Vanilla Chai-Spiced Panna Cotta

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-24 · Updated 2026-05-24

Silky panna cotta infused with chai spices and vanilla creates a fragrant and delicate dessert perfect for any occasion. This Italian-inspired recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, layers whole milk, heavy cream, 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 320 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

• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1, split and seeds scraped vanilla bean
• 2 chai tea bags
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 envelope) unflavored gelatin powder
• 3 tbsp cold water
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, sprinkle 2 1/4 tsp unflavored gelatin powder over 3 tbsp cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup whole milk, 2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, seeds from 1 split vanilla bean plus the pod, and 2 chai tea bags.
3. Step 3: Add 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cardamom, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, and 1/8 tsp ground cloves to the saucepan.
4. Step 4: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar and infuse the spices, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Step 5: Remove the vanilla bean pod and tea bags from the cream mixture.
6. Step 6: Stir the bloomed gelatin into the hot cream mixture until completely dissolved.
7. Step 7: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large measuring cup to catch any solids.
8. Step 8: Divide the mixture evenly into six 4-ounce ramekins or serving glasses.
9. Step 9: Refrigerate uncovered for at least 4 hours or until set and firm.
10. Step 10: To serve, dip ramekins briefly in hot water to loosen panna cotta, then invert onto plates or serve directly in glasses with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon.