Silky Hazelnut Panna Cotta with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Rich and silky hazelnut panna cotta tantalizes dessert lovers with its luxurious texture and sophisticated flavor profile.

Creamy Italian-style custard revamps into an elegant masterpiece that whispers decadence with every spoonful.

Nutty undertones dance delicately across a smooth, trembling surface, creating a sensory experience that feels both indulgent and refined.

Delicate hazelnut essence infuses the classic dessert with warmth and depth, elevating a traditional recipe into something extraordinary.

The velvety custard carries subtle complexity, promising a balance between nutty richness and delicate sweetness.

chocolate ganache adds a dramatic counterpoint, draping the panna cotta in glossy, dark embrace that heightens every nuanced flavor.

Combining classic techniques with modern flair, this dessert will transport you to culinary bliss.

What Makes Hazelnut Panna Cotta with Ganache So Elegant

• Luxurious Flavor Explosion: Dive into a decadent dessert that blends rich chocolate hazelnut spread with creamy panna cotta, creating a mouth-watering symphony of nutty and sweet notes that dance on your taste buds.
• Effortless Elegance: Master this sophisticated dessert with simple steps that require minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a luxurious treat, this dessert works brilliantly as an elegant finale to any meal, adapting easily to different occasions and preferences.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance and let it chill overnight, giving you stress-free entertaining options and more time to enjoy with your guests instead of last-minute cooking.

Ingredients That Bring Hazelnut Panna Cotta to Life

• Gelatin, Water: Essential for setting the dessert with a smooth, silky texture; cold water helps dissolve gelatin evenly.
• Heavy Whipping Cream, Whole Milk: Rich dairy base provides creamy, luxurious mouthfeel; choose high-quality cream for best results.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the rich hazelnut flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Nutella adds deep nutty and chocolate notes; opt for a high-quality brand.
• Instant Espresso Powder: Intensifies chocolate flavor without adding liquid.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors with warm, aromatic complexity.
• Dark Chocolate: Provides deep, rich chocolate undertones; choose high-quality chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, glossy chocolate sauce.
• Dark Chocolate: Provides rich, intense chocolate flavor; finely chopped for smooth melting.

• Whipped Cream, Fresh Berries, Chopped Hazelnuts: Add texture, freshness, and visual appeal to the dessert.

How to Make Silky Panna Cotta with Rich Chocolate Ganache

Step 1: Awaken The Gelatin

Grab a small microwave-safe bowl and sprinkle gelatin over cold water. Let it relax and absorb for 5-10 minutes.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Heavy whipping cream
• Sugar
• Salt
• Espresso powder

Warm the mixture over medium heat, whisking gently until steaming. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Blend Chocolate Magic

Stir in chocolate hazelnut spread and finely chopped chocolate until completely melted. If needed, return pan to low heat to ensure smooth transformation.

Step 4: Activate Gelatin Mixture

Microwave hydrated gelatin in short 10-second bursts until fully dissolved. Slowly pour into warm cream, whisking continuously. Add milk and vanilla extract, blending seamlessly.

Step 5: Chill And Prepare

Strain mixture through fine-mesh sieve into metal bowl. Place bowl in larger ice-water bath, stirring until temperature drops to 70°F.

Step 6: Set And Refrigerate

Pour cooled cream into 6 serving glasses. Refrigerate uncovered for minimum 4 hours or overnight.

Step 7: Craft Decadent Ganache

Heat heavy cream until simmering. Pour over dark chocolate in heatproof bowl. Allow to sit briefly, then stir until silky smooth.

Step 8: Finish With Flair

• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries
• Chopped hazelnuts

Enjoy your luxurious dessert!

Expert Tips for Smoother, Creamier Panna Cotta

• Master Gelatin Hydration: Sprinkle gelatin evenly over cold water and let it sit undisturbed to ensure smooth, lump-free dissolution for a silky panna cotta texture.
• Control Cream Temperature: Heat cream mixture slowly and carefully to prevent scorching, watching for steaming without boiling to maintain delicate flavor profiles.
• Achieve Smooth Consistency: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any potential lumps, creating an ultra-creamy and velvety dessert.
• Chill Perfectly: Use an ice bath to rapidly cool the mixture, helping it set quickly and evenly while preserving the rich, delicate flavors.
• Ganache Perfection: Allow chocolate to sit in hot cream for a minute before stirring, ensuring a glossy, smooth ganache without potential separation.

