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Three glasses of panna cotta topped with strawberry bursting bubbles.
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Cream Cheese Panna Cotta

Cream Cheese Panna Cotta is smooth, tangy, and effortlessly elegant. No-bake, make-ahead, and perfect with your favorite toppings.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Cool Time:2 hours
Total Time2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Cream Cheese, Dessert, Italian Dessert, Panna Cotta
Servings: 8
Calories: 327kcal
Author: Emily Walker

Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 packet Knox unflavored gelatin (about 2 1/2 tsp)
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • In a medium size sauce pan, over NO heat, add whole milk and evenly sprinkle on the packet of gelatin. Give it a small whisk and then let sit over no heat for 5 minutes.
    Electric burner with saucepan and cold milk with gelatin. Whisk on the side.
  • Whisk the milk and gelatin again and place pan over medium low heat for 5 minutes stirring occasionally. The milk mixture should start to steam but not boil.
    Whisking milk and gelatin in a saucepan on an electric burner.
  • Add the heavy cream and slowly add the sugar while stirring. Cook another 5 minutes over medium low. You don't want it to get to a boil, just get hot.
    Whisked Panna Cotta in a saucepan.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in the softened cream cheese until completely dissolved. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
    Pour vanilla into saucepan of Panna Cotta mixture.
  • Carefully pour the mixture into dessert glasses or ramekins. I used a small funnel to keep my glasses clean.
    Pouring panna cotta into glasses.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Before serving add favorite toppings like fresh berries, strawberry popping boba, salted caramel sauce, or chopped nuts.
    Three glasses of panna cotta with spoons, mint leaves, pistachios and strawberry bursting bubbles on the side.

Notes

  • Don’t let the mixture boil—heat until steaming only.
  • Bloom gelatin in cold milk for 5 minutes for a silky set.
  • Use softened cream cheese and blend/strain for an ultra-smooth texture.
  • For unmolding if using ramekins, lightly grease ramekins and dip bottoms in warm water 5–10 seconds.
  • Make 1–2 days ahead; add toppings just before serving. 
  • Makes 4 1/2 cups. 

Nutrition

Calories: 327kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 229mg | Potassium: 182mg | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 939IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 177mg | Iron: 0.1mg