Il Cucinologo
EN

No-Bake Peach Panna Cotta Cake

17/11/2023

The no-bake peach panna cotta cake is a refreshing and creamy dessert, ideal for the summer months. Here is the recipe with a small Italian variation.

Ingredients

  • 500 ml fresh cream
  • 150 g sugar
  • 1 vanilla pod
  • 8 g gelatin sheets (or agar agar if you prefer a plant-based option)
  • 4 ripe peaches
  • 100 ml water
  • 50 ml elderflower liqueur (for a fully Italian variation) or water if you prefer not to use alcohol
  • Dry biscuits such as Digestive or shortcrust pastry for the base
  • 50 g melted butter (if using biscuits)

Preparation

  1. Start by soaking the gelatin sheets in cold water for about 10 minutes until they become soft.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the cream in a saucepan together with the sugar and the seeds from the vanilla pod, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not bring to a boil.
  3. Squeeze the gelatin to remove excess water and add it to the hot cream, stirring until fully dissolved.
  4. If you have chosen to use biscuits for the base, finely crush them and mix with the melted butter. Spread the mixture on the bottom of a springform pan to create an even layer and press it down firmly. If using shortcrust pastry instead, roll out a thin layer on the base of the pan.
  5. Place the cream in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, just long enough for it to start thickening but without solidifying completely.
  6. Meanwhile, peel and slice the peaches into thin wedges and cook them gently with the sugar and water (and the liqueur if you decide to use it), until they are slightly softened and the mixture has turned into a syrup.
  7. Pour a layer of panna cotta onto the biscuit or pastry base, then arrange a layer of peaches on top. Repeat the layers, finishing with panna cotta.
  8. Let cool in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
  9. When ready to serve, decorate with fresh peach slices or other fruit as desired.

Trivia: Panna cotta is a classic Piedmontese dessert that literally means “cooked cream”, and its simplicity allows for a multitude of variations on top like this one with peaches, celebrating the versatility of Italian cuisine. Using elderflower liqueur adds an aromatic and fragrant note that pairs well with the sweetness of the peaches.