20-Minute Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Vanilla Bean
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 5 min
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Level
- medium
- Cuisine
- italian
Silky Italian custard enriched with buttermilk and cream, set with gelatin and infused with vanilla bean. Light yet luxurious, requiring minimal active time and just a few hours of chilling before serving.
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Method
6 steps- 1
Sprinkle gelatin powder over water in a small bowl and set aside for 5 minutes until absorbed.
- 2
Combine cream, superfine sugar, and vanilla bean pod in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- 3
Bring to a boil, add the bloomed gelatin, and stir to combine.
- 4
Remove from heat and strain into a bowl.
- 5
Add milk and buttermilk, stirring gently to combine.
- 6
Pour mixture into serving dishes and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours until set.
Tips
Bloom gelatin fully before adding to hot cream to ensure smooth incorporation and avoid lumps.
Strain the mixture through fine mesh to remove any cooked cream bits and vanilla bean specks for silky texture.
Stir gently when combining milk and buttermilk to avoid incorporating air bubbles.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in serving dishes, covered, up to 3 days. Do not freeze.
Prepare completely through chilling up to 2 days before serving.
Serve chilled directly in serving dishes. Optional toppings: fresh berries, fruit compote, or honey drizzle.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip blooming gelatin; add it directly to liquid to avoid lumps and uneven setting.
Do not over-stir when combining milk and buttermilk to avoid whipped texture and excess air.
Do not refrigerate less than 4 hours; insufficient setting time results in loose custard.
Substitutions
Vegan Options
agar sets at room temperature