Skip to main content

Chocolate Panna Cotta

SMART SUBSTITUTION To make this popular Italian dessert lighter, use reduced-fat cream cheese and skim milk in place of the traditional heavy cream. Thanks to the semisweet chocolate, it still tastes rich.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin
1 1/2 cups cold skim milk
3 tablespoons sugar
3 ounces semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces
3 ounces reduced-fat bar cream cheese, room temperature
Pinch of salt
Reduced-fat sour cream, for serving (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold milk. Let soften, about 5 minutes. Cook over low heat, stirring until gelatin has dissolved (mixture will feel smooth when rubbed between fingers), about 3 minutes. Add sugar; stir until dissolved. Add remaining 1 cup milk; heat over low until warm (do not boil), about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

    Step 2

    Place chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl; heat on high in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until melted. Add cream cheese to chocolate; using a flexible spatula, stir until combined. Pour 1/4 cup gelatin mixture into chocolate mixture; stir until smooth. Gradually add remaining gelatin mixture, then salt, stirring until smooth. Divide among four 6-ounce glasses or custard cups; refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours (or up to 2 days).

    Step 3

    Serve panna cottas topped with sour cream, if desired.

  2. nutrition information

    Step 4

    Per Serving (without Sour Cream)

    Step 5

    Calories: 231

    Step 6

    Fat: 11.1g (7g Saturated Fat)

    Step 7

    Protein: 7.5g

    Step 8

    Carbohydrates: 28.1g

    Step 9

    Fiber: 1.1g

Everyday Food: Light
Read More
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like “phenomenal” whole lemon bars and grilled salmon with dill chimichurri.
Grilling fish atop a bed of lemon slices is the key to not sticking.
A punchy, spicy peanut vinaigrette transforms a simply grilled steak into a showstopping main.
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.