If you are ready to indulge in a dessert that feels both decadently luxurious and wonderfully approachable, the Baileys Panna Cotta with Caramel Chocolate Sauce Recipe is your perfect go-to. This silky smooth panna cotta, infused with the creamy warmth of Baileys Irish cream, pairs amazingly with a rich caramel-infused chocolate sauce that elevates every spoonful. It’s the kind of dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a cozy, celebratory vibe to any occasion. Trust me, once you create this creamy treat, it will quickly become a favorite to impress friends and family or to enjoy as your own sweet escape.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this Baileys Panna Cotta with Caramel Chocolate Sauce Recipe is refreshingly simple. Each element plays a crucial role in crafting its smooth texture, mellow sweetness, and that irresistible smoky caramel-chocolate finish you’ll love.

Baileys Irish cream (100 ml): Adds a luscious, velvety flavor that defines this panna cotta and gives it a subtle kick.
Heavy cream (350 ml): The rich base providing that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture essential to any good panna cotta.
Castor sugar (60 g): Finely granulated sugar that sweetens the dessert delicately without overpowering.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a fragrant aroma, balancing the creaminess with a warm, inviting note.
Powdered gelatine (1¼ teaspoons): The magic ingredient that sets the panna cotta just right — firm but still silky.
Cold water (40 ml): Used to bloom the gelatine, ensuring it dissolves smoothly without lumps.
Evaporated milk (60 ml): Blends perfectly into the sauce for a creamy consistency and adds a subtle caramel sweetness.
Caramel chocolate chips (140 g): The heart of the sauce, melting into a velvety glaze that beautifully complements the panna cotta.

How to Make Baileys Panna Cotta with Caramel Chocolate Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatine

Start by sprinkling the powdered gelatine over the cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so it can absorb the liquid and become spongy. This step is key to ensuring the gelatine blends smoothly into your panna cotta without any lumps.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Mixture

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and sugar. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely and the cream is just about to simmer—not boiling. Remove it from the heat before it reaches a boil to preserve that silky texture.

Step 3: Add Gelatine and Flavorings

Stir the bloomed gelatine into the warm cream mixture until it dissolves completely. Then add the Baileys and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to infuse the cream with flavor and a little gentle warmth from the Irish cream.

Step 4: Pour and Chill

Pour the mixture evenly into your serving glasses or molds. Let the panna cotta cool down a bit before placing it in the fridge to set for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. Watching it transform from liquid to perfectly set panna cotta is a tiny miracle in itself!

Step 5: Make the Caramel Chocolate Sauce

While the panna cotta chills, melt the caramel chocolate chips together with the evaporated milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until you achieve a smooth, glossy sauce that’s ready to drizzle. This sauce is what makes the dessert unforgettable, a perfect mix of sweet caramel and rich chocolate.

How to Serve Baileys Panna Cotta with Caramel Chocolate Sauce Recipe

A white plate holds a small, round pudding with a smooth, glossy pale yellow top layer dripping with thick caramel sauce pooling at the base. The pudding is topped with two halved strawberries, bright red with green stems, adding a fresh contrast. A spoon rests on the plate with a scoop of the creamy pudding covered in caramel, showing its soft and smooth texture. Behind the plate, a clear glass cup filled with creamy caramel sauce sits on a white marbled surface, with scattered caramel drops and halved strawberries around, giving a cozy and inviting feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Baileys Panna Cotta with Caramel Chocolate Sauce Recipe even further, consider topping each serving with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for a salty-sweet contrast or a few crushed roasted nuts for some crunch. Fresh berries, especially raspberries or strawberries, add a beautiful, tangy freshness that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

This panna cotta pairs well with light, fresh accompaniments. Try a simple fruit salad with citrus segments or a crisp biscotti for a delightful textural contrast. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, a small glass of rich dessert wine or an espresso complements the flavors brilliantly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your panna cotta in elegant stemmed glasses or pretty ramekins for an individual presentation that’s sure to impress. Drizzle the caramel chocolate sauce just before serving to keep its glossy allure. For a fun twist, layer the panna cotta with crumbled shortbread or a thin layer of espresso jelly for extra visual and flavor complexity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Baileys Panna Cotta with Caramel Chocolate Sauce Recipe, cover the panna cotta tightly with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. The smooth texture will hold beautifully, and the flavors actually deepen with a little resting time.

Freezing

Freezing panna cotta is generally not recommended because the gelatine can lose its delicate texture and result in a grainy consistency upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated as described above to savor its true silky essence.

Reheating

This delightful dessert is always served chilled, so reheating is unnecessary. If you want to warm the caramel chocolate sauce slightly for easier pouring, do so gently over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave—but keep your panna cotta cool for that signature creamy experience.

FAQs

Can I make this Baileys Panna Cotta with Caramel Chocolate Sauce Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can substitute the Baileys Irish cream for an equal amount of heavy cream and add a teaspoon of Irish cream flavoring or vanilla extract to maintain the luscious flavor without the alcohol content.

What type of gelatine should I use for this recipe?

Powdered (or leaf) gelatine works best. Make sure to bloom it in cold water first to avoid clumping and ensure smooth, even setting in the panna cotta.

Can I prepare this dessert in advance for a party?

Yes, in fact, it’s ideal for parties! The panna cotta can be made a day ahead, giving you one less thing to worry about when your guests arrive. Just add the caramel chocolate sauce and garnishes right before serving.

What if I don’t have caramel chocolate chips?

No worries! Regular chocolate chips with a spoonful of caramel sauce or caramelized sugar melted together can substitute nicely for the caramel chocolate sauce.

How long does it take for the panna cotta to set?

Typically, it needs at least 4 hours in the fridge to set properly, though overnight chilling gives the best texture and flavor integration.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the Baileys Panna Cotta with Caramel Chocolate Sauce Recipe—it offers the perfect balance of silky, sweet, and slightly boozy that makes each bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing dinner guests, this dessert wraps up any meal with warmth and elegance. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience firsthand how effortlessly luxurious homemade panna cotta can be.