Chocolate panna cotta on a white plate, topped with berries – smooth and creamy dessert

The Easiest Chocolate Panna Cotta – No-Soak Gelatin Hack Using Cook Gelatin

Introduction

Looking for an elegant yet incredibly easy dessert?

This chocolate panna cotta is rich, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth smooth—made possible with a clever shortcut: Morinaga Cook Gelatin. Unlike traditional gelatin that requires blooming in water, Cook Gelatin dissolves directly into warm liquid, saving you time and effort.

Panna cotta, which means “cooked cream” in Italian, originated in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy. Traditionally made with cream, sugar, and gelatin, it has become a globally beloved dessert for its delicate texture and flexibility with flavors—from fruit to chocolate to coffee.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to:

• Use no-soak gelatin for a stress-free prep

• Create a silky chocolate base without boiling

• Unmold cleanly for a professional-looking presentation

And best of all, it’s perfect for make-ahead! Chill it overnight and serve the next day. It still tastes amazing.

Ingredients

• 120g dark chocolate

• 250ml heavy cream

• 200ml milk

• 30g sugar

• 5g gelatin (1 packet of
Morinaga Cook Gelatin )

• A few drops of vanilla extract

• A small amount of oil (for greasing the molds)

Instructions

Grease the molds

Lightly grease your serving cups or molds with oil. This helps release the panna cotta cleanly after chilling.

Make the base

In a medium saucepan, heat heavy cream, milk, and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.

Do not boil. This helps maintain a smooth texture.

Remove from heat, add the chopped dark chocolate, and stir until fully melted.

Finish with a bit of vanilla extract.

Add the gelatin

Add 5g (1 packet) of Morinaga Cook Gelatin directly into the warm mixture.

Stir well until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

(No need to bloom it in cold water. This is the key time-saving step!)

Pour & chill

Pour the mixture into the greased molds.

This recipe makes about 6 portions using 100ml cups, or 4 using 150ml cups.

Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying or odor transfer, and chill for at least 4 hours—or overnight.

Unmold & serve

Before serving, dip the mold bottoms in warm water for a few seconds.

If needed, run a knife around the edges, then invert onto a plate.

Serve as is, or top with berries, herbs, or whipped cream.

Tips

• Don’t boil the mixture. Just heat until the sugar melts.

• Cook Gelatin makes prep super easy: no blooming = no stress.

• You can make this dessert the night before. It’s perfect for entertaining.

• Want extra flair? Try topping it with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or mint.

Watch the Full Recipe on YouTube!

For a step-by-step video tutorial, check out my YouTube channel:

@HomeAndAwayEats

Let me know if you tried this recipe! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more delicious recipes.

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