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Welcome to the world of Silky Caramel Banana Panna Cotta, a dessert that seamlessly blends creamy textures with the sweetness of ripe bananas and rich caramel. This Italian classic has evolved over the years, and today, it stands as a beloved dish on dessert menus worldwide. The panna cotta, which translates to "cooked cream," is a versatile treat that can be customized with various flavors and toppings, but the combination of caramel and banana elevates it to a new level of indulgence.

Silky Caramel Banana Panna Cotta

Discover the irresistible delight of Silky Caramel Banana Panna Cotta! This creamy, sweet dessert combines the rich flavors of caramel with ripe bananas, creating a luxurious experience for any occasion. With its Italian roots, panna cotta is both versatile and simple to make, perfect for everyone from novice cooks to seasoned chefs. Explore the ingredients, preparation steps, and tips to craft your own stunning panna cotta that will surely impress family and friends. Indulge in this culinary journey and elevate your dessert game!

Ingredients
  

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup whole milk

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons powdered gelatin

3 tablespoons water (for gelatin)

Pinch of salt

For the caramel sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed

1/2 cup heavy cream (be cautious, as this will bubble up)

1 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Gelatin:

    - In a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it blooms.

      Make the Cream Base:

        - In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm (but do not let it boil).

          Incorporate the Gelatin:

            - Once the cream mixture is warm, remove it from heat. Add the bloomed gelatin and stir until fully dissolved. Then stir in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas until well combined.

              Strain the Mixture (Optional):

                - For an extra silky texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl or directly into serving glasses to remove any lumps from the bananas.

                  Chill the Panna Cotta:

                    - Pour the panna cotta mixture into individual serving cups or ramekins. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.

                      Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

                        - In a separate saucepan, heat 1 cup of sugar over medium heat. It will begin to melt into an amber-colored liquid. Stir gently with a wooden spoon for even melting.

                          - Once fully melted, carefully add the cubed butter and stir until incorporated. Then gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring. It may bubble vigorously, so be cautious.

                            - Add sea salt to taste, and let it cool slightly.

                              Serve the Panna Cotta:

                                - Once the panna cotta has set, gently run a knife around the edges if using ramekins and invert them onto a plate. If using cups, you can leave them as is.

                                  - Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over each panna cotta and garnish with banana slices or a sprinkle of sea salt if desired.

                                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 4