How to Store Panna Cotta Without Affecting Texture

• Refrigerate: Store leftover panna cotta in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it chilled to maintain its creamy texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Cover Properly: Wrap each serving individually with plastic wrap or use lidded containers to prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors and protect the delicate dessert.
• Gentle Reheating: Bring panna cotta to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving, avoiding direct microwave heating which can destroy its smooth consistency. Optionally, top with fresh ganache or whipped cream to refresh its appearance.

Ideal Pairings for Hazelnut Panna Cotta

• Pairing Chocolate Lovers' Dream: Match this decadent hazelnut panna cotta with a robust port wine, which complements the rich chocolate and nutty flavors perfectly. The sweet, fortified wine enhances the dessert's deep chocolate notes.
• Brew the Perfect Companion: Serve alongside a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the creamy texture and highlight the espresso powder in the recipe. The bitter coffee creates a delightful contrast with the sweet, smooth panna cotta.
• Nutty Beverage Boost: Enjoy with a hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico, which echoes the hazelnut spread's flavor profile and adds an extra layer of nutty complexity to the dessert experience.
• Berry Fresh Contrast: Pair with a chilled raspberry lambic beer or a light fruity rosé wine to introduce a bright, tangy element that balances the rich, creamy dessert and provides a refreshing counterpoint.

Sweet Variations on the Classic Hazelnut Dessert

• Nutty Espresso Spin: Replace chocolate hazelnut spread with almond butter and add an extra shot of espresso for a rich, coffee-forward flavor profile that intensifies the dessert's depth.
• Berry Blissful Version: Top the panna cotta with a homemade raspberry coulis instead of chocolate ganache, creating a tangy contrast to the creamy base and adding vibrant color to the dessert.
• Mocha Maple Fusion: Swap sugar with maple syrup and incorporate cocoa powder into the cream mixture, delivering a deeper chocolate essence with subtle woodland sweetness.
• Caramel Crunch Remix: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the ganache and sprinkle toasted pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the smooth panna cotta base.

Hazelnut Panna Cotta with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Silky hazelnut panna cotta whispers Italian dessert elegance, crowned with rich chocolate ganache. Creamy layers melt gracefully on your palate, delivering a luxurious finale that celebrates classic European sweet sophistication.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
• 2 oz dark chocolate (for panna cotta)
• 8 oz dark chocolate (for ganache)

Dairy and Sweeteners:

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Stabilizers and Flavor Enhancers:

• ¼ cup cold water
• 1 packet (7 grams) unflavored gelatin
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder

Optional Garnishes:

• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries
• Chopped hazelnuts

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Instructions

1. Activate gelatin by sprinkling over cold water in a microwave-safe bowl, allowing it to bloom and absorb liquid for several minutes until soft and transparent.
2. Craft a luxurious cream base by combining cream, sugar, salt, and espresso powder in a saucepan, gently heating until steaming and aromatic, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
3. Infuse the mixture with rich chocolate essence by incorporating hazelnut spread and finely chopped chocolate, stirring until completely melted and creating a silky, uniform texture.
4. Transform gelatin into a liquid state by microwaving in short bursts, then carefully integrate into the warm cream mixture, ensuring thorough incorporation and smooth consistency.
5. Refine the mixture by straining through a fine-mesh sieve, then rapidly cool by placing the bowl over an ice bath, continuously stirring to lower temperature and prevent separation.
6. Distribute the cooled cream evenly into serving glasses, allowing the panna cotta to set and firm in the refrigerator for a minimum of four hours or ideally overnight.
7. Create a decadent chocolate ganache by bringing cream to a gentle simmer, then pouring over dark chocolate and allowing it to melt naturally before whisking to a glossy finish.
8. Elevate the dessert by drizzling warm ganache over chilled panna cotta, then garnishing with delicate whipped cream, vibrant fresh berries, and crunchy chopped hazelnuts for textural contrast.

Notes

• Craft this decadent dessert when craving a luxurious, creamy treat that blends rich chocolate and nutty hazelnut flavors.
• Gelatin plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect silky, wobbling texture that defines an authentic panna cotta.
• Chilling time is essential for developing the dessert’s signature smooth consistency, so patience will reward you with an incredibly elegant final result.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg