This recipe for Chocolate Hazelnut Panna Cotta is super easy to whip up and makes a delicious, elegant dessert! Velvety, intensely chocolatey and hiding a special surprise.
This silky Italian dessert stole my heart while dining cliffside in the Cinque Terre.
What is Panna Cotta?
Panna Cotta is a classic Italian dessert that literally translates to "cooked cream," only that's slightly misleading because the cream isn't always cooked.
Panna Cotta is a thick, pudding-like dessert that can be flavored in a number of different ways. It's smooth, creamy, melts in your mouth and like most Italian desserts - like my pignoli cookies and ricotta pie, it's usually not too sweet.
It's always thickened with gelatin, rather than similar desserts like custard pie, that are thickened with eggs, flour or cornstarch.
How it's made
This recipe mixes semisweet chocolate, chocolate hazelnut spread and a splash of hazelnut liqueur to create a luxurious and rich chocolate pudding.
The hazelnut liquor (such as Frangelico) is optional, but adds another layer of flavor that makes this Chocolate Hazelnut Panna Cotta really sing.
First, the gelatin is dissolved in cold water, then added to scalded cream. Melted chocolate, hazelnut liquor and chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Nutella) are added, then the mixture gets poured into ramekins and refrigerated until set.
But wait! Inside, there's a little surprise. I like to chop up pieces of chocolate hazelnut candies, such as Baci or Ferraro Rocher (or even a chocolate hazelnut candy bar) and add them to the bottom of each ramekin before pouring the liquid over top.
The little bits of candy add another element of texture and flavor that make this recipe extra special. Be sure to get more candy than you need for this recipe, or you'll run the risk of eating them all before they make it into the bowl (Guilty!) You could even try using a different flavor such as Irish potato candy for a unique surprise!.
About unflavored gelatin
Gelatin is a thickening agent derived from animal parts and is a form of collagen. It's required for making any kind of Panna Cotta because it's what makes it set and get thick. Without gelatin, it wouldn't be Panna Cotta.
Gelatin is colorless and flavorless, and is typically sold as a powder, which is what this recipe calls for. Gelatin is also available in translucent sheets, but they aren't commonly available in grocery stores and are mostly used by culinary professionals. Look for unflavored powdered gelatin in the baking aisle of your grocery store or next to the Jello products.
To use powdered gelatin, it must first be dissolved in cold water. Be sure to sprinkle it evenly across the surface of the water so that each granule is able to fully hydrate, then let it sit for a few minutes.
Once the gelatin is dissolved, you can add it to a warm or hot liquid which will activate the collagen molecules, however the gelatin must be thoroughly chilled after this step in order for it to thicken. If you've ever made Jello before, it's a very similar process.
Can this be Made Ahead?
Yes! In fact, it has to be made ahead. Panna Cotta needs at least 6 hours in the refrigerator to set up, otherwise it will be too loose and liquidy. Panna Cotta can actually be frozen, too, with good results.
It's perfect for entertaining because you can make it several days in advance and then just pull it out of the fridge when you're ready.
The hardest part of this recipe is having to wait for the Panna Cotta to firm up in the fridge!
This chocolate hazelnut Panna Cotta is a decadent dessert that's great for dinner parties and holidays like Valentine's Day, because they are individual portions just like my chocolate soufflé cakes.
A great dinner idea would be to start with a classic lobster bisque, then a rack of lamb for two followed by chocolate hazelnut Panna Cotta for dessert!
I also love serving this creamy Panna Cotta after an authentic Italian dinner, such as slow cooked beef braciole, crispy Chicken Milanese with arugula salad, the best ever classic Italian meatballs or authentic lasagna bolognese with béchamel.
Chocolate Hazelnut Panna Cotta
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 2 teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup chocolate hazelnut spread such as Nutella
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut liqueur such as Frangelico, optional
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 assorted chocolate hazelnut candies such as Baci or Ferraro Rocher, roughly chopped
- Whipped cream and chopped toasted hazelnuts for serving
Instructions
- Pour the water in a medium bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over top and stir to combine. In a medium saucepan, bring the heavy cream up to a boil and then remove from the heat. Add the chocolate and salt, then stir until the chocolate has completely melted. Pour the mixture over the gelatin and gently whisk until combined.
- Whisk in the hazelnut spread, hazelnut liqueur and milk, then set the mixture aside to cool slightly. Place about 1 heaping tablespoon of chopped chocolate hazelnut candies in the bottom of 6 ramekins or cups, then pour the mixture over.
- Cover the ramekins loosely with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight) to set. To serve, top with a dollop of whipped cream and chopped toasted hazelnuts.
DB
This came out perfect! I used ferraro rocher for the centers and it was absolutely delicious. Made it for an early valentines dinner and will make this again every single year!
Coley
SO glad you enjoyed it!
Marcy
Hello Coley! With this pasta and panna cotta You've got my heart 🙂 It looks so delicious! Yummy
Coley
Thanks Marcy!
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel
That panna cotta is getting to me. So silky! Also, so jealous! I love Italy but haven't been in years 🙁 Someday!
Coley
Thanks, Ashley! And, yes, you absolutely must get back to Italy. It's an amazing place!
kristy @ she eats
Italians. Holiday spirit. Adorable dishes. And mascarpone pasta. Chocolate Hazelnut Baci Panna Cotta. Dude. Ain't no party like a Coley party 'cuz a Coley party don't stop! 😉 These look phenomenal lady. Drooling. Also going to stalk you on Instagram now.
Coley
Haha! This might just be my favorite comment ever. Thanks for stopping by and also for following on insta. Stoked to stay in touch!
Joy
Oh MAN!!! I gotta stop reading your posts on my fasting days!! These are KEEPERS, Coley! LOVE everything about them (and it's not just my empty stomach talking here)!
My kids LOVE Nutella and I LOVE Frangelico so the dessert is a definite 'go'... The pasta also sounds absolutely luscious! Thanks for sharing!
Coley
Awesome!! I know you'll love them both - we certainly did!