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Creamy Irish Cream Panna Cotta Delight

Creamy Irish Cream Panna Cotta - featured image

A silky smooth panna cotta infused with Irish cream liqueur and vanilla, perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights. This easy homemade dessert offers a creamy, boozy twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream (full-fat for best richness)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons (7 g) gelatin powder (Knox brand preferred)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) cold water (to bloom gelatin)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) Irish cream liqueur (Baileys or favorite brand)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or pure vanilla extract)
  • Optional garnish: shaved dark chocolate, whipped cream, or cocoa powder

Instructions

  1. Bloom the gelatin: Sprinkle 2 teaspoons (7 g) of gelatin powder over ¼ cup (60 ml) cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until softened.
  2. Heat the cream mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, and ⅓ cup (65 g) sugar. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot but not boiling (around 170°F / 77°C).
  3. Add the gelatin: Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved with no lumps.
  4. Mix in flavors: Whisk in ½ cup (120 ml) Irish cream liqueur and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste until smooth and aromatic.
  5. Strain (optional): Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any lumps or vanilla bean bits.
  6. Pour into molds: Divide mixture evenly into 6 ramekins or dessert glasses (about ¾ cup / 180 ml each). Tap gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Chill to set: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm but slightly wobbly.
  8. Serve: Garnish with shaved dark chocolate, whipped cream, or cocoa powder just before serving.

Notes

Bloom gelatin properly to ensure panna cotta sets. Avoid boiling the cream mixture to preserve gelatin’s setting ability. Let mixture cool slightly before adding Irish cream to retain alcohol flavor. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture. For unmolding, dip ramekins in warm water briefly and run a knife around edges.

Nutrition

Keywords: panna cotta, Irish cream, dessert, creamy, easy dessert, holiday dessert, gelatin dessert, vanilla panna cotta