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Chocolate Panna Cotta in Orange Cups Recipe

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4.5 from 118 reviews

Delight in this elegant Chocolate Panna Cotta served inside natural orange cups, topped with homemade candied orange peels. This creamy, rich dessert combines the flavors of smooth semisweet chocolate with subtle hints of cardamom and vanilla, perfectly balanced by the fresh citrus aroma of navel oranges. It’s a stunning presentation ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a special treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Orange Cups and Candied Peel

  • 5 navel oranges
  • 1 cup plus 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, divided

Chocolate Mixture

  • One 12-ounce bag semisweet chocolate chips (such as Ghirardelli)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Panna Cotta Base

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom

Instructions

  1. Prepare Candied Orange Peel: Use a vegetable peeler to shave large strips of peel from one orange, then slice thinly crosswise. Set aside for later use as garnish after candying.
  2. Scoop Orange Pulp and Prepare Cups: Cut the remaining 4 oranges in half and scoop out the pulp into a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Carefully reserve the hollow orange shells (cups) without breaking them.
  3. Extract Orange Juice: Press or squeeze the pulp through the sieve to collect 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice, discarding the leftover pulp.
  4. Make Candy Syrup and Candy Peel: In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, 1/2 cup water, and 1 cup granulated sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then add the sliced orange peels. Simmer for 6 to 7 minutes until peels turn slightly opaque. Remove with a slotted spoon onto parchment to cool and harden for at least 2 hours or overnight. Toss the peels with remaining 2 teaspoons granulated sugar before serving.
  5. Melt Chocolate for Coating: Remove 3/4 cup chocolate chips and reserve for panna cotta. Combine the rest of the chocolate chips with vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway, until melted and smooth.
  6. Coat Orange Cups: Brush the inside of each orange cup with the melted chocolate to prevent leakage and seal the cups. Place orange cups upright in 8 wells of a 12-cup muffin pan, then chill in the refrigerator until chocolate hardens, about 15 minutes.
  7. Soften Gelatin: In a small bowl, stir gelatin into the whole milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to soften.
  8. Prepare Panna Cotta Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine half-and-half, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cardamom. Stir frequently until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to boil around edges (3–4 minutes). Remove from heat and add reserved 3/4 cup chocolate chips, whisking until melted and smooth.
  9. Incorporate Gelatin Mixture: Add the milk and gelatin mixture to the saucepan. Return to heat and cook while whisking frequently until mixture boils and gelatin fully dissolves (2–3 minutes). Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup and refrigerate until slightly chilled, about 25–30 minutes.
  10. Fill Orange Cups: Pour the slightly chilled panna cotta mixture into each chocolate-lined orange cup, filling to the rim. Place the muffin pan on a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate until panna cotta sets, at least 4 hours or overnight.
  11. Serve: Top each panna cotta-filled orange cup with the candied orange peels before serving cold.

Notes

  • Be gentle when handling orange cups to avoid breaking them.
  • Candied orange peel can be prepared a day ahead and stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
  • Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the panna cotta mixture for a silky smooth texture.
  • The chocolate lining helps prevent leakage and adds a rich chocolate shell contrast.
  • If you prefer a stronger cardamom flavor, you can increase it slightly but be careful as it can overpower the dessert.
  • Make sure to chill the panna cotta sufficiently so it sets properly inside the orange cups.

Keywords: Chocolate panna cotta,orange cups,candied orange peel,chocolate dessert,elegant dessert,Italian dessert

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/chocolate-panna-cotta-in-orange-cups-recipe/