Made with almond milk instead of dairy, these creamy panna cotta make for a delightfully nutty dessert.
Panna Cotta is a silky, creamy, custardy revelation. Usually made from milk and cream with a little sugar and gelatin to give it that soft jiggly texture. It’s not as firm as regular gelatin desserts that you can swish and squish between your teeth (oh, is that just me?) No, panna cotta barely holds its shape until it hits your tongue, where it promptly dissolves into a barely-there-bliss. Am I overselling? Seriously, this stuff ROCKS.
Making the panna cotta took about 10 minutes (and that’s because I was taking pictures for 5 of those minutes). Just sprinkle the gelatin over the liquid and let it bloom. Then heat over a medium low heat, just until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
RECIPE NOTES
Almond Beverage Alternative:
If “Dream Ultimate Almond Beverage” is unavailable, you can use another high-quality unsweetened almond milk. The taste might vary slightly based on the brand.
Gelatin Notes:
Ensure that the gelatin is fully dissolved before proceeding. If the mixture boils, it can deactivate the gelatin, and the pannacotta might not set properly.
Liquor Substitutions:
If you don’t have DiSaronno or Kahlua on hand, you can use other amaretto or coffee-flavored liquors. However, each brand might impart a slightly different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions:
This dessert pairs wonderfully with a dessert wine or a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
Vegetarian/Vegan Option:
If you’d like to make a vegetarian or vegan version, you can use agar-agar in place of gelatin. However, you’d need to adjust the quantity and preparation method, as agar-agar sets differently than gelatin.
Storing:
If not serving immediately after it has set, you can cover the ramekins with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add garnishes just before serving.
Step by Step Guide to Making Almond Milk Panna Cotta
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Preparation of Almond Beverage:
- Shake the almond beverage well before opening.
- Pour into a medium bowl or measuring cup.
- If the liquid appears lumpy, whisk until smooth. If lumps remain, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve.
-
Gelatin Blooming:
- Transfer the almond beverage to a medium saucepan.
- Sprinkle the gelatin over the beverage.
- Allow it to sit for a few minutes until the gelatin starts to soften or “bloom.”
-
Dissolving Gelatin and Sugar:
- Place the saucepan on medium-low heat.
- Stir continuously until the gelatin completely dissolves. Ensure the mixture doesn’t boil or smoke, which could deactivate the gelatin.
- Check the back of your stirring spoon for clear gelatin grains. If present, continue stirring until fully dissolved.
- Add sugar to the saucepan, stirring until it completely dissolves.
-
Adding Liquors:
- Mix in both the amaretto and coffee liquors.
-
Ramekin Preparation:
- Lightly spray the inside of your 4-ounce ramekins with vegetable spray.
- Use a paper towel to evenly spread and remove excess spray, leaving only a thin film.
-
Filling Ramekins:
- Divide the panna cotta mixture evenly among the ramekins.
- Place ramekins in the refrigerator to set. Allow at least two hours, though overnight is ideal.
-
Serving:
- Panna cotta can be served directly in the ramekins. For a plated presentation:
- Add warm water to a bowl.
- Briefly immerse each ramekin in the warm water, ensuring the water doesn’t reach the rim.
- Run a thin knife blade around the top edge of the panna cotta.
- Place a plate upside-down over the ramekin and invert to release the panna cotta onto the plate.
- Drizzle approximately one teaspoon of amaretto over each panna cotta.
- Garnish with toasted almond slices and fresh raspberries.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Panna cotta can be served directly in the ramekins. For a plated presentation:
Almond Milk Panna Cotta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, dreamy panna cotta made with almond milk.
Subtly nutty and subtly sweet, its perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 cups (710 ml) Dream Ultimate Almond Beverage (unsweetened)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons gelatin
- 1/3 cups (80 ml) sugar
- 2 tablespoons DiSaranno or other amaretto flavored liquor
- 2 tablespoons Kahlua - or other coffee flavored liquor
- 1/4 cups (60 ml) sliced almonds (lightly toasted)
- amaretto for each serving
- fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Preparation of Almond Beverage:
- Shake the almond beverage well before opening and pour into a medium bowl or measuring cup.
- If the liquid appears lumpy, whisk until smooth; if lumps remain, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve.
- Gelatin Blooming:
- Transfer the almond beverage to a medium saucepan and sprinkle the gelatin over the beverage.
- Allow it to sit for a few minutes until the gelatin starts to soften or bloom.
- Dissolving Gelatin and Sugar:
- Place the saucepan on medium-low heat and stir continuously until the gelatin completely dissolves. Ensure the mixture doesn’t boil or smoke.
- Check the back of your stirring spoon for clear gelatin grains; if present, continue stirring until fully dissolved.
- Add sugar to the saucepan, stirring until it completely dissolves.
- Adding Liquors:
- Mix in both the amaretto and coffee liquors.
- Ramekin Preparation:
- Lightly spray the inside of your 4-ounce ramekins with vegetable spray and use a paper towel to evenly spread and remove excess spray, leaving only a thin film.
- Filling Ramekins:
- Divide the panna cotta mixture evenly among the ramekins and place ramekins in the refrigerator to set.
- Allow at least two hours, though overnight is ideal.
- Serving:
- Panna cotta can be served directly in the ramekins.
- For a plated presentation: Add warm water to a bowl, briefly immerse each ramekin in the warm water (ensuring the water doesn’t reach the rim), run a thin knife blade around the top edge of the panna cotta, and place a plate upside-down over the ramekin and invert to release the panna cotta onto the plate.
- Drizzle approximately one teaspoon of amaretto over each panna cotta.
- Garnish with toasted almond slices and fresh raspberries.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat almond milk instead of unsweetened almond beverage.
- If you don’t have amaretto or Kahlua, substitute with vanilla extract or another liqueur of your choice.
- Store leftover panna cotta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 5
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my gelatin isn’t dissolving properly in the almond milk?
Make sure you’re heating the almond milk over medium-low heat and not boiling it, as boiling can deactivate the gelatin. If it’s still not dissolving, you may need to stir continuously until fully dissolved.
Can I substitute the almond milk for a different type of milk?
You can use another high-quality unsweetened milk, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may change. It’s recommended to stick with almond milk for the best results.
Is it necessary to use DiSaronno or Kahlua in the recipe?
No, you can substitute those with other amaretto or coffee-flavored liquors, but each alternative may give the panna cotta a different flavor profile.
Can this be made with almond milk just as well as the “almond drink”?
Yes, absolutely! The almond drink is the same as almond milk. Happy dessert-making!