Espresso Con Panna stands out as one of my favorite espresso variations, alongside the classic Affogato drink. It’s a drink that proves sometimes the simplest combinations yield the most satisfying results.
Contents
Espresso Con Panna recipe
Espresso con Panna is a classic Italian coffee. Its name means “espresso with cream”. This drink consists of a shot of espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream, creating a rich and indulgent experience.
What I love about Espresso Con Panna is its simplicity: espresso and whipped cream. The cold, unsweetened whipped cream slowly melts into the hot espresso. This creates a luxurious drinking experience with a perfect balance of bitter and creamy notes.
Espresso Con Panna pairs beautifully with desserts like tiramisu, chocolate treats (truffles, bars, or cake), and panna cotta. It also complements biscotti, butter cookies, