Name: Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups coconut milk (divided); 2 teaspoons gelatin; 1 teaspoon espresso powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 ounces dark chocolate (chopped)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Chocolate Panna Cotta is a decadent, creamy chocolate pudding made with simple ingredients and happens to be allergy-friendly. This dark chocolate panna cotta is egg and gluten-free with dairy-free and paleo options.

Friends, there is nothing I like more than chocolate. One of my closest friends has said on many occasions, that after hanging out with me she craves chocolate after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From chocolate in my coffee to chocolate in my protein shake, to chocolate in my desserts, of course, I find a way to sneak in chocolate throughout my daily eating routine.

And panna cotta made with chocolate happens to be one of my favorite options.

What is a Panna Cotta?

It can be a bit confusing to know if a dessert qualifies for a panna cotta, a pudding, mousse or custard. And really I don't care what you call a dessert as long as it tastes good. BUT I will clarify these terms so you can feel like you are in the know.

In Italian, panna cotta means cooked cream. However, it is traditionally served cold and molded. Really panna cotta is just a simple pudding that is molded and served cold.

Instead of being thickened with eggs like a custard, or cornstarch like a pudding, panna cotta is thickened with gelatin.

How to Make Panna Cotta using Gelatin

It is incredibly simple to make homemade panna cotta. The only hard part about the entire process is waiting for the panna cotta to set up.

Step One: Prepare your panna cotta molds.

I use 6 ounce glass ramekins that I grease with melted coconut oil. You can use any 6-8 ounce mold you like, even custom panna cotta molds. In fact, you can even use glasses and serve the panna cotta right from the glass if desired.

Step Two: Bloom the Gelatin.

To bloom gelatin just means to let the gelatin soften in liquid. Simply sprinkle the gelatin over a ¼ cup liquid and let it rest for 5 minutes---no mixing or anything!

Step Three: Heat the Cream.

Over medium-low heat, gently heat your choice of dairy (or non-dairy) gently. Add in espresso powder and vanilla extract to bring out the rich chocolate flavor in the panna cotta.

Step Four: Whisk in the Bloomed Gelatin into the Panna Cotta.

Once the cream mixture is just simmering, add in the gelatin and whisk well. Remove from heat. It is important to not allow the cream to boil.

Step Five: Pour the heated cream over the chocolate.

Over a strainer, pour the cream over the chocolate. The sieve is not necessary, but I like to use it to produce a super creamy, smooth panna cotta.

The warm cream will melt the chocolate as you whisk the chocolate into the cream.

Step Six: Divide Panna between prepared ramekins.

Once the chocolate is melted into the cream, divide the heated cream between the ramekins.

You may want to pour your chocolate mixture back through the sieve again, to catch any lumps, but that step is not necessary.

Step Seven: Chill the Panna Cotta.

Place the chocolate panna cottas in the fridge for at least 4 hours. If you are leaving in the fridge for over 4 hours, cover with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days.

Step Eight: Unmold the Panna Cotta.

To unmold panna cottas, place each ramekin in a bowl of warm water, that reaches halfway up the side of the ramekin, for 2-3 minutes. Remove ramekin from water and invert on a plate. Serve with berries, powdered sugar, or as is.

Notes on Chocolate Panna Cotta

You can use any 6-8 ounce mold you like. In fact, you can even use glasses and serve the panna cotta right from the glass if desired.
For this Easy Chocolate Panna Cotta, you can use either cream, whole milk, or coconut milk. I personally love to use canned coconut milk. The coconut milk makes this panna cotta extremely rich and the coconut flavor pairs well with dark chocolate.
To make Dairy Free Chocolate Panna Cotta, use dairy-free chocolate and coconut milk.
To make Paleo Chocolate Panna Cotta, use coconut milk as your choice of dairy and Paleo approved chocolate.
If you are using dairy to make Chocolate Panna Cotta, I like to use 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup milk for a creamy result. You may use all whole milk, all heavy cream or even half and half. I would not recommend low-fat milk when making a panna cotta, as you want a velvety, rich consistency that is not achievable when using low-fat milk.
Chocolate Panna Cotta will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Fresh Panna Cotta is best, but you can also freeze panna cotta (unmolded), for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before serving.
Panna Cotta is the PERFECT allergy-friendly dessert, as it is naturally egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and corn-free. If you use non-dairy milk and chocolate, chocolate panna cotta can also be made Paleo, Whole-30 approved, and dairy-free.