Sheet Pan Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Mixed Berries

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Silky vanilla bean panna cotta set on a sheet pan for easy portioning, topped with a vibrant medley of fresh mixed berries. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar 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 220 calories and feeds 12, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 12 Italian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, sprinkle 3 tbsp powdered gelatin over 1/4 cup cold water. Let it bloom for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 4 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, and 1 split vanilla bean pod scraped for seeds. Heat until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot but not boiling, about 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved and smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the panna cotta mixture evenly into a lightly greased rimmed sheet pan (about 9x13 inches). Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
  5. Step 5: Once set, use a knife to cut the panna cotta into squares. Transfer squares to serving plates and top each with a generous spoonful of 2 cups mixed fresh berries.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve chilled.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Mixed Berries 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 Sheet Pan Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Mixed Berries?

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 Sheet Pan Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Mixed Berries?

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 Sheet Pan Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Mixed Berries for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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 Sheet Pan Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Mixed Berries?

Italian 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.

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