tagAlt.Panna Cotta with Vin Santo and Almond Praline

Tuscan-Inspired Panna Cotta with Vin Santo and Almond Brittle

Name: Tuscan-Inspired Panna Cotta with Vin Santo and Almond Brittle
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 300gram Milk; 300gram Heavy cream; 100gram Sugar (Granulated); 80milliliter Vinsanto wine; 2 Gelatin (Sheets); 50gram Almonds; 75gram Sugar (Granulated)

Creamy panna cotta meets the aromatic richness of Vin Santo and the crunch of almond brittle: a refined taste of Tuscany for grown-up palates.
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Nina:

Panna Cotta is definitely one of my favorite summer desserts - who doesn't like not having to cook and creating something so delicious? The absence o...

read all reviews...

Experience the charm of Tuscany in every spoonful with this elegant dessert, where Vin Santo—the esteemed dessert wine of the region—takes center stage. Traditionally enjoyed with Cantucci (Tuscan almond biscuits), Vin Santo lends its distinctive, honeyed depth to this silky Panna Cotta. Instead of the classic biscuit, a luscious homemade almond praline crowns the panna cotta, offering a delectable crunch that pays homage to Tuscan culinary heritage.

This no-bake recipe is an excellent choice for warm days when you want a show-stopping treat without heating up the kitchen. With just a handful of quality ingredients, you’ll create a sophisticated dessert that embodies Italian simplicity and elegance. Serve this at your next dinner gathering and watch your guests fall in love with the flavors of central Italy.

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Preparation

for 6 servings

Step

Of 3

Make the traditional panna cotta mixture

Begin by combining heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat gently until the mixture reaches a gentle boil, stirring to fully dissolve the sugar and enrich the dairy base.

If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute gelatin sheets with agar agar (1.5 grams for every 2 gelatin sheets). For agar agar, stir it directly into the cream and sugar before boiling together. For gelatin, soak the sheets in cold water for about 30 minutes. Once softened, blend them into the hot cream mixture and stir until fully dissolved.

Next, add the aromatic Vin Santo and mix well. Pour the panna cotta base evenly into six small dessert glasses or bowls. Let them cool at room temperature, then refrigerate until set and firm—this typically takes several hours.

Step

Of 3

Create the almond praline topping

To make the almond brittle, add sugar to a small sauté pan and cook over medium heat until it melts into a golden caramel. Stir in toasted almonds, coating them thoroughly in the hot caramel.

Once the almonds are evenly coated, transfer the mixture to a sheet of wax paper or a silicone baking mat to cool. Allow the praline to harden completely, then chop or break it into rustic, uneven pieces with a sharp knife. This textural contrast will be the perfect finish for your panna cotta.

Step

Of 3

Assemble and present your Tuscan dessert

Remove the set panna cotta from the refrigerator. Just before serving, generously sprinkle with the crunchy almond praline.

For the best experience, serve the panna cotta chilled or allow it to warm up slightly to room temperature for an even creamier texture. Each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of Vin Santo-infused cream and caramelized nut crunch—a modern homage to Tuscan dessert traditions.

Reviews

Nina Friday 14th of August 2020

Praline and creamy cold goodness - perfection

Panna Cotta is definitely one of my favorite summer desserts - who doesn't like not having to cook and creating something so delicious? The absence of Cantucci makes this dessert a snap to pull together since there's no baking involved, and the making the praline absolutely could not be easier or more straight-forward. No weird ingredients, all stuff I always have on hand, so no excuses here - make this tonight and you'll see how great it is too. No cooking, no special shopping - what more could you ask for?

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Tuscan-Inspired Panna Cotta with Vin Santo and Almond Brittle

Creamy panna cotta meets the aromatic richness of Vin Santo and the crunch of almond brittle: a refined taste of Tuscany for grown-up palates.
Add to favourites

45 total time (min)

10 cooking time (min.)

7 ingredients

425 kCal

3 steps to complete the preparation

Ingredients

Almond Crunch Topping for Panna Cotta and Vin Santo

Classic Cream Panna Cotta Base