The popularity of espresso martini cocktails shows no sign of slowing down, so we've taken the classic combination of chocolate and coffee to make an adults-only dessert which is perfect for dinner parties.
Served in a martini glass, these boozy panna cottas look impressive, but take just 35 minutes to prepare. Top with a couple of espresso beans for added flair, if you fancy.
If espresso martinis are your go-to cocktail, then you need to try making your own espresso martini liqueur at home (it makes a wonderful gift for a fellow cocktail lover, too). Alternatively, check out this recipe for espresso martini meringue tart, which offers all the rich flavours of an espresso martini in one show-stopping dessert.
3 sheets platinum-grade leaf gelatine, we used Dr. Oetker
350 ml double cream
125 ml whole milk
1 vanilla pod, split lengthways
100 g caster sugar
100 ml coffee liqueur, we used Kahlua
For the topping
100 g caster sugar
2 tsp. instant coffee granules
40 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), roughly chopped
Directions
Step 1Cover gelatine with cold water and leave to soak for 5min. Meanwhile, in a medium pan heat the cream, milk, split vanilla pod, sugar and coffee liqueur, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves. Bring mixture to the boil and immediately remove from heat.
Step 2Lift gelatine out of water, squeeze out excess water, and stir into the hot cream mixture to dissolve. Lay clingfilm directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Leave to cool and infuse at room temperature for 20min.
Step 3Pour cream mixture into a jug, discarding the vanilla pod, and divide mixture between 6 x 100ml serving glasses or ramekins. Chill for 4hr, or until set.
Step 4When the panna cottas have nearly set (up to 45min ahead), make the topping. In a small pan, heat the sugar and coffee granules with 200ml water over low heat, stirring until the sugar and coffee dissolves. Increase heat to high and bubble until slightly reduced, about 3min. Remove from heat, add the chocolate and stir with a small whisk until glossy and combined. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 5Lightly whisk the cooled topping again to combine and pour over the set panna cottas. Serve.
Get ahead:
Prepare to end of step 3 up to 2 days ahead. Once set, cover the panna cottas and keep chilled. Complete recipe to serve.
Per serving:
Calories: 523
Protein: 3g
Total fat: 36g
Saturates: 22g
Carbs: 43g
Total sugars: 42g
Fibre: 0g
38 easy dinner party dessert recipes to finish any meal in style
The GH Kitchen Team are Good Housekeeping’s resident recipe developers and all-round food obsessives. GH Kitchen Director Sarah Akhurst is our resident hosting pro and loves nothing more than putting on a foodie feast for friends. Our GH Kitchen Manager Linzi Pucino is our very own Italian food expert (originally hailing from the North East of Scotland!) and can be found working her way through midweek recipes that cover all bases, from haggis to ragu! Our Kitchen Editor Nadine Brown loves digging into the stories behind her favourite foods and enjoys applying her eclectic tastes to more modern, flavour-forward recipes - just don't give her too much chilli! Our Junior Food Content Produce Frankie Prichard combines a love of beautiful presentation and flavour-led, seasonal cooking in her recipe development, along with a passion for bringing people together through food. With a wealth of professional kitchen experience between them, they’re dedicated to ensuring every Good Housekeeping recipe is the best it can be, so you can trust they’ll work every single time
