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    Home > Meal Type > Desserts

    Salted Caramel Panna Cotta Cups

    Updated: Dec 20th 2018 • Published: Oct 8th 2018 • 31 Comments

    Jump to Recipe SaveSaved! Pin Recipe
    Close up on a single glass jar showing the golden colour of the caramel and the white f the panna cotta, with text at the top

    These beautiful salted caramel panna cotta cups are an easy, prepare ahead dessert recipe. The set cream is flavoured with sugar and vanilla before being poured over chilled salted caramel sauce. This simple trick creates the 3 layers, make plating this Italian dessert easy; use a small glass jar, cup or pot and presentation is as simple as a plain white plate and a pretty spoon.

    A great dessert to have up your sleeve, the wonderful mix of wobbly panna cotta and smooth runny caramel is sure to impress your guests.

    head one, showing 3 layers of dessert in a small glass jar

    Jump Menu

    • What is Panna Cotta and is it hard to make?
    • Tips for making the salted caramel panna cotta pots
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Salted Caramel Panna Cotta Cups

    What is Panna Cotta and is it hard to make?

    Panna cotta is a wibbly wobbly dessert that is sure to please. It is essentially a set sweetened cream, that is often unmolded.

    The unmolding, is where many a masterchef contestant has come unstuck! Either the set isn't right so the panna cotta doesn't wobble, or it is too soft and the panna cotta collapses onto the plate in a puddle.

    However this salted caramel version is served in a pot, which takes all the stress out of making it. You don't need to worry about the firmness of the set, meaning you can relax and enjoy your main course without dessert anxiety setting in.

    Salted Cameral winner!!!!

    almost overhead on a glass jar, showing the creamy wobbly pan cotta texture

    Tips for making the salted caramel panna cotta pots

    The delicious vanilla panna cotta is poured over salted caramel sauce. I use my own homemade version (recipe here) but store bought caramel is fine. Just have a little taste and add extra salt if needed.

    To make sure you get the distinctive layering affect, pour the caramel sauce into the bottom of your glasses and then chill it. This stops it melting instantly when the warm milk mixture is poured over it.

    There will be some melting and that is fine, we want the milk mixture and the caramel to combine slightly, this creates that pale caramel layer you see in the photos.

    If your caramel and milk mixture combine completely don't panic. The dessert is still perfectly edible and delicious, it just won't have the layered affect that you see here.

    Make sure you don't boil your milk, it needs to be warmed up to help the gelatine and sugar dissolve, but excessive heat will break down the gelatine and stop it working. Ideally the milk should be warm when you put a finger into it, but never get so hot that you want to take your finger out.

    To check everything has dissolved, take a pinch of the liquid and rub it between your fingers, there should be no graininess. If you can still feel the gelatine, put it back over a low heat and continue to stir gently.

    close up on the caramel layers in these panna cotta cups

    For other panna cotta recipes try:

    Lemon Panna Cotta with Fresh Blueberries | Pear and Pomegranate Panna Cotta | Panna Cotta with Roasted Rhubarb - Jaime Oliver | Blood Orange Panna Cotta - Italian Food Forever

    Enjoy x

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    📖 Recipe

    SQ picture showing two glass jars with a layered salted caramel and vanilla panna cotta in them
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    4.65 from 14 votes

    Salted Caramel Panna Cotta Cups

    These beautiful salted caramel panna cotta cups are an easy, prepare ahead dessert recipe. The set cream is flavoured with sugar and vanilla before being poured over chilled salted caramel sauce. This simple trick creates the 3 layers, make plating this Italian dessert easy; use a small glass jar, cup or pot and presentation is as simple as a plain white plate and a pretty spoon. The wonderful mix of wobbly panna cotta and smooth runny caramel is sure to impress your guests.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time15 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Italian
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 510kcal
    Author: Claire | Sprinkle and Sprouts
    For more great recipes follow me on PinterestFollow @sprinklessprout
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    Ingredients

    US Customary - Grams
    • ½ cup salted caramel sauce (get my homemade recipe)
    • 1 ½ cups whole milk
    • 2 ½ teaspoon powdered gelatin
    • ⅓ cup caster sugar
    • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (whipping/pouring cream)
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • pinch sea salt

    Instructions

    • Start by dividing the salted caramel sauce between four dessert glasses.
    • Place them in the fridge to chill whilst you make the panna cotta.
    • Pour the milk into a small saucepan and evenly sprinkle the powdered gelatine over the top.
    • Set it aside to for 5 minutes.
    • After 5 minutes place the pan over a very low heat and heat gently for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. The milk shouldn't get hot, just warm to allow the gelatine to melt. You should be able to hold your finger in the milk without it burning.
    • Take a pinch of the milk and rub it through your fingers to check for any graininess.
    • Once the gelatine has dissolved add the caster sugar and stir gently over a very low heat until it is dissolved.
    • Once the sugar has dissolved remove from the heat and stir in the cream, vanilla and salt.
    • Carefully pour the milk mixture over the cold caramel and place in the fridge to set for 3 hours.
    • Remove from the fridge for 10 minutes before serving.

    Notes

    You can substitute both the milk and heavy cream for half and half.
     
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 510kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 131mg | Sodium: 177mg | Potassium: 211mg | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 1485IU | Vitamin C: 0.6mg | Calcium: 176mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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    Originally posted in October 21017.
    Updated with fresh words and a new feature image.

     

     

     

     

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Heather Alcott says

      May 23, 2021 at 3:57 am

      5 stars
      Did you ever have an issue with the caramel hardening? I was worried when I chilled it that it would be candy.

