Coffee Panna Cotta without gelatin – Coffee Desserts

Updated On Updated on January 19, 2020

Easy coffee panna cotta without gelatin is a creamy dessert with a strong coffee flavor and vanilla notes. This is one of easy coffee desserts to try! If you like to drink your coffee with cream and sugar, this is a nice vegetarian dessert.

CoffeePannaCottawitohutgelatin Coffeedessertsservedinindividualglasseswithwhippedcream,pralineandmint

It’s like an iced coffee, but better and thicker.

You will enjoy making easy coffee desserts after you try this one! This easy panna cotta recipe without gelatin is suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

By the way, grab this easy panna cotta recipe to make for romantic evening! One of the easiest Valentine’s desserts.

It’s an eady no bake dessert for International Coffee Day (1st of October). We love Italian desserts with a twist and hope you will try this dessert recipe with coffee as well.

It’s not a coffee flavored dessert, because panna cotta is made using espresso with agar agar coffee jello. Only for true coffee lovers!

Coffee Panna Cotta is an easy no bake coffee dessert. Served in individual glasses, it is a lovely dessert for two for Valentine's Day or other celebration

Coffee desserts

I’m a great fan of coffee, are you too? But not the person that drinks hundred cups per day… I prefer my morning to start with a good cup of quality coffee. But it can start with creamy espresso panna cotta too, why not?

Prepare this coffee dessert in the evening, it will set overnight in the fridge, and you can enjoy Italian coffee desserts in the morning instead of regular beverage with milk!

There are many coffee trends like serving coffee in waffle cons or even with mushrooms! Yes, you read it right. In general, coffee becomes creamier and sweeter. I can say this coffee panna cotta is actually our way of serving cold brew.

Did you know Finnish people drink the most coffee in the world? Imagine, it is 12 kilos/ 423 oz per person? And the biggest coffee exporter is the country in the other part of the world – Brazil.

I’m sure you will enjoy desserts made with coffee, too!

Coffee panna cotta in a glass with a moka coffee maker

What is a panna cotta

This coffee dessert will look great on any celebration as well as romantic evening (or maybe romantic breakfast?). And it has such a beautiful name, makes a restaurant feel… Well, don’t tell anyone, but panna cotta in translation from Italian means just “boiled cream”…

If you’re wondering what to make with coffee or you have leftover espresso, try this easy recipe!

Panna cotta without gelatin…or agar agar panna cotta

I made this coffee panna cotta with agar agar, which is an excellent vegetarian alternative to gelatin.

What is agar agar powder? It is made from red marine algae or seaweed. It is stronger than gelatin and doesn’t add any specific taste or color to the final dish. Agar-agar is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Just follow the recipe to make panna cotta using agar agar.

Coffee panna cotta view from top

Agar agar vs gelatin ration

Powdered agar agar that I used is 6 times more stronger than gelatin, so you need only few teaspoons to set these two panna cotta in glass. That means that 1 gram of agar agar equals to 6 grams of gelatin powder, depending on the brand you use. Always check the instructions on the package and keep in mind that heavy cream sets better that juice and other liquid.

To set this panna cotta with gelatin powder I’d use 6-9 grams of gelatin. Also if you’re using gelatin, don’t forget you need let it bloom in water, then melt and add to the cream.

You can add agar agar directly in liquid and also no worries that it can loose properties. For example, if the coffee jelly is starting to set, you can remelt it and it will be good to set again!

Agar panna cotta sets great and have a great texture as well.

So this is vegetarian panna cotta recipe with agar agar! To make it vegan, you can substitute regular milk with coconut cream.

You can prepare this coffee dessert in advance and refrigerate. Italian panna cotta can last for a couple days in your fridge (if you can resist it so long).

Eating coffee panna cotta without gelatin

How to make panna cotta

Mix whipping cream with espresso, vanilla, granulated sugar and agar. Bring it to boil and lower the heat and simmer few minutes. Fill the glasses and let it cool at room temperature before placing in the fridge.

Panna cotta ingredients are very simple: heavy cream, agar agar, sugar, espresso and vanilla.

