A beautifully plated individual serving of White Chocolate Peppermint Panna Cotta in a minimalist white ceramic bowl, garnished with crushed candy canes and a sprig of fresh mint. The bowl sits on a marble countertop with a subtle wood accent visible. Natural morning light from the east creates soft shadows, highlighting the creamy texture. Fresh herbs are visible in a small pot in the softly blurred background.

White Chocolate Peppermint Panna Cotta: Festive & Easy!

ByMaya
Six 4-ounce ramekins, half-filled with the White Chocolate Peppermint Panna Cotta mixture, sitting on the same wooden cutting board. They are arranged neatly on the marble countertop, bathed in natural morning light from the east. The scene shows an in-process moment, as if just paused before pouring the remaining mixture. No hands visible, soft shadows, warm tones, and a hint of authentic messiness around.

White Chocolate Peppermint Panna Cotta

There’s just something magical about desserts that instantly transport you to the heart of the holidays, and for me, this White Chocolate Peppermint Panna Cotta does just that. I still vividly remember my very first encounter with panna cotta; it was a simple yet utterly enchanting experience at a bustling little Italian trattoria, where its delicate, silky texture completely captivated me. Years later, during a particularly festive but chilly December, I was determined to recreate that elegant simplicity in my own kitchen, but with a vibrant, seasonal twist that truly sang of winter cheer.

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That’s exactly when this creamy, dreamy confection came to life, quickly becoming a cherished tradition at our annual holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges. What’s truly fantastic is how this White Chocolate Peppermint Panna Cotta manages to look incredibly sophisticated and fancy, yet it’s secretly one of the easiest no-bake treats you can whip up, much like these delightful Peppermint Mocha Pudding Parfaits. No oven required, just a little stovetop magic and some fridge time – it’s a fuss-free way to add a showstopper to your spread, and if you’re craving even more cool and creamy holiday inspiration, you might also adore these Peppermint Cheesecake Bars.

White Chocolate Peppermint Panna Cotta: Festive & Easy!
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White Chocolate Peppermint Panna Cotta: Festive & Easy!

Recipe by MayaCourse: DessertsCuisine: Italian-InspiredDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

A silky smooth, no-bake Italian dessert infused with rich white chocolate and refreshing peppermint, topped with festive crushed candy canes. Perfect for holiday entertaining!

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder

  • 3 tablespoons cold water

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 8 ounces good quality white chocolate, finely chopped

  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1/4 cup crushed candy canes, for garnish

Directions

  • In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin powder over the cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to ‘bloom’ and soften.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream and granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the cream is hot, but not boiling. Do not let it boil!
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the bloomed gelatin mixture to the hot cream and whisk continuously until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
  • Add the finely chopped white chocolate to the hot cream mixture. Let it sit for a minute, then whisk until the white chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
  • Stir in the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk well to ensure all flavors are evenly distributed.
  • Carefully pour the panna cotta mixture into six 4-ounce ramekins, small glasses, or decorative molds.
  • Cover each ramekin loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until fully set.
  • Before serving, gently crush candy canes. If desired, briefly dip the bottom of each ramekin in warm water to help release the panna cotta onto a plate. Garnish generously with crushed candy canes.

Notes

    • Gelatin Guru: Don’t rush the blooming process! Letting your gelatin fully hydrate in cold water for 5-10 minutes is key to a smooth, lump-free panna cotta. If you add it to hot liquid too soon, you might end up with gritty bits.
    • White Chocolate Wisdom: Use good quality white chocolate! Since it’s a star ingredient, a better quality chocolate (like a baking bar, not just chocolate chips) will give you a superior flavor and a silkier texture. Finely chopping it helps it melt smoothly and quickly.
    • Make-Ahead Magic: This panna cotta is a dream for holiday hosting! You can easily make it 1-2 days in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add the crushed candy cane garnish right before serving to keep it crisp and colorful.

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