This Peach Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta is a luxurious, two-layered dessert that’s perfect for summer. With a juicy peach base and a spiced vanilla bean layer, it offers the ideal balance of sweetness and creaminess. The panna cotta is topped with a smooth peach puree and rum-infused whipped cream, making it a truly decadent treat. It’s a no-bake dessert that comes together beautifully, especially during peach season.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the peach panna cotta layer:

• 3 medium peaches, chopped

• 1/4 cup + 3 tbsp (90ml) whole milk

• 1/2 tbsp (3g) gelatin (approximately 1 pack, divided in half)

• 3/4 cup (200ml) heavy cream

• 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar

• A pinch of salt

For the vanilla bean panna cotta layer:

• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or 1 vanilla bean pod (scraped)

• 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk

• 1/2 tbsp (3g) gelatin

• 1/2 cup (118ml) heavy cream

• 1 tbsp (12g) brown sugar

• 3 tbsp (36g) granulated sugar

• A pinch of salt

For the rum whipped cream:

• 1/3 cup heavy cream

• 2–3 tbsp (30–45ml) white rum (no additional flavoring)

Directions

1. Peach panna cotta layer:
   Puree the chopped peaches until smooth, then strain through a fine sieve. Reserve 1/3 cup of the peach puree in a jar and refrigerate. Combine the gelatin with milk to bloom. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, sugar, and salt until simmering. Remove from heat and whisk in the gelatin-milk mixture. Stir in the peach puree, then pour into serving cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.

2. Vanilla bean panna cotta layer:
   Bloom the gelatin again. Simmer heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Remove from heat and whisk in the gelatin-milk mixture and vanilla bean paste. Check the peach layer to ensure it’s set before gently adding the vanilla bean layer on top. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours until fully set.

3. Rum whipped cream:
   Whip the cream and rum until medium peaks form.

4. Assembling the dessert:
   Warm the reserved peach puree until it is pourable, then layer it over the panna cotta. Top with a dollop of rum whipped cream and garnish with peach slices. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients

The exact nutritional information is not provided on the recipe page, but approximate values can be based on typical ingredients for panna cotta:

• Calories: ~300–400 kcal per serving

• Carbohydrates: ~25–30g

• Sugars: ~20g

• Fat: ~25g

• Protein: ~3–5g

• Alcohol: Present in the whipped cream if using rum

The Art of Panna Cotta: A Luxurious Dessert with Simple Roots

Panna cotta, which means “cooked cream” in Italian, is a classic dessert that has gained widespread popularity due to its creamy texture and versatility. Originally from the Piedmont region of Italy, panna cotta was traditionally made with milk, cream, and sugar, which were cooked and then set with gelatin. Over time, variations of panna cotta have emerged, with countless flavor combinations and toppings that reflect both regional preferences and modern culinary trends.

The Peach Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta builds upon this traditional recipe by introducing layers of fresh peach puree and a fragrant vanilla bean flavor. The two distinct layers—one fruity and vibrant, the other creamy and comforting—work harmoniously to create a dessert that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

A Perfect Combination of Peaches and Vanilla Bean

At the heart of the Peach Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta is the balance between the natural sweetness of peaches and the warmth of vanilla beans. Peaches, especially when they’re in season, offer a rich, juicy sweetness that complements the creamy richness of panna cotta. The addition of vanilla bean enhances the flavor with its aromatic depth, bringing a slight spiciness and complexity that contrasts beautifully with the peaches.

In the peach layer, fresh peaches are pureed and incorporated into a smooth panna cotta base made from heavy cream, milk, and gelatin. This creates a light, fruity layer that sets perfectly in the refrigerator, giving it a silky texture. On top of the peach layer, a second panna cotta layer, made with vanilla bean paste and a hint of brown sugar, adds a creamy richness that balances the fruitiness below.

Rum-Infused Whipped Cream: A Touch of Decadence

To take this dessert over the top, a rum-infused whipped cream is used as a final flourish. Whipping cream with white rum creates a light yet flavorful topping that complements the peach and vanilla layers. The subtle warmth from the rum enhances the overall flavor profile, offering a gentle boozy kick without overpowering the delicate flavors of the panna cotta. The whipped cream adds both texture and richness, giving the dessert a finishing touch that feels luxurious and indulgent.

Why Panna Cotta is Perfect for Summer

Panna cotta is an excellent summer dessert for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s a no-bake treat, which means you won’t need to turn on your oven during the hot months. This makes it an ideal choice for warm weather entertaining. Additionally, panna cotta is a versatile dessert that can be easily adapted to different flavors, fruits, and occasions.

The Peach Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, in particular, is a great choice for summer because it uses fresh, seasonal peaches. This fruit is synonymous with summer, and its natural sweetness is a perfect complement to the creamy richness of panna cotta. Moreover, the layered presentation of the panna cotta, with its contrasting colors and textures, makes it visually stunning and perfect for impressing guests.

Customization and Variations

While this recipe is a delightful combination of peaches and vanilla bean, panna cotta is a dessert that lends itself well to customization. For those who want to experiment with different fruits, any stone fruit, such as nectarines or apricots, could be substituted for peaches, offering a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the same creamy base. Berries, like raspberries or strawberries, could also make a lovely substitution for the peach puree, adding a tart contrast to the creamy layers.

For a richer vanilla flavor, you can use the seeds from a whole vanilla bean instead of vanilla bean paste. The seeds will give the panna cotta a more intense vanilla flavor, as well as small flecks of vanilla that make the dessert even more visually appealing.

For those who want to take the boozy factor even further, you could infuse the whipped cream with flavored liqueurs such as Grand Marnier or amaretto for a unique twist. Just be sure to balance the flavors so that the rum or liqueur doesn’t overwhelm the delicate layers of the panna cotta.

Presentation: Serving with Style

Presentation is key when it comes to panna cotta, and the Peach Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta is no exception. The two distinct layers, one peach-colored and the other white with specks of vanilla, make this dessert visually striking. For a refined presentation, serve the panna cotta in individual glass jars or clear serving cups, which will showcase the beautiful layers.

To elevate the dish even further, garnish with fresh peach slices or a few mint leaves for a touch of color and freshness. You could also drizzle a little extra peach puree on top for added sweetness and a glossy finish. For an extra touch of luxury, a few shaved pieces of white chocolate or a light dusting of cinnamon can create a beautiful contrast and add an extra element of texture.

Why This Dessert Deserves a Spot on Your Menu

The Peach Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s light yet indulgent, fruity yet creamy, and simple yet sophisticated. Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this dessert will not disappoint.

Its balanced flavors, elegant presentation, and ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for a variety of occasions. The two-layered structure adds an element of surprise and sophistication, making it an excellent choice for impressing guests. Moreover, the combination of fresh fruit, creamy textures, and rum-infused whipped cream ensures that this dessert will leave a lasting impression.

Conclusion: A Sweet End to Any Meal

The Peach Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta is a dessert that embodies the essence of summer. With its luxurious, creamy texture, the bright fruitiness of peaches, and the aromatic warmth of vanilla, it’s a treat that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Whether you’re enjoying it as a special treat at the end of a meal or as the highlight of a celebration, it’s sure to delight everyone at the table. Its elegant layers and decadent rum-infused whipped cream ensure that every bite is an indulgence, and it’s the perfect way to enjoy the best of what summer has to offer.