Creamsicle Inspired Vanilla Panna Cotta with Orange Syrup

Hi Bakers,

If you loved creamsicles as a kid, this is your dessert!  Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with tangy orange syrup. This dessert will take you back to the refreshing taste of a favorite popsicle! Easy but elegant, this is a showstopper without all the work. Make and enjoy this anytime you want to feel like a kid, but eat like an adult! ~Carolyn

Creamsicle Inspired Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Orange Syrup

Makes six 3-inch desserts

Ingredients for Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup half & half
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla bean paste
• 1 packet of unflavored gelatin
• 2 tbsp cold milk

Ingredients for Orange Syrup

• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/4 cup water
• 1  cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons orange zest

Garnish

peeled and chopped fresh oranges and zest

Orange Syrup

Prepare the orange syrup by boiling all ingredients in a small saucepan while stirring. Cook until the sugar dissolves and the syrup is thickened. This will take approximately 5-10 minutes on medium-high heat. Remove from stove and pour into a container to cool. The syrup will thicken as it cools. Leave covered at room temperature.

Panna Cotta

Add the gelatin to the cold milk in a small bowl and mix well. This will thicken into a stiff gel. Set aside.

In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the cream, half & half, sugar and vanilla bean paste. Stir while heating until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is simmering but not boiling. Remove from the heat and add the gelatin. Stir well to dissolve completely. Pour into the molds and let cool to room temperature, then cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

To un-mold the panna cotta, dip the mold into hot water until you can just see the edge softening. Invert the mold over a plate and remove. If the panna cotta doesn’t release, simply dip in hot water again until it does. Drizzle the panna cotta with orange syrup, fresh orange bits and some zest too. Enjoy!