Silky Caramel Banana Panna Cotta

There’s something undeniably enchanting about a beautifully crafted dessert, and panna cotta has long been a beloved staple in Italian cuisine. This silky, creamy delight serves as a canvas for countless flavor combinations, but today, we’re taking it up a notch by infusing it with the rich sweetness of caramel and the lusciousness of ripe bananas. The result? Silky Caramel Banana Panna Cotta—a dessert that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also showcases the art of homemade indulgence.

Indulge in the delightful experience of making Silky Caramel Banana Panna Cotta, a dessert that beautifully combines creamy panna cotta, sweet bananas, and rich caramel. This elegant Italian treat is surprisingly easy to create, making it perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you can craft a visually stunning dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy every silky, flavorful bite!

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Ingredients

For the Panna Cotta:

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) unflavored gelatin

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

For the Banana Layer:

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

Prepare the Panna Cotta:

- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 3 tablespoons of cold water and let it bloom for about 5-10 minutes.

- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is warm but not boiling.

- Remove from heat, add the bloomed gelatin and stir until fully dissolved. Stir in the vanilla extract.

- Pour the mixture into individual serving cups, filling them halfway. Let them cool slightly before transferring to the fridge. Chill for at least 4 hours, or until set.

Prepare the Banana Layer:

- In a bowl, combine the mashed bananas, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, and set aside.

Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

- In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, swirling gently until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color (around 6-8 minutes).

- Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream and butter (it will bubble up!). Add a pinch of sea salt, then let it cool slightly.

Assemble the Dessert:

- Once the panna cotta has set, gently spoon the banana mixture on top, layering it evenly across the cups.

- Drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over the banana layer.

Serve and Enjoy:

- For an added touch, you can garnish with a slice of banana and a sprinkle of sea salt. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful combination of silky panna cotta, sweet bananas, and rich caramel.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 6