Name: Coffee Panna Cotta with Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup hot water; 2 tablespoons espresso powder; 1 tablespoon gelatin; 1 ½ cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; ⅓ cup maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped; ½ cup heavy cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 78 reviews

If you are a coffee lover with a sweet tooth, you are going to adore this Coffee Panna Cotta with Chocolate Ganache Recipe. This dessert feels like a luxurious finish to any meal, combining the silky smoothness of classic Italian panna cotta with the rich depth of bold coffee and the indulgent touch of glossy chocolate ganache. It’s elegant yet surprisingly simple to make, perfect for entertaining friends or treating yourself after a long day. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s become one of my absolute favorites to prepare and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, containing a layer of brown cocoa powder spread evenly at the bottom. A clear liquid is being poured into the center of the cocoa powder, creating small swirls of dark brown and lighter shades where the liquid mixes with the powder. To the left of the bowl, a metal whisk lies flat on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role—from the espresso powder that delivers the coffee kick, to the gelatin that gives the panna cotta its silky set, and finally the chocolate and cream that create that irresistible ganache topping.

Hot water (½ cup): Perfect to dissolve the espresso powder and hydrate the gelatin for a smooth base.
Espresso powder (2 tablespoons): Gives a bold and aromatic coffee flavor without overpowering the creaminess.
Gelatin (1 tablespoon): Essential for setting the panna cotta while maintaining its delicate, silky texture.
Whole milk (1 ½ cups): Adds creaminess and softens the coffee taste just right.
Heavy cream (1 cup + ½ cup for ganache): Contributes richness and smoothness, both in the panna cotta and the ganache topping.
Maple syrup (⅓ cup): A natural sweetener that balances the bitterness of coffee with a subtle, warm note.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lends a beautiful fragrance and rounds out the flavor profile harmoniously.
Semi-sweet chocolate (2 oz): For the ganache, offering a perfect bittersweet contrast to the creamy panna cotta.

How to Make Coffee Panna Cotta with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Base

Start by dissolving the espresso powder in the hot water. This creates a rich coffee infusion that infuses every bite with vibrant flavor. Once dissolved, sprinkle the gelatin over the coffee mixture and let it sit quietly for 5 minutes so it can bloom—this is crucial to get that perfect silky set later on.

Step 2: Heat the Dairy Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, one cup of heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and your coffee-gelatin mixture. Warm this on medium-high heat just until it’s very hot but not bubbling or simmering. Heating gently ensures the gelatin activates without losing any creaminess or flavor.

Step 3: Pour and Chill

Divide this luscious mixture evenly into four ramekins or small dessert bowls. For an extra velvety finish, strain the liquid through a fine sieve before pouring. Cover with plastic wrap to stop a skin from forming on top during chilling. Refrigerate for at least four hours or until fully set. This patience is rewarded with that divine creamy wobble that defines panna cotta.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache Topping

Chop the semi-sweet chocolate finely and place it into a small bowl. Heat the remaining ½ cup heavy cream until just hot — no boiling — and pour over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for about a minute, then stir until it’s completely smooth and glossy. This silky chocolate ganache is the crown jewel of the dessert.

Step 5: Add Ganache and Final Chill

Gently spoon or pour the chocolate ganache over the set coffee panna cotta in each ramekin. Place the desserts back in the fridge for at least two more hours, or ideally overnight, allowing the ganache to set beautifully while the flavors meld together.

How to Serve Coffee Panna Cotta with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

There are four clear glass cups filled with two layers of liquid, with the bottom layer being a light beige color and the top layer a smooth, dark brown chocolate color. A spoon held above the front cup is dripping the chocolate layer into the cup, creating a small drip on the white marbled surface beneath. The cups have handles and sit on a white marbled surface, and the liquid layers are clean and distinct with the chocolate layer being thicker and glossy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Coffee Panna Cotta with Chocolate Ganache Recipe even further, consider a light dusting of espresso powder for a sophisticated hint of extra coffee aroma. You can also add delicate chocolate shavings for a textural contrast, or a vivid edible flower to brighten the plate. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint provide a refreshing pop of color and flavor balance.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with crisp biscotti or delicate almond cookies, which add crunch and complement the creamy softness beautifully. If you want a completely lavish experience, a small glass of sweet dessert wine or coffee liqueur will enhance the coffee notes and keep the indulgence going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests visually, serve your coffee panna cotta in clear glasses or small mason jars to showcase those decadent layers. Another fun idea is to pipe whipped cream around the edges before adding ganache, or drizzle a little caramel sauce on top for some extra luxury. Presentation is your playground and you can’t go wrong with such a stunning dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Coffee Panna Cotta with Chocolate Ganache Recipe can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it tightly sealed to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors and to retain that silky, fresh texture we all love.

Freezing

Freezing panna cotta is generally not recommended as it can alter the texture, making it less creamy and more icy. For the best experience, enjoy this dessert fresh from the fridge without freezing.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled and should not be reheated. The panna cotta’s delicate texture and the ganache’s glossy finish are at their peak right out of the refrigerator, so resist the urge to warm it up and enjoy it cold and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?

While instant coffee can work in a pinch, espresso powder is preferred for this recipe because it provides a more concentrated and richer coffee flavor, which perfectly balances the creaminess of the panna cotta.

What can I substitute for maple syrup in the recipe?

You can swap maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or even simple sugar syrup. Just keep in mind that each sweetener adds a slightly different flavor note, with maple syrup bringing a lovely warm depth.

How do I know when the panna cotta is fully set?

After chilling for at least four hours, the panna cotta should be firm enough to hold its shape but still have a gentle wobble when gently shaken. If it’s overly liquid or too stiff, the gelatin amount or chilling time may need adjustment.

Can I make this dessert vegan?

Traditional panna cotta relies on gelatin and dairy, but vegan versions use agar-agar as a plant-based setting agent and substitute coconut or almond milk. The Coffee Panna Cotta with Chocolate Ganache Recipe would require adjustments, but it’s possible to create a delicious vegan alternative.

Is it better to serve this dessert in ramekins or to unmold it onto plates?

Serving in ramekins is the easiest and produces a beautiful presentation, but if you want to unfurl the panna cotta onto plates, be sure to grease the molds lightly and use the right gelatin amount for a firm set. Either way, it’s guaranteed to impress!

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Panna Cotta with Chocolate Ganache Recipe is pure dessert magic—effortless to make but wonderfully elegant and full of flavor. Whether you’re aiming to wow your guests or create a cozy indulgence just for yourself, this recipe will quickly earn a permanent spot in your repertoire. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did!

Coffee Panna Cotta with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need