When elegance meets indulgence, you get Caramel Panna Cotta with Luscious Raspberry Drizzle—a show-stopping dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Silky smooth panna cotta infused with rich caramel is topped with a tangy-sweet raspberry sauce that dances on the palate. This dessert combines the creamy depth of Italian custard with the brightness of fresh berries, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to elevate your dessert game, this panna cotta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
🍮 What is Panna Cotta?
Panna Cotta, meaning “cooked cream” in Italian, is a custard-like dessert made with cream, sugar, and gelatin. Unlike other custards, panna cotta requires no eggs and is known for its ultra-smooth texture and subtle vanilla base. By adding caramel, you elevate the flavor to a new level of richness and depth. The raspberry drizzle adds brightness, making each spoonful a luxurious experience.
❤️ Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Dessert
- Elegant and visually stunning – perfect for special occasions
- Surprisingly easy – minimal ingredients and simple steps
- Customizable – works with various toppings and flavors
- Make-ahead friendly – ideal for entertaining
- Balance of flavors – sweet caramel + tart raspberry = perfection
🧁 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Caramel Panna Cotta:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Raspberry Drizzle:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
🍯 How to Make Caramel Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce
✅ 1. Make the Caramel Base
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add sugar and let it melt undisturbed until it turns amber in color.
- Carefully whisk in the cream and milk—mixture will bubble.
- Stir until the caramel dissolves completely. Remove from heat.
✅ 2. Bloom the Gelatin
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
✅ 3. Combine and Chill
- Stir bloomed gelatin into the warm caramel cream mixture until fully dissolved.
- Add vanilla and a pinch of salt.
- Pour into ramekins or dessert glasses.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 4–6 hours, or until fully set.
✅ 4. Make the Raspberry Drizzle
- In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat until berries break down and sugar dissolves.
- For a smooth sauce, strain through a sieve to remove seeds.
- (Optional) Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Cool to room temperature before using.
✅ 5. Serve with Style
- To unmold panna cotta, dip ramekins in warm water for 10 seconds and invert onto a plate.
- Drizzle with raspberry sauce and garnish with fresh raspberries, mint leaves, or edible flowers.
🧑🍳 Tips for the Perfect Panna Cotta
- Don’t boil the cream – just heat until warm enough to dissolve the caramel and gelatin.
- Use high-quality cream – it’s the base of the flavor.
- Strain the mixture before pouring to ensure smoothness.
- Let it set fully – overnight chilling is best for perfect texture.
🥄 Variations to Try
- Chocolate Panna Cotta – add melted dark chocolate to the base
- Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta – infuse cream with a vanilla bean pod
- Citrus Zest – add orange or lemon zest to complement the raspberry
- Nutty Touch – sprinkle with toasted almonds or hazelnuts before serving
🧊 Make Ahead and Storage
- Make ahead: Prepare up to 2 days in advance for events.
- Store: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Do not freeze: The texture may change when thawed.
💫 A Sweet Finale Worth Savoring
Decadent yet delicate, this Caramel Panna Cotta with Luscious Raspberry Drizzle is a dessert worthy of any fine dining experience—but you can create it right in your own kitchen. Every creamy spoonful with its sweet caramel notes and tangy raspberry topping is a moment of pure dessert bliss.
Perfect for holidays, date nights, or treating yourself on an ordinary weekday, this dessert promises to impress with both taste and beauty.