Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta

This dark chocolate panna cotta is creamy, rich and so chocolaty. It’s a no bake dessert which means it’s quick and easy to make! With few ingredients and little prep time these silky smooth chocolate desserts will be ready in no time.

What is panna cotta?

Panna cotta is an Italian dessert that means “cooked cream”. The texture of this dessert feels kind of like a Jell-O and custard. It is made out of cream, sugar and gelatin. Gelatin is added to ensure that the panna cotta sets. The final result – creamy and silky smooth melt in your mouth dessert!

To take panna cotta to the next step, we’ll be adding some chocolate. Adding chocolate makes the panna cotta taste almost like a pudding or custard but much more creamy, rich and chocolaty. This dark chocolate panna cotta has few ingredients and is so simple to make. It’s a no bake dessert which means it’s perfect all year round. So let’s get started!

Ingredients needed

• Heavy whipping cream: To give the panna cotta the creamy texture.
• Whole milk: To lighten up the cream.
• Gelatin: So the panna cotta sets.
• Chocolate: Use bitter/dark or semi sweet chocolate to get that rich chocolate flavor.
• Sugar: To add some sweetness
• Instant coffee (optional): To bring out the chocolate flavor.

How to make chocolate panna cotta

1. Bloom gelatin. In a medium sauce pan, add the milk and sprinkle with gelatin. Let that sit for about 5 minutes. The top should become wrinkly.
2. Make the panna cotta. Once the gelatin is bloomed, turn the heat on low, stir until the gelatin is dissolved. About 5 minutes. Add the heavy whipping cream, sugar and vanilla extract. Continue cooking on low heat until sugar is dissolved. 4-5 minutes. Add the chocolate and stir until smooth. Let the panna cotta cool before adding to glass ramekins.
3. Divide panna cotta and refrigerate. Divide the chocolate panna cotta between glass ramekins. I had enough for 6 ramekins. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until set.

Tips for success

• Do not boil. When you are cooking the panna cotta on the stove, do not boil the mixture at any time. Always cook on low-medium heat. If the panna cotta is hot to touch take off the heat! If you boil the panna cotta, the heat will kill the gelatin causing the panna cotta to not set.
• Cool the panna cotta. Once you finished making the panna cotta, cool the panna cotta! The panna cotta should be slightly warm when you pour it into the glass ramekins. If you pour the panna cotta too early and refrigerate it, it can separate into layers. So instead of a homogenized mixture, you’ll end up with separated cream and milk.
• Use bittersweet or semi sweet chocolate. Bittersweet chocolate or semi sweet chocolate gives the panna cotta a rich and deep chocolate flavor.

Do I need to add coffee?

Coffee is optional. The panna cotta does not taste like coffee but instead gives the chocolate a deeper flavor. I added around ⅛-1/4 tsp. of instant coffee.

Other no bake recipes you may like

• Simple Tiramisu
• Blood Orange Panna Cotta
• Baked Chocolate Tart

If you made this recipe, I would love to hear from you. Comment and rate below. Your comments will help me and other readers as well. I would also love to see your creation! Share your photo by tagging tasty_treat_pantry on Instagram.

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