Chocolate Panna Cotta

Name: Chocolate Panna Cotta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-484741H30M28S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups full-fat coconut milk (or heavy cream); 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy); 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate; 1/4 cup maple syrup or sweetener of choice; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons agar agar powder (or 1 packet unflavored gelatin for non-vegan); Pinch of salt

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

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Lusciously creamy, indulgent, and rich in chocolate flavor, this Chocolate Panna Cotta is a treat I love to make for any special occasion or when I’m craving something sweet. With just a handful of ingredients, this dessert comes together effortlessly, delivering an irresistibly smooth texture that melts in your mouth. The perfect balance of sweetness and cocoa makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to customize to your dietary preferences. Whether I’m making it for a dinner party or simply treating myself, this recipe never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What I love most about this Chocolate Panna Cotta is how simple it is to prepare, yet it tastes so luxurious. The combination of creamy coconut milk, rich dark chocolate, and just the right amount of sweetness creates a dessert that feels indulgent without being overwhelming. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be made vegan or non-vegan depending on the ingredients I choose, making it perfect for almost any dietary need. Plus, it’s a make-ahead dessert, which is always a win when hosting guests or wanting to prep ahead for a busy day. The texture is silky smooth, and the chocolate flavor shines through beautifully with each spoonful.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups full-fat coconut milk (or heavy cream)

1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate

1/4 cup maple syrup or sweetener of choice

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 teaspoons agar agar powder (or 1 packet unflavored gelatin for non-vegan)

Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a medium saucepan, I whisk together the coconut milk, milk of choice, cocoa powder, and sweetener until everything is well combined.

I place the saucepan over medium heat and stir in the agar agar powder (or gelatin if I’m making a non-vegan version), whisking frequently.

Once the mixture begins to steam, I add the dark chocolate and stir until it’s completely melted and smooth.

I bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly to activate the agar agar.

I remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for an extra layer of flavor.

Pour the mixture into 4 ramekins or silicone molds.

I let it cool at room temperature for 15 minutes before refrigerating for at least 4 hours (or until fully set).

To serve, I gently run a knife around the edges of each mold and invert them onto a plate, or I serve directly in the ramekins for an elegant touch.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes + chill time (minimum 4 hours in the fridge)

Variations

Vegan Option: I use coconut milk, a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk), and agar agar to make the panna cotta vegan-friendly.

Non-Vegan Option: If I’m not concerned about making it vegan, I can substitute the coconut milk with heavy cream and use unflavored gelatin in place of agar agar.

Flavored Variations: I sometimes add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor or even a dash of cinnamon for a warm, spicy twist.

Toppings: To make this even more indulgent, I love topping my panna cotta with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Once set, I store the Chocolate Panna Cotta in the fridge, where it will keep for up to 3 days. If I want to keep it longer, I’ll place a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper over the top of the ramekins or molds to prevent it from drying out. This dessert is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge, so I don’t recommend reheating it. If I prefer it at room temperature, I can let it sit out for about 10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, I love making this Chocolate Panna Cotta a day or two in advance. It needs at least 4 hours to set, so it’s perfect for preparing ahead of time when I’m hosting or just want a dessert ready to go.

Can I use a different type of sweetener?

Definitely! I often use maple syrup, but any sweetener of choice works well. Honey, agave, or even stevia can be substituted based on your preference.

Can I use milk other than coconut milk?

Yes! While I use coconut milk for its creamy texture and rich flavor, you can substitute with heavy cream (for a non-vegan version) or another plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. Keep in mind that using a lighter milk might change the richness slightly.

What if I don’t have agar agar?

If I don’t have agar agar, I can use gelatin as a substitute. For non-vegan versions, one packet of unflavored gelatin will work just as well. However, if I’m going vegan, I recommend using agar agar for the right texture and consistency.

How can I make this more decadent?

To make this dessert even richer, I like to add more dark chocolate or even a touch of heavy cream in place of some of the milk. I can also top it with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a sprinkling of shaved chocolate for extra indulgence.

Conclusion

Chocolate Panna Cotta is the ultimate dessert for any chocolate lover. With its creamy, velvety texture and rich chocolate flavor, it’s sure to impress at any gathering or as a special treat just for me. The best part is, it’s so easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, leaving me with more time to relax and enjoy! Whether I’m making it vegan or not, I love how customizable this recipe is, and I’m always excited to share this simple yet luxurious dessert with others.

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