Chocolate Panna Cotta with Spiced Pepita Brittle Delight Recipe
Indulge in this luxurious Chocolate Panna Cotta with Spiced Pepita Brittle Delight, a creamy, silky dessert infused with bittersweet chocolate and topped with a crunchy, aromatic brittle made from salted roasted pepitas spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. This elegant treat is perfect for impressing guests or satisfying your chocolate cravings with a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
- Author: Amaya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling, stovetop cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Chocolate Panna Cotta
- 1/4 cup unflavored powdered gelatin (bloom properly)
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for richness)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (substitute with agave syrup if desired)
- 1 pinch salt (to enhance flavors)
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (or milk chocolate for a sweeter taste)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for coating ramekins)
Spiced Pepita Brittle
- 1 cup salted roasted pepitas (can swap with other nuts or seeds)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for warmth)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg (freshly grated is best)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free option)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- Bloom Gelatin: Mix 1/4 cup unflavored powdered gelatin with 1/4 cup whole milk in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes to fully bloom, ensuring the panna cotta will set smoothly.
- Heat Milk Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 1/2 cups whole milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, and a pinch of salt. Warm over medium heat, stirring gently until the mixture reaches a low simmer but does not boil.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin mixture until it completely dissolves and blends with the milk mixture.
- Melt Chocolate: Place 8 ounces of bittersweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 10-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually whisk the warm milk and gelatin mixture into the melted chocolate, combining thoroughly to create a silky, uniform texture.
- Strain Mixture: Pour the combined chocolate mixture through a fine sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth panna cotta.
- Prepare Ramekins: Lightly coat six 1/2 cup ramekins with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to prevent sticking, and arrange them on a baking sheet for stability.
- Chill Panna Cotta: Pour the chocolate mixture evenly into the prepared ramekins, filling each halfway. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set and firm.
- Prepare Pepita Mixture: On a parchment-lined baking sheet, mix 1 cup salted roasted pepitas with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg for enhanced flavor.
- Cook Sugar for Brittle: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons water. Heat over medium-high, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves and the syrup reaches a medium amber color, about 6-8 minutes.
- Make Brittle: Remove the sugar syrup from heat and immediately stir in the spiced pepita mix along with 2 tablespoons unsalted butter until the pepitas are evenly coated.
- Cool and Harden: Spread the brittle mixture evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet and allow it to cool for about 20 minutes until hardened. Break into shards once cool.
- Serve: Gently invert the chilled panna cottas onto serving plates and garnish each with a generous amount of the spiced pepita brittle shards for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Notes
- For a richer panna cotta, substitute whole milk with heavy cream or a combination of both.
- Use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet if you prefer a sweeter dessert.
- To make the brittle dairy-free, replace unsalted butter with coconut oil.
- If you don’t have salted pepitas, toast raw pepitas with a pinch of salt before using.
- Ensure gelatin is fully bloomed to prevent lumps and guarantee a smooth set.
- Chocolate panna cotta can be made a day ahead, keeping covered in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin with brittle
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Chocolate panna cotta, spiced brittle, pepita brittle, creamy chocolate dessert, elegant dessert, holiday dessert, easy panna cotta