensation.
- Caramel sauce: The star flavor that ties the whole dessert together, adding richness and complexity.
- Unsalted butter: Used in the praline for a nutty, melt-in-your-mouth crunch that complements the creamy panna cotta.
- Chopped nuts (pecans or hazelnuts): Adds texture and a toasty flavor in the praline topping.
How to Make Salted Caramel Panna Cotta Recipe
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
The very first step sets the foundation for a perfectly smooth panna cotta. Sprinkle the powdered gelatin over cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This “blooming” allows the gelatin granules to fully absorb the water, preventing any lumps later and ensuring a silky finish.
Step 2: Heat the Cream Mixture
In a saucepan, gently warm the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract over medium heat. Stir occasionally, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely while the mixture heats up just enough to release all those lovely vanilla notes. Be careful to avoid boiling — you want it hot, but not aggressive.
Step 3: Incorporate the Gelatin
Remove the pan from heat and stir in your bloomed gelatin until it completely melts into the cream mixture. This step is crucial: continued stirring ensures your panna cotta will set with a smooth, custard-like texture without any graininess.
Step 4: Add Salt and Caramel Sauce
Next, fold in the sea salt and luscious caramel sauce. The salt really awakens the caramel’s depth, creating that signature contrast we all love. Pour the mixture into serving glasses or molds for an elegant presentation.
Step 5: Refrigerate Until Set
Pop your panna cotta into the fridge for at least four hours, or even better, overnight. Patience here is rewarded with that perfect jiggle and creamy texture that signals it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Step 6: Prepare the Praline Topping
While your panna cotta chills, make the praline by melting sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until golden brown. Stir in butter until you have a smooth caramel, then pour it over the chopped nuts. Let this cool completely before breaking it into crunchy, nutty pieces that will add fantastic texture.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once firm, give each panna cotta a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and sprinkle with the crunchy praline pieces. This adds a beautiful finishing touch both in flavor and visual appeal.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Panna Cotta Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the homemade praline topping, fresh sea salt flakes sprinkled on top can heighten the salty-sweet sensation. You could even add a sprig of mint or a few fresh berries if you want a pop of color and bright contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair this dessert with light accompaniments like fresh fruit or a simple espresso. The panna cotta is rich and indulgent on its own, so you don’t want anything too heavy competing with its delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try setting the panna cotta in elegant glasses or mini jars for individual servings. For a fun twist, layer it with crushed cookies or chocolate shavings at the bottom or top to give variety in texture and depth in flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salted Caramel Panna Cotta Recipe can be kept covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its creamy texture. Keeping it chilled ensures it stays fresh and silky.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze panna cotta, as gelatin-based desserts tend to lose their smooth texture and become grainy once thawed. Stick to refrigeration for the best experience.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if it feels too chilled.
FAQs
Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Absolutely! Making your own caramel sauce adds a personal touch and can be customized to your sweetness level. Just be sure to cook the sugar slowly for that rich, deep caramel flavor.
What if I’m allergic to nuts? Can I skip the praline?
Definitely. The praline adds crunch and sweetness, but you can replace it with crushed cookies, toasted coconut flakes, or simply omit it while still enjoying the panna cotta’s luxurious flavors.
How do I know when the panna cotta is fully set?
After refrigeration, the panna cotta should have a gentle wobble but still hold its shape when you tip the serving glass. It should feel firm without being rubbery.
Can I use a different type of salt?
Sea salt works best for its texture and flavor, but kosher salt or even fleur de sel are great alternatives that complement the caramel beautifully.
Is this dessert suitable for a dinner party?
Absolutely — the Salted Caramel Panna Cotta Recipe is elegant yet straightforward, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert to impress guests without last-minute stress.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that feels both indulgent and sophisticated, there’s nothing quite like the Salted Caramel Panna Cotta Recipe. It’s creamy, buttery, and packed with that ideal salty-sweet balance that keeps you coming back for one more bite. Give it a try for your next special occasion or whenever you want a little sweetness in your day—you won’t regret it!
Print
Salted Caramel Panna Cotta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Salted Caramel Panna Cotta is a silky-smooth Italian dessert combining creamy gelatin-set custard with the rich flavors of salted caramel. Topped with crunchy homemade praline and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce, this elegant treat is perfect for impressing guests or indulging at home.
Ingredients
Panna Cotta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- ¼ cup water (for gelatin)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Praline
- ½ cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or hazelnuts)
- ½ cup sugar
Instructions
- Bloom Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the water and let it bloom for 5 minutes to soften and expand.
- Heat Cream Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Remove the cream mixture from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved ensuring a smooth texture.
- Add Salt and Caramel: Stir in the sea salt and caramel sauce thoroughly, then pour the mixture into individual serving glasses or molds.
- Chill Panna Cotta: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight until the panna cotta is fully set and firm.
- Make Praline: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns golden brown. Add the butter and stir until smooth, then quickly pour over the chopped nuts. Allow to cool completely before breaking into small pieces.
- Serve: Once the panna cotta is set, top each serving with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and sprinkle with praline pieces for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh gelatin and make sure it fully dissolves to avoid lumps.
- You can make your own caramel sauce or use a high-quality store-bought one.
- Chilling overnight improves the texture and flavor melding.
- Use any preferred nuts such as almonds or walnuts for the praline.
- Ensure the caramel for praline does not burn by stirring gently and watching the color closely.
- Store panna cotta covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