How to make panna cotta - step by step
How to make panna cotta: Pour heavy cream in a pan. 1. Add Sugar; 2. Add Vanilla; 3. Add coffee; 4. Add agar agar; 5. Whisk on a low heat for 2 min; 6. Pour in glasses to set.

Also if you wish, you can sweeten panna cotta with alternative sweeteners like stevia or erythritol, just make sure it dissolves well in cream.

Coffee jelly with agar agar

Coffee jelly is made with espresso, agar agar, Demerara or Muscovado sugar. Heat it on the low for couple minutes.

Let the coffee mixture cool before pouring on panna cotta! If it is starting to set, you can reheat it for a minute again – it won’t loose its setting properties.

How to make coffee jelly - step by step instructions
How to make coffee jelly. 1. Add agar agar. 2. Pour espresso. 3. Add Muscovado sugar. 4. Simmer 2 minutes. 5. Let it cool and pour on coffee panna cotta.

I’ve tried coffee jelly with Demerara and Muscovado sugar and both were great! To my mind, Muscovado gives it a lovely caramelized flavor. If you can’t find it, you can substitute to dark brown sugar.

This coffee jelly looks so good on the panna cotta!

Coffee panna cotta in a glass with coffee jelly

You can enjoy this coffee panna cotta without coffee jelly as well.

Do you like Panna Cotta dessert as much as we do? Then also check our Orange Panna Cotta recipe!

Orange panna cotta is creamy and fresh dessert, one of the Christmas dessert ideas you can make for your family. Easy no bake desserts that you will enjoy! Orange and white dessert, served with peppermint leaves and shredded chocolate. panna cotta orange sauce , easy orange panna cotta , best panna cotta recipe , orange panna cotta recipes , citrus panna cotta

Coffee panna cotta decoration

I decided to serve this coffee panna cotta in glasses, decorated with whipped cream, homemade praline and mint leaves.

I think almond praline goes really well with coffee dessert.

What is praline? Praline is a confection, made with caramelized nuts and butter.

Praline can be easily made at home like caramel. You just need to simmer the sugar with water until desired color, add butter and crushed or sliced nuts.

How to make almond praline - step by step instructions
How to make praline: 1. Add sugar; 2.Cover sugar with water; 3. Bring to boil; 4. Simmer until golden; 5. Add butter, stir with a spatula; 6. Add almonds, mix vigorously.

Then pour the goodness on the baking paper (be careful – it is hot!) and let it harden. After that you can crush praline candy for decoration and of course delicious leftovers just for you!

How to make praline crumbs- step by step instructions
How to make praline crumbs: 1-2 Pour hot praline from the pan to prepared tray, lined with baking paper. 3. Let it set for half an hour and crush with your hands. 4. Crush light praline to crumbs. 5. Crush dark praline to crumbs.

Additionally, you can decorate this simple dessert with chocolate shards, strawberries, raspberries or blackberries. Also you can decorate panna cotta with coffee beans. Coffee beans are optional and you may not eat it. It is a beautiful “straight to the point” decoration.

If you make this panna cotta without coffee jelly, you can sieve some unsweetened cocoa powder on top, add a spoon of ice cream with coffee syrup. Delicious summer dessert idea!

By the way, check our persimmon panna cotta recipe!

If you like recipes with espresso, you should also check our Easy Tiramisu coffee dessert!

Coffee panna cotta recipe

Coffee Panna Cotta without Gelatin

Recipe AuthorCooking Journey
5 from 4 votes
This coffee panna cotta or espresso panna cotta is a creamy dessert with a strong coffee flavor and vanilla notes. Easy no bake coffee dessert!
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Chilling time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
 
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2
Calories 706 kcal
Equipment
  • saucepan
  • a tray, lined with baking paper
  • a pan with a glass lid
  • silicone spatula
  • 2 glasses
  • mortar and pestle
  • hand or stand mixer with whisk attachment


Ingredients
 
 
Coffee panna cotta:
  • 3 tbsp strong brewed coffee (espresso)
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence
  • 170 ml heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Agar-Agar powder
  • 1 tbsp sugar
Coffee jello:
  • 135 g strong brewed coffee (espresso)
  • 1/2 tsp agar agar
  • 2 tsp demerara sugar or muscovado sugar
Decoration:
  • 1/2 cup whipping cream
  • 1 pack whipped cream stabilizer
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 4 leaves mint
Praline
  • 100 g almonds sliced
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup water

Making this recipe?Mention @cookingjourneyblog or tag #cookingjourneyblog!
 

