Delicious Coffee Panna Cotta with Caramel Foam and Grated Chocolate

This delightful dessert combines the rich flavors of coffee and caramel, creating a luxurious experience for your taste buds. The coffee panna cotta is smooth and creamy, made with a blend of sweet cream, milk, and a hint of coffee. The silky caramel foam is an indulgent addition that brings a sweet complexity to the dish. Topped with freshly grated dark chocolate, this dessert not only tastes heavenly but also looks stunning. It's perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or enjoying as a special treat for yourself. The preparation, while somewhat time-consuming, is straightforward and the results are well worth the effort. The dessert requires some time in the refrigerator, making it an ideal make-ahead option. Versatile and delightful, this recipe also allows for creativity in presentation and flavor variations. Pair it with your favorite coffee or tea, or enjoy it on its own as a decadent end to a meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 200 ml sweet cream
• 150 ml milk
• 50 g sugar
• 50 ml strong coffee
• 8 g gelatin

Caramel Foam

• 100 ml sweet cream
• 30 ml caramel syrup
• 25 g sugar

Serving

• 50 g dark chocolate

Preparation Time

• 180 minutes (including chilling time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare Gelatin: Start by soaking gelatin in cold water to let it bloom. This will ensure it dissolves well in the panna cotta mixture later.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine sweet cream, milk, strong coffee, and sugar. Stir occasionally to blend the flavors while heating.
3. Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and warm the mixture, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Incorporate Gelatin: Once the mixture is warm, add the bloomed gelatin. Continue stirring until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
5. Bring to Simmer: Heat until the mixture just begins to simmer. Avoid boiling to maintain the texture of the panna cotta.
6. Prepare Molds: Choose molds or serving dishes such as espresso cups or glasses.
7. Pour Mixture: Carefully pour the panna cotta mixture into the prepared molds.
8. Chill the Panna Cotta: Cover and place the molds in the refrigerator. Allow them to set and chill for two to three hours.
9. Prepare Caramel Foam: In a separate bowl, whip the sweet cream with sugar until soft peaks form.
10. Add Caramel: Gradually add the caramel syrup to the whipped cream, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
11. Grate Chocolate: Using a fine grater, grate the dark chocolate for garnish.
12. Prepare for Serving: Once the panna cotta is set, remove from the refrigerator.
13. Decorate: Top each panna cotta with a generous dollop of caramel foam.
14. Add Chocolate: Sprinkle the freshly grated chocolate over the top.
15. Finishing Touches: For an elegant presentation, you can add a mint leaf or espresso bean as additional garnish.
16. Serve: Serve immediately or store in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
17. Storage: The assembled panna cotta can remain in the fridge overnight if necessary.
18. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar in both the panna cotta and the foam.
19. Variations: Substitute coffee with a flavored syrup like hazelnut or vanilla for a variation.
20. Enjoy: Finally, savor each luscious bite with a fresh cup of coffee or tea.

Tips

• Use high-quality dark chocolate to enhance the flavor.
• For a vegetarian option, replace gelatin with agar-agar.
• Make sure to fully dissolve gelatin to avoid lumps in the panna cotta.
• Let the mixture cool slightly before pouring it into molds to prevent cracking.

Variations

• Substitute espresso with decaf for a caffeine-free version.
• Use coconut milk instead of dairy for a rich, tropical note.
• Add a dash of vanilla extract to the panna cotta for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a shot of espresso for a complete coffee experience.
• Serve alongside shortbread cookies for a delightful contrast in texture.
• Enjoy with fresh fruits like berries to balance the richness.

Best Places

• La Colombe Coffee Roasters - Renowned for their exquisite blends and expert brews. Location: 1335 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, USA.
• Café de Flore - A historic spot with a chic Parisian ambiance. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
• Tavola - Perfect for diverse and innovative international dishes. Location: Walk 1 Street JBR Opposite Hilton Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE.
• Cafe Central - Opulent setting with a traditional Viennese twist. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Pedrera Café - Known for its fantastic views and delightful menus. Location: C/ Provença 261-265, Barcelona, Spain.
• Antico Caffè Greco - A classic, elegant coffee house with a rich history. Location: Via dei Condotti 86, Rome, Italy.
• Monmouth Coffee Company - Offers an array of excellent coffee options with an artisanal approach. Location: 2 Park Street, London, UK.
• Kaffa Roastery - A hidden gem for coffee lovers seeking unique flavors. Location: Ul. Handlowców 11, Kraków, Poland.
• Espresso Embassy - A hotspot for the coffee elite in the region. Location: Arany János utca 15, Budapest, Hungary.
• Tsiskvili - A traditional place with a charm of its own. Location: Tsiskvili St 1, Tbilisi, Georgia.