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There’s something enchanting about indulging in a dessert that not only delights your palate but also brings a touch of spooky fun to the table. Imagine creamy, silky vanilla panna cotta topped with whimsical black sugar crystals and mischievous fondant faces this is exactly what Spooky Vanilla Panna Cotta Puddings offer. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or just craving a festive treat, this recipe will evoke smiles and bring a festive spirit to your home.
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The Perfect Spooky Vanilla Panna Cotta Puddings Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hrs 20 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive, creamy vanilla panna cotta with spooky black sugar rims and fun Halloween fondant decorations, perfect for seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup (65g) sugar mixed with black food colour gel to create black sugar
- 2 x sachets (24g) Queen Gelatine
- 3 tbsp boiling water
- 4 cups (1000ml) thickened cream or pure cream
- 1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar
- 2 tsp Queen Vanilla Bean Paste Queen Glucose Syrup (or honey as substitute) Queen Ready to Roll Icing (white)
- 2 cups (500ml) thickened cream for whipped cream
- 3 tbsp icing sugar
- 1 tsp Queen Organic Vanilla Bean Paste
Instructions
- Combine sugar with a few drops of black food colour gel and set aside to dry.
- Sprinkle gelatine over boiling water and let bloom.
- Heat cream, caster sugar, and vanilla paste until simmering.
- Add bloomed gelatine, stir until dissolved.
- Pour mixture into jars and chill 3 hours.
- Brush glucose syrup on jar rims, dip in black sugar.
- Whip cream with icing sugar and vanilla until firm peaks.
- Pipe whipped cream on panna cotta.
- Knead fondant, colour black, cut out eyes and mouths.
- Place fondant decorations on cream before serving.
Notes
Always add gelatine to liquid, not liquid to gelatine. Do not boil gelatine mixture. Honey can replace glucose syrup for a richer flavour. Use jars about 160ml (2/3 cup) volume. Use extra vanilla paste for stronger flavour.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Black Sugar | 1/3 cup (65g) sugar | Colored with Queen Black Food Colour Gel |
Panna Cotta | 2 x sachets (24g) Queen Gelatine | Each sachet sets 500ml liquid |
3 tbsp boiling water | ||
4 cups (1000ml) thickened cream | Can substitute with pure cream | |
½ cup (110g) caster sugar | ||
2 tsp Queen Vanilla Bean Paste | Adds authentic vanilla flavor | |
Assembly | Queen Glucose Syrup | Can substitute with honey |
Queen Ready to Roll Icing (white) | For fondant decoration | |
Whipped Cream | 2 cups (500ml) thickened cream | For topping |
3 tbsp icing sugar | Sweetens whipped cream | |
1 tsp Queen Organic Vanilla Bean Paste | Adds vanilla to whipped cream |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Black Sugar
- Mix the sugar with a few drops of black food colour gel until the sugar crystals turn black.
- Set aside on a baking sheet or plate to dry completely.
Making the Vanilla Panna Cotta
- Sprinkle the gelatine over the boiling water in a small bowl. Let it bloom for a few minutes (this activates the gelatine).
- In a saucepan, combine the thickened cream, caster sugar, and vanilla bean paste.
- Heat the mixture gently, stirring frequently until it just begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat, then stir in the bloomed gelatine until fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture evenly into serving jars or glasses.
- Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours until set.
Assembling the Puddings
- Thin the glucose syrup slightly with a splash of water.
- Brush the rim of each panna cotta jar with the glucose mix.
- Carefully dip the rim into the prepared black sugar to coat it.
- Allow to set.
Whipped Cream and Decoration
- Whip the cream, icing sugar, and vanilla bean paste until firm peaks form.
- Spoon the whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a large round nozzle.
- Pipe the cream atop each panna cotta.
- Knead the ready-to-roll white icing until pliable, then color it with black food gel.
- Use the end of a straw to create spooky eyes and mouths on small fondant pieces.
- Place these fondant faces on the whipped cream just before serving.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Panna Cotta
- Always add gelatine to liquid never pour liquid into gelatine to prevent lumps.
- Do not allow the gelatine mixture to boil, as boiling can ruin its setting ability.
- If honey is used instead of glucose syrup, the final flavor will be richer but less neutral.
- Use jars or glasses about 160ml (2/3 cup) in volume for perfect portion sizes.
- For a stronger vanilla flavor, use extra vanilla bean paste in the cream.
Conclusion
With this Spooky Vanilla Panna Cotta Puddings recipe, you get a flawless balance of creamy texture, vanilla aroma, and playful Halloween aesthetics. It’s a sophisticated yet simple dessert that transforms any gathering into a festive celebration. You’re just a few steps away from impressing your guests and delighting your family with this hauntingly delicious treat. Gather your ingredients and start your spooky dessert adventure today!
FAQ
What can I use if I don’t have gelatine?
You can use agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative, but be sure to check substitution quantities and boiling instructions.
Can I prepare the panna cotta ahead of time?
Yes, panna cotta can be made up to two days in advance. Just store covered in the refrigerator.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them refrigerated, covered tightly, and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.
Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, substitute thickened cream with coconut cream or other plant-based cream, but the texture might vary slightly.
Ready to delight in this creamy, vanilla-rich, and delightfully spooky dessert? Try making Spooky Vanilla Panna Cotta Puddings for your next event or cozy night in!