Salted Caramel Panna Cotta Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is stunning, look no further than this Decadent Salted Caramel Panna Cotta. This luxurious treat combines the rich, buttery sweetness of caramel with a savory twist of sea salt, creating the perfect balance of flavors. The panna cotta itself is creamy and smooth, with the caramel adding a velvety touch that melts in your mouth. To top it off, a crunchy praline finish adds a delightful contrast to the silky dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this panna cotta will leave a lasting impression on anyone who tastes it.

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Panna Cotta

The Ultimate Sweet and Savory Combo

The magic of this dessert lies in its sweet and savory balance. The salted caramel provides the perfect amount of sweetness, while the pinch of sea salt amplifies the flavors and brings a savory depth to the dish. It’s a combination that’s surprisingly perfect together!

Creamy, Velvety Texture

Panna cotta is renowned for its smooth and creamy texture, and this recipe is no exception. It’s like eating a soft, custard-like mousse that is light and indulgent at the same time. The gelatin ensures that it sets perfectly, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

Elegant Yet Easy to Make

While this panna cotta may look like a fancy, restaurant-worthy dessert, it’s actually quite simple to prepare. With a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious. It’s perfect for a dinner party or special occasion when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Crunchy

The addition of praline on top adds a crispy, caramelized crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy panna cotta. It’s a delightful texture that complements the smoothness of the dessert, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Ingredients

To make this Salted Caramel Panna Cotta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Panna Cotta:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons gelatin powder
• 1/4 cup water

For the Salted Caramel:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

For the Praline Topping:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds (or other nuts of choice)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Let’s get started! This Salted Caramel Panna Cotta may seem fancy, but it’s pretty easy to make. Here’s how:

Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over 1/4 cup of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom. This is an important step to activate the gelatin and ensure your panna cotta has the right texture.

Step 2: Make the Panna Cotta Base

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved completely and the mixture is heated through. You don’t want it to boil, just gently warm it up.

Once the cream mixture is warm, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the bloomed gelatin and stir until it’s fully dissolved and incorporated into the mixture.

Step 3: Pour and Set

Pour the panna cotta mixture into individual serving cups or ramekins. Allow them to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate the panna cotta for at least 4 hours, or until it’s fully set.

Step 4: Make the Salted Caramel

While the panna cotta is chilling, it’s time to make the salted caramel. In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly as it melts. Once the sugar is fully melted and turns golden brown, carefully add the butter. Stir until the butter is fully melted and combined with the sugar.

Next, slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Be cautious, as the caramel will bubble up. Once the cream is fully incorporated, add the sea salt. Stir to combine, then remove from heat. Allow the caramel to cool slightly before drizzling over the panna cotta.

Step 5: Make the Praline Topping

To make the praline topping, heat the granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until it melts and turns golden. Stir in the chopped almonds and butter, then pour the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, then allow the praline to cool and harden. Once it’s set, break it into pieces.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Once your panna cotta has set, drizzle a generous amount of salted caramel sauce over the top of each panna cotta. Then, sprinkle with the crunchy praline pieces for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to serve.

Tips for the Perfect Salted Caramel Panna Cotta

• Make it Ahead of Time: This dessert is perfect for preparing ahead of time. You can make the panna cotta and caramel up to two days in advance. Just make sure to add the praline right before serving to keep it crunchy.
• Adjust the Salt: The salted caramel can be adjusted to your taste. Add more or less sea salt depending on how salty you like your caramel. The balance of sweet and salty is key, so taste as you go.
• Praline Variations: Feel free to swap out the almonds for other nuts like pecans or hazelnuts, or even add a bit of chocolate to the praline for extra indulgence.
• Serving Ideas: For a more elegant presentation, serve the panna cotta in individual glass jars or small bowls. You can also add a few fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to complement the richness of the caramel and panna cotta.

Conclusion

This Decadent Salted Caramel Panna Cotta is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy. The silky smooth panna cotta pairs beautifully with the rich salted caramel and the crispy praline topping, creating a dessert that will wow your guests. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself to something luxurious, this panna cotta will not disappoint. It’s an elegant yet simple dessert that’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

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