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        May 23, 2021 at 5:15 pm

        I've never had an issue with it hardening. It is quite a runny caramel, it does thicken as it cools but it is still soft enough to ooze and spoon up.
        Hope that helps 🙂
        Cx

        Reply
    2. JUDY SHEHAN says

      June 20, 2020 at 4:25 am

      This recipe looks delicious. Would love to try it but wondering where I can get the jars.

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        June 26, 2020 at 11:29 am

        Thank you Judy.

        They are Weck jars. I found these in a local kitchen shop but Amazon had a great range.
        Hope that helps 🙂
        Cx

        Reply
    3. Estella says

      October 10, 2019 at 1:07 am

      Hello -- this looks great. Can I make these a day+ ahead?

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        October 10, 2019 at 4:59 am

        Hi Estella,

        You can definitely make these in advance. I often make them the day before I am going to serve them. I have kept Panna Cotta for 3 days in the fridge with no loss of texture. Just be sure to cover them well as the top can dry out if left for too long.
        Hope that helps 😀

        Reply
    4. danielle says

      October 11, 2018 at 8:25 pm

      5 stars
      Such a great idea to serve it in a cup! This looks amazing Claire, the layers are so pretty!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        October 12, 2018 at 7:05 am

        Thank you Danielle, it takes so much stress out of panna cotta when you don't have to un-mould them 😀

        Reply
    5. Julie says

      March 13, 2018 at 4:13 am

      Panna cotta is one of my favorite desserts , and I totally agree with making them in a pot so it's stress free without trying to turn it out properly. I've never tried a salted caramel version though; I know what I'm making for our next dinner party!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 17, 2018 at 9:02 am

        I do hope you give it a go Julie. It is a rich dessert but you don't need a lot. And prepare ahead desserts are perfect for dinner parties 😀

        Reply
    6. Stacey says

      March 13, 2018 at 12:49 am

      5 stars
      This is such a gorgeous panna cotta! All of those layers are beautiful, I can't wait to give this a try, it sounds amazing!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 27, 2018 at 9:52 am

        Thank you Stacey. I love the layers too. I always feel super capable when the layers look perfect 😉

        Reply
    7. Veronika's Kitchen says

      March 12, 2018 at 10:28 am

      5 stars
      I make Panna Cotta a lot during the summertime, and usually make it with berry compote. Never tried it with caramel. Looks sooo delicious!)

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 12, 2018 at 9:55 pm

        The caramel is a wonderful alternative, especially when berries aren't in season 😀

        Reply
    8. Eileen Kelly says

      March 12, 2018 at 8:09 am

      5 stars
      What a delicious dessert! I have yet to make panna cotta at home because it always seemed complicated. You have made it so easy in these individual pots and the caramel sauce is delish! I am going to make your recipe!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 12, 2018 at 8:57 pm

        I do think not having to turn them out takes so much stress out of panna cotta 😀

        Reply
    9. Kim @ Three Olives Branch says

      March 11, 2018 at 10:56 pm

      5 stars
      These are so cute! And the hubby would love everything about these, especially the salted caramel. Can't wait to try them!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 12, 2018 at 9:05 pm

        Salted caramel is just the best flavor isn't it!

        Reply
    10. Karyl / Karyl’s Kulinary Krusade says

      March 10, 2018 at 11:39 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve never tried panda cotta before, but this looks really good! And I absolutely the presentation in the little pots

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 11, 2018 at 5:43 pm

        Oh panna cotta is such a wonderful prepare ahead dessert, I do hope you give it a go 😀

        Reply
    11. Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says

      March 10, 2018 at 5:09 am

      5 stars
      This has always been one of my favorites and I love that you make them salted caramel! Added to my "must make" list!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 12, 2018 at 9:48 pm

        Salted caramel is just the best isn't it!

        Reply
    12. Nicole | Culinary Cool says

      March 06, 2018 at 10:39 am

      You can never go wrong with salted caramel, and everyone should make it homemade - it really does make a difference! And I freakin love that these are served in a little pot instead of being fussy and stressing about unmolding them! Simplicity for the win!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 06, 2018 at 10:22 pm

        Thank you so much Nicole, I totally agree, whilst I love turned out panna cotta and the gorgeous wobble you get, when you are entertaining it is great to remove a level of stress!

        Reply
    13. Kate says

      March 06, 2018 at 8:10 am

      Oh my gosh. I am actually salivating, these look sooooo good! I can't wait to try them!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 06, 2018 at 8:33 am

        Salted caramel does that to me every time!!! It is just the best!

        Reply
    14. Leslie Haasch says

      March 05, 2018 at 11:28 pm

      Those layers are so gorgeous! I'd spend all my time staring at it instead of eating it!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 06, 2018 at 8:34 am

        Hehe, I do that sushi sometimes, I just sit in awe at the beauty of it. Then find one of my sons has already finished his and is eyeing mine!!!!

        Reply
    15. Abby @ WinsteadWandering says

      March 05, 2018 at 10:51 pm

      Salted caramel is one of my absolute favorite things! I love how simple this dessert is to make.

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 06, 2018 at 9:30 am

        Mine too! And my grandad's. He is obsessed with Salted caramel everything!
        And with good reason, salted caramel is just the best 😀

        Reply
    16. Dorothy Dunton says

      October 04, 2017 at 6:55 am

      Hi Claire! One of my favorite desserts is flan. This is similar, but much easier! I love creamy desserts, they are the perfect ending to a meal.

      Reply

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