Cognac-Spiked Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta
Silky dark chocolate panna cotta enriched with a splash of smooth VSOP Cognac for a rich, boozy dessert experience. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers heavy cream, whole milk, dark chocolate (70% cacao), chopped into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 oz dark chocolate (70% cacao), chopped
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin powder
- 3 tbsp cold water
- 3 tbsp D’USSÉ VSOP Cognac
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp pinch of salt
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, sprinkle 2 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin over 3 tbsp cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat until just simmering, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and whisk in 6 oz chopped dark chocolate until fully melted and smooth.
- Step 4: Stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved, then add 3 tbsp D’USSÉ VSOP Cognac and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Pour the mixture into 6 individual ramekins or glasses and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
- Step 6: To serve, optionally garnish with shaved dark chocolate or fresh berries.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cognac-Spiked Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Cognac-Spiked Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cognac-Spiked Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cognac-Spiked Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cognac-Spiked Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta?
French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
