Creme Brulee-inspired Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta

Today, we have a lusciously smooth and creamy dessert that will transport your taste buds straight to dessert heaven. Indulge yourself in the seductive luxury of our Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, a dessert that beautifully captures the essence of the beloved Creme Brulee. Its velvety smoothness, delightful vanilla notes, and caramelized sugar topping will leave you yearning for seconds.  

Ingredients:

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 vanilla beans, split lengthwise

4 1/2 teaspoons gelatin powder

6 tablespoons cold water

1/2 cup light brown sugar (for caramelizing)

Instructions:

Prepare the Vanilla Bean Infusion:

• In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar.
• Scrape the seeds from the vanilla beans and add both the seeds and the empty pods to the saucepan.
• Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
• Once simmering, remove from heat and let it steep for 15-20 minutes to allow the vanilla flavor to infuse.

Bloom the Gelatin:

• While the cream mixture is infusing, in a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the gelatin absorbs the water and becomes soft.

Combine the Gelatin and Cream Mixture:

• After the cream mixture has steeped, remove the vanilla bean pods.
• Reheat the cream mixture until it is warm but not boiling.
• Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm cream mixture and stir gently until completely dissolved.

Fill the Molds:

• Pour the mixture into individual ramekins or serving glasses, filling them about 3/4 full.
• Allow the panna cotta to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Once cooled, cover each ramekin with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.

Caramelization:

• Just before serving, remove the panna cotta from the refrigerator.
• Sprinkle a generous layer of light brown sugar evenly over the top of each panna cotta.
• Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar until it forms a crisp, golden-brown crust.
• Allow the caramel to cool and harden for a minute or two before serving.

Presentation and Serving:

• Serve your Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta chilled, either in the ramekins or by gently inverting them onto dessert plates.
• Garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of elegance.
• Grab your spoons, dive in, and savor the blissful harmony of creamy vanilla, delicate sweetness, and caramelized perfection.