Masterchef Vanilla Panna Cotta and Berry Sauce

Rich, creamy and totally delicious, this inspired by Masterchef vanilla panna cotta and mixed berry sauce is what dessert dreams are made of! It's also ridiculously easy to make.

Last week on Masterchef it was all about baking and desserts so I really was spoilt for choice over what to make - cupcakes, clafoutis, eccles cakes, bakewell tart or choux buns were just some of the options I had to  turn down. I don't consider myself to be an expert on desserts, but I do like making them and am almost always happy with the results. Well, in this case how could anyone not be happy with creamy vanilla and berries?

Why did I choose to make the Masterchef Vanilla panna Cotta?

I chose vanilla panna cotta in the end as it is something I had planned on making for a long time. It is also one of the desserts on my list of recipes to make. Looking back at the list it strikes me that I have actually made a lot more of the desserts than savoury dishes. I'll have to put that right after Masterchef finishes I think.

This panna cotta is also a super creamy dessert and I have to admit that I sometimes do have a weakness for all things sweet and creamy!

Did we like this homemade vanilla panna cotta?

Definitely! This delicious creamy panna cotta was so much better than the last time I ate panna cotta in a restaurant even. That time I was bit disappointed with the texture. It just wasn't smooth and creamy enough.

But, luckily my homemade vanilla panna cotta was perfect. I can say with 100 percent confidence that my recipe was better than the restaurant one.

What Ingredients do you need for this dessert?

This dessert has only 4 ingredients! That's right! So, if you like desserts without a long list of ingredients then this is perfect. You'll just need double cream, sugar, gelatine and vanilla.

Of course, if you make the warm red berry sauce to serve with it then you'll also need sugar, water and mixed berries. I use frozen mixed berries. It's easy to keep them in the freezer and you can make the sauce without defrosting the berries.

Isn't panna cotta difficult to make?

I think panna cotta is one of those desserts that some people are a little scared of making. I'm not sure why. This turned out really well and is actually rather simple to make. I think lots of people worry that it won't set but trust me, it probably will!

If you are using traditional leaf gelatine, you need to soak it in cold water for a few minutes. While the gelatine leaf is soaking, heat the cream, sugar and vanilla in a saucepan. Heat them gently as you don't want them to boil.

As soon as the cream begins to bubble, take it off the heat. Squeeze the water out of the gelatine leaf and stir it into the cream till it dissolves. Then pour into individual ramekins and put in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set.

What to do if the cream and gelatine mixture looks grainy?

If you can see grainy bits in the cream mixture then get a fine sieve and pour the panna cotta mixture through it. Any grainy bits will get caught and leave you with a smooth mixture.

Can you make it with vegetarian gelatine?

Traditional gelatine is made from animal collagen and that is what I have used in this recipe. However, if you don't eat pork or just want to avoid using traditional gelatine then you can get vegan gelatine too. Just follow the instructions on the packet.

Do you need any special equipment to make these panna cotta desserts?

No, you don't. You just need a saucepan and a wooden spoon to make the panna cottas. I put the panna cotta in ramekins to set. However, if you don't have ramekins you can use tea cups or small coffee cups instead.

How do you take the panna cotta out of the ramekin?

To take the panna cottas out of the ramekins, fill a saucepan about 2cm deep with hot water from the kettle. Lower the ramekins into the hot water for about 20 seconds. Wipe the outside so you don't get water on the plate and turn the ramekins upside down on the plate. If the dessert doesn't come out then just put it back in the water for a few more seconds.

What can you serve with vanilla panna cotta?

If you're like me you'll happily eat this panna cotta just by itself. However, I served it with a warm mixed berry sauce which made it melt seductively at the sides. Both the texture and taste were lovely. Next time I have guests I know what I'll be making. It's a great dessert for a dinner party or for a special date night at home.

You can also serve fresh uncooked berries with it. If you're a chocolate lover then why not grate a little chocolate on top?

Can you adapt this vanilla panna cotta recipe?

I wouldn't adapt the actual panna cotta too much but you could vary the flavour if you wanted. Why not try lemon, raspberry or strawberry extract?

Recipe

Masterchef Vanilla Panna Cotta with Mixed Berry Sauce

Corina Blum

Rich, creamy and totally delicious, this inspired by Masterchef vanilla panna cotta and mixed berry sauce is what dessert dreams are made of!  It's also ridiculously easy to make.

3.96 from 23 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Setting Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 522 kcal

Ingredients

 

MetricUS Customary

 

1x2x3x

• 1 g gelatine leaf
• 250 ml double cream
• 25 g caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients for the Berry Sauce

• 3 tablespoon mixed frozen berries
• 1 tablespoon caster sugar
• 30 ml water

Instructions

 

How to Make the Panna Cotta

• Soak the gelatine leaf in warm water.   When it's soft, squeeze the excess water out.
• Put the cream, sugar and vanilla in a saucepan and heat.   Stir to dissolve the sugar.  When it is bubbling around the edge and just about to boil, take it off the heat and add the gelatine leaf.   Stir till fully dissolved.
• Pour into two ramekins and put in the fridge.   They will need a minimum of two hours to set.

How to Make the Sauce

• Make the sauce by putting all the berries, sugar and water into a small saucepan.   Bring to the boil and reduce till the sauce is syrupy and the berries are beginning to break down.

Ready to Serve

• To serve, fill a saucepan with boiling water from the kettle. Hold the ramekin in the pan for about 20 seconds.  Turn the ramekin over onto a plate and the panna cotta should fall out. Spoon some sauce onto the side. If serving the sauce warm then serve immediately as it will begin to melt the panna cotta.

Notes

Nutritional information is approximate and a guideline only.

Nutrition

Calories: 522kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 46gSaturated Fat: 29gCholesterol: 171mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 94mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 1840IUVitamin C: 1.3mgCalcium: 81mg

Keyword Masterchef vanilla panna cotta

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More delicious homemade dessert recipes

I love making homemade desserts but don't make them all the time. However, a great dessert really finishes off a meal, especially if you're entertaining so why not try one of these?

Three Layered Chocolate Jellies

Mary Berry's American Style Chocolate Cheesecake

Or how about mango parfait with lime ginger jelly? white chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce? or pear tarte tatin which are all inspired by Masterchef recipes.

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