Instructions
 
Panna Cotta
  • Place cream, coffee, sugar and vanilla essence in a saucepan. Warm it a minute, whisking lightly.
    3 tbsp strong brewed coffee, 1 tsp vanilla essence, 170 ml heavy cream, 1 tbsp sugar
    Place cream, coffee, sugar and vanilla essence in a saucepan. Warm it a minute, whisking lightly.
  • Add agar agar and whisk lightly on a low heat for 2 minutes.
    1 tsp Agar-Agar powder
    Addagaragarandwhisklightlyonalowheatforminutes.
  • Pour cream and coffee mixture into prepared glasses. Let them cool on the countertop, then put in a fridge for half an hour.
    Pour cream and coffee mixture into prepared glasses. Let them cool on the countertop, then put in a fridge for half an hour.
Coffee jelly
  • Heat espresso with agar-agar and demerara or muscovado sugar for 2 minutes. Let it cool for 4 minutes.
    135 g strong brewed coffee (espresso), 1/2 tsp agar agar, 2 tsp demerara sugar
    Heatespressowithagar agaranddemeraraormuscovadosugarforminutes.Letitcoolforminutes.
  • Slowly pour the coffee layer on the panna cotta (make sure it is set on top). and leave it in fridge until sets completely (about half an hour more).
    Slowly pour the coffee layer on the panna cotta (make sure it is set on top). and leave it in fridge until sets completely (about half an hour more).
Praline
  • Prepare a tray, lined with baking paper.
    Prepare a tray, lined with baking paper.
  • Put sugar and water in a pan, covered with a glass lid. Simmer on the low heat until the sugar caramelizes and is golden.*
    2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup water
    Put sugar and water in a pan, covered with a glass lid. Simmer on the low heat until the sugar caramelizes and is golden.*
  • Add butter and combine with a spatula.
    1 tbsp butter
    Add butter and combine with a spatula.
  • Add sliced almonds, mix vigorously and immediately pour it on the baking paper. Flatten with a spatula. Let it cool and set for half an hour.
    100 g almonds
    Add sliced almonds, mix vigorously and immediately pour it on the baking paper. Flatten with a spatula. Let it cool and set for half an hour.
Decoration
  • Whip cream with sugar and stabilizer on high speed about 3-4 minutes until soft peaks.
    1/2 cup whipping cream, 1 pack whipped cream stabilizer, 1 tbsp powdered sugar
    Whipcreamwithsugarandstabilizeronhighspeedabout minutesuntilsoftpeaks.
  • Using mortar and pestle, crush praline to smaller pieces.
    Using mortar and pestle, crush praline to smaller pieces.
  • Add a spoon of whipped cream to each panna cotta, sprinkle praline on top and decorate with mint leaves.
    4 leaves mint
    Add a spoon of whipped cream to each panna cotta, sprinkle praline on top and decorate with mint leaves.
Rate this recipe and leave a comment

Notes
*I've made 2 praline from these ingredients - 1 is darker, other one lighter.
Panna cotta lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.
You will have leftover praline to enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Coffee Panna Cotta without Gelatin
Amount per Serving
Calories
706
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
65
g
100
%
Saturated Fat
 
37
g
231
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
21
g
Cholesterol
 
213
mg
71
%
Sodium
 
149
mg
6
%
Potassium
 
292
mg
8
%
Carbohydrates
 
27
g
9
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
17
g
19
%
Protein
 
6
g
12
%
Vitamin A
 
2303
IU
46
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
134
mg
13
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword cold, easy, individual serving, no bake, romantic dessert, Valentines

Comments COMMENTS

    1. Cooking Journey

      You’re welcome! Coffee works well with creamy panna cotta and glasses make this easy dessert more spectacular. Give it a try!

  1. Lisa | Garlic & Zest

    5 stars
    This is such a sophisticated dessert, perfect for company I think. Love your presentation in the martini glasses too!

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