Try this smooth, creamy vanilla panna cotta topped with a vibrant, tangy cranberry sauce - an elegant and festive dessert perfect for any occasion! It's a great make-ahead recipe for Thanksgiving or Christmas and the perfect way to use up extra cranberry sauce!

This panna cotta has a creamy, silky, and luxurious texture that makes this the best panna cotta recipe out there!

You can top this with whatever you desire. I chose a bright homemade cranberry sauce, but you can also choose a caramel sauce, vanilla sauce, or honey. Fresh fruit is also fantastic. Ripe peaches, assorted berries, citrus, or a berry compote make excellent toppings.

What is Panna Cotta?

Panna cotta is an Italian dessert that translates to 'cooked cream.' The cream is heated over the stovetop and sweetened with sugar. Gelatin is used to thicken the cream so it sets into a pudding-like texture.

The cream can be flavored with a variety of flavors - vanilla, chocolate, berries, caramel, flavored extracts, citrus zest, etc. Once the panna cotta sets, you can top it with a variety of fruits and sauces.

Panna cotta makes a fantastic holiday dessert because you can make it ahead of time and top it with cranberry sauce for a festive dessert!

Tips for Making Panna Cotta

When heating the cream mixture on the stove, stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top of the cream. If a skin does form, carefully remove it from the surface.

Use a small funnel when filling up your panna cotta mixture so that the sides of your glasses remain clean.

Tightly wrap your panna cotta containers in plastic wrap and place them in the fridge to set. Ensure the plastic wrap is airtight, as dairy can absorb flavors from the refrigerator.

Chill the panna cotta until it's completely set - 6 to 8 hours minimum, but preferrably overnight.

Panna Cotta Toppings

Here are some delicious toppings to serve with your panna cotta:

Easy Raspberry Sauce
Strawberry Sauce (Strawberry Glaze)
Classic Vanilla Sauce Recipe | Bread Pudding Sauce
Blueberry Compote
Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Maple Syrup
Mango Sauce
Cherry Sauce
Fresh fruit
Chocolate sauce
Caramel sauce

Ensure any sauce or compote used is completely chilled so it doesn't melt the panna cotta.

I went with a chilled bright, refreshing cranberry sauce which perfectly compliments the richness of this panna cotta.

Storage & Serving Tips

This recipe can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge while covered with plastic wrap. Make sure the panna cotta is covered well because dairy absorbs odors and flavors well.

It is best to serve this chilled and topped with fresh fruit or sauce. For the best flavor, add the toppings right before serving and serve them in their molds for the best presentation.

I hope you enjoy this recipe! Please share, rate, and comment below. I’d love to hear from you!

More Dessert Recipes:

Recipe

Creamy Panna Cotta Recipe with Cranberry Sauce

Indulgent, ultra rich and creamy panna cotta topped with a bright homemade cranberry sauce. A quick and easy recipe that makes the perfect make ahead dessert.

5 from 12 votes

Pin Print

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 8

☑ Ingredients

▢ 1 ¼ cups milk
▢ 2 cups heavy cream
▢ ¼ cup sugar
▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste - or vanilla extract
▢ 1 packet unflavored gelatin - about 1 Tablespoon, bloomed with 3 Tablespoons of water
▢ ½ cup homemade cranberry sauce - or any topping of your choice

Instructions

Add the milk, heavy cream, and sugar into a pot and bring to a simmer while stirring occasionally so a skin doesn't form. Turn off the heat.
1 ¼ cups milk, 2 cups heavy cream, ¼ cup sugar
Add in the vanilla and the bloomed gelatin. Keep stirring until the gelatin has completely dissolved.
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, 1 packet unflavored gelatin
Funnel into small glasses and set in the fridge for at least 4 hours to set.
Top with cranberry sauce or other any toppings of your choice.
½ cup homemade cranberry sauce

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was and give it a 5 star rating! Tag @drivemehungry to show off your creations! I love seeing your photos!

*Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools.