Easy Champagne Panna Cotta No-Bake Dessert

Looking for an easy and elegant no-bake dessert? This champagne panna cotta is perfect! Just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep time are all you need to make this delicious treat.

Plus, it's perfect for any special occasion. Serve these panna cottas chilled as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream on top for a decadent dessert that everyone will love!

Easy Champagne Panna Cotta No-Bake Dessert

What is Panna Cotta?

Panna cotta is an Italian custard made with cream and milk. It's typically flavored with vanilla, but you can use any flavor you like. This champagne panna cotta recipe uses sparkling wine for a festive twist! And that little bit of topping just makes it so unique and fun - no one will realize how EASY this recipe was for you to make.

What's the difference between Panna Cotta and Custard?

Custard is a thickened mixture of milk or cream and eggs. It can be cooked on the stovetop or baked in the oven. Panna cotta is a type of custard that's made with cream and milk, without eggs. Gelatin is used to thicken it instead since the eggs are what thickens custard. This champagne panna cotta recipe uses gelatin to achieve the perfect creamy texture.

Can you make Champagne Panna Cotta vegan?

Yes, you can make this panna cotta recipe vegan by using a plant-based milk instead of dairy milk and substituting the gelatin for a vegan option like agar agar. I have not tested this myself, but I've heard good things about using agar agar as a vegan gelatin substitute. Just keep in mind that you may need to add a bit more agar agar than what is required of the gelatin, as agar agar is not as strong of a binder (it doesn't jelly-fy) as gelatin.

Is Champagne Panna Cotta gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. While champagne is naturally gluten-free, that's the only ingredient that makes me wonder. So, just be sure to use a gluten-free champagne if you need it to be 100% gluten-free. I am not saying that your champagne has gluten - I am just saying to check the label just in case because I personally am not certain.

What Goes into Making Champagne Panna Cotta?

Ready to tackle making your own champagne panna cotta? Well, let's get started!

Vanilla Panna Cotta Base

• 1 ¼ cup half and half
• 1 ¾ cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Champagne Jelly Topping

• 2 cups champagne
• 2 teaspoon gelatin
• 4 teaspoon granulated sugar

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Small saucepan
• Dessert glasses

How to Make Champagne Panna Cotta

To make the Vanilla Panna Cotta Base, stir together the gelatin with 2 tablespoon half and half and set it aside.

Add the remaining portion of half and half, salt, and sugar into a small sauce pan over medium heat, stirring periodically until the mixture begins to steam. Remove the pan from the heat before the mixture begins boiling.

Add the cream and gelatin mixture and stir well to make sure the gelatin is fully incorporated into the whole mixture.

Add the vanilla and stir until the mixture cools and starts to thicken.

Pour the mixture into small glasses, leaving the last 2 inches of the top of the glass empty.

Place the glasses in a fridge for 2 - 4 hours to set completely.

To make the Champagne Jelly Topping, place 2 tablespoon of the champagne in a small dish and stir the gelatin into it.

Combine the remaining champagne with the sugar in a sauce pan over medium heat and stir periodically until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove the pan from heat.

Add the gelatin mixture to the pan and stir until the gelatin is completely incorporated.

Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, stirring periodically, then pour it over the panna cotta base.

Decorate with desired fruit on top before the jelly sets.

Chill for an additional 2-3 hours to allow the jelly to set completely, then serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of champagne should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using a dry champagne or prosecco for this recipe. The sweetness of the dessert balances out the dryness of the champagne nicely. However, feel free to use whatever type of champagne you prefer. If you want a sweeter dessert, you could even use a sweet sparkling wine like Asti Spumante.

Can You Make Champagne Panna Cotta without Alcohol?

Yes, you can make this recipe without alcohol by substituting the champagne for sparkling apple cider or grape juice. Keep in mind that the flavor of the panna cotta will be different without the champagne, but it will still be delicious!

What Toppings Can I Try on this easy no-bake dessert?

This champagne panna cotta is delicious on its own, but you could also top it with fresh berries, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Some of my favorite variations include:

• Raspberry Champagne Panna Cotta: Top each panna cotta with a few fresh raspberries. That's what I did for the glasses shown in my pictures.
• Chocolate Champagne Panna Cotta: Drizzle each glass with chocolate before loading the glass with panna cotta or sprinkle on some chocolate shavings.
• Strawberry Champagne Panna Cotta: Top each panna cotta with a few sliced strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Storing Champagne Panna Cotta

While it's best eaten fresh (I mean, what isn't?!), leftover panna cotta can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. I recommend storing it in individual serving cups or ramekins so that you can just grab and go when you're ready to enjoy it!

Looking for More No-Bake Desserts?

If you love the idea of a no-bake dessert so your kitchen doesn't heat up unnecessarily, join the club! We will be adding more delicious ideas here soon, but for now, check out these favorites that are often on our dessert menu. Make sure you bookmark the recipes or print them out so you will have them on hand when you need an easy treat!

• No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake Recipe
• Vegan Engery Bites Recipe
• No-Bake Chocolate Oreo Lasagna Recipe