Name: White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/4 oz. powdered unflavored gelatin (1 envelope); 1 1/2 cups half and half or whole milk, cold; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup white chocolate morsels or 3 oz. white chocolate bar, chopped; 1/4 cup sugar; 3 oz. orange dark chocolate bar, finely chopped; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon orange liqueur; 2 tablespoons Callebaut Crispearls chocolate beads or other chocolate caviar; 12 pieces candied orange peel, 2-3” lengths

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 11 reviews

If you’re looking for an elegant yet surprisingly easy dessert to wow your friends, I’ve got just the thing for you: this White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce Recipe. It’s creamy, silky, and that zesty orange dark chocolate sauce? Absolute magic. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it over and over – it’s dessert perfection with a little citrus kick that keeps you coming back for more.

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Why This Recipe Works

Silky Smooth Texture: The gelatin sets the panna cotta just right, making it creamy with a gentle wobble that’s so inviting.
Balanced Sweetness and Citrus: The white chocolate brings rich sweetness, while the orange dark chocolate sauce adds a tangy depth.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it up to two days ahead—perfect for stress-free entertaining.
Versatile Serving Size: Whether serving 6 or 12, you can adjust portions to suit your occasion without losing flavor or charm.

White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce, white chocolate panna cotta, orange chocolate sauce recipe, elegant dessert ideas, easy panna cotta recipes - The image shows several clear white cocktail glasses filled with a smooth, creamy white layer at the bottom. One glass in the center is being topped with a thick dark brown liquid, gently poured from a vessel held by a woman's hand. The dark layer is glossy and rich, slowly spreading over the white base. The glasses are placed on a tray with a white marbled surface, arranged in neat rows, giving a clean and elegant look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce Recipe calls for simple but quality ingredients that work harmoniously to create a delicate dessert. I always recommend using white chocolate with real cocoa butter for the best melt and taste, and don’t skip the orange liqueur in the sauce—it really elevates the flavors.

Powdered unflavored gelatin: Essential for achieving that perfect soft set texture without being rubbery.
Half and half or whole milk: Adds creaminess but keeps the panna cotta light and not overly rich.
Heavy whipping cream: Brings richness and silkiness to the base, balancing the lightness of the milk.
White chocolate morsels or bar: Look for good quality ones containing cocoa butter for smooth melting and authentic flavor.
Sugar: Just enough to sweeten without overpowering the delicate white chocolate taste.
Orange dark chocolate bar: Provides that bittersweet, citrus-infused depth in the sauce.
Orange liqueur: Adds brightness and complexity to the sauce, but you can skip if you prefer non-alcoholic.
Callebaut Crispearls or chocolate caviar: Adds crunchy texture contrast and a fun visual boost.
Candied orange peel: Beautiful garnish that reinforces the citrus notes and impresses guests.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing with this panna cotta recipe depending on the season and who’s coming over. Sometimes I swap the orange-dark chocolate sauce for a raspberry coulis to give it a fresh berry twist. You can easily make it dairy-free too if you use coconut cream and a vegan gelatin substitute.

Variation: Switching out the orange chocolate sauce for a spiced salted caramel sauce made for an unexpected, cozy treat during winter parties.
Dietary Modification: I once made this with oat milk and agar-agar for a friend who’s vegan—it set beautifully and was equally delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

First things first, sprinkle your powdered gelatin over 1/4 cup of the cold half and half in a small bowl. Don’t stir it too much—just a brief mix to wet all the gelatin. Let it sit for around 2 minutes. It’ll look a bit lumpy, and that’s totally normal. This ‘blooming’ ensures your gelatin sets properly creating that soft, pleasant wobble we want.

Step 2: Warm Cream and Melt White Chocolate

Now, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, white chocolate morsels, and sugar. Stir gently but consistently so nothing sticks or burns. After about 5 minutes, your white chocolate should be fully melted and the sugar nicely dissolved — the mixture will look velvety and smooth. This step is crucial; don’t rush it or let it boil, or you risk a grainy texture.

Step 3: Add Gelatin and Combine

Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately whisk in the bloomed gelatin mixture until it dissolves completely. Then stir in the rest of your half and half. This keeps the base silky and light enough while still feeling indulgent. Once mixed, pour evenly into glasses or ramekins—small Martini glasses look especially elegant if you’re serving cocktail-style.

Step 4: Chill Until Set

Cover the glasses to avoid any fridge smells seeping in and chill for at least 4 hours — or up to two days if you’re prepping in advance. The panna cotta should have a delicate set with a small wobble, just enough to jiggle slightly when you move the glasses. This makes for a luscious mouthfeel that feels as fancy as it tastes.

Step 5: Prepare the Orange-Dark Chocolate Sauce

Pop the finely chopped orange dark chocolate and heavy cream into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until smooth and fully melted—about 1 1/2 minutes total. Stir in the orange liqueur for that fragrant citrus note, then let the sauce cool until it’s warm but still pourable. Pour a little over each panna cotta before serving and offer the rest on the side so guests can add more if they fancy.

Step 6: Garnish with Charm

Just before serving, sprinkle some chocolate beads (Callebaut Crispearls work great) and perch a piece of candied orange peel on top. The texture contrast and the bright orange peel really pull the whole dessert together visually and flavor-wise.

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Pro Tips for Making White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce Recipe

Use Quality Chocolate: I always pick white chocolate bars over chips if possible because they melt smoother and deepen the flavor.
Gentle Heat is Key: Be patient melting the chocolate and cream together—heat too fast and the chocolate can seize.
Bloom Gelatin Properly: Don’t rush this step; fully hydrated gelatin means a perfect set every time.
Chill Times Matter: Avoid temting—don’t un-mold or serve until fully set to keep that silky texture intact.

How to Serve White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love garnishing with crunchy chocolate crispearls and candied orange peel because they add both visual interest and that satisfying contrast in texture and flavor. Sometimes I toss on a few fresh mint leaves or edible gold flakes when I want to get fancy for guests — totally optional but it ups the wow factor.

Side Dishes

I like to keep the sides simple and light—some buttery shortbread cookies or crisp biscotti pair beautifully with the creamy panna cotta. For a brunch or lighter dinner, fresh berries or a small citrus salad offer bright, refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I once served this dessert layered in stemmed glasses with alternating dollops of whipped cream and chocolate sauce. On special occasions, I arrange the panna cotta on a mirrored tray with gold spoons and sprinkle some edible flowers around for a truly stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and trust me, sometimes there are none!), keep them covered in the fridge. I like to loosely wrap each glass with plastic wrap to prevent any fridge odors from seeping in while maintaining moisture.

Freezing

I haven’t personally frozen this panna cotta because I prefer the fresh creamy texture, but if you must, freeze only the panna cotta base without the chocolate sauce or garnishes. Thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

Since panna cotta is served cold, reheating isn’t really necessary. Just let leftover panna cotta sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating to slightly soften and reveal the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin in this White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce Recipe?

Yes! Agar-agar is a great vegan substitute, but keep in mind it sets firmer and faster than gelatin. You’ll want to cook it according to package instructions, usually boiling it, before combining with your cream mixture. The texture will differ slightly but still delicious.
What if I don’t have orange liqueur—can I skip it?

Absolutely! The orange liqueur adds a lovely zing, but you can omit it if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. Adding some fresh orange zest to the sauce can help retain that citrus aroma instead.
How long does the panna cotta take to set properly?

Ideally, you’ll want to chill it for at least 4 hours. For the best texture and convenience, making it the day before you plan to serve is perfect.
Can I make this recipe smaller or larger?

Definitely! This recipe scales beautifully. For a smaller batch, just halve the ingredients; to serve a crowd, double or triple the recipe. Just be sure to use proportionate containers for even setting.

Final Thoughts

This White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my dessert rotation because it feels like you’re indulging in something fancy but without hours of fuss. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prep ahead, making it a stress-free option for entertaining. I can’t wait for you to try it—I promise once you do, it’ll become one of your go-to desserts for those “just because” moments or special celebrations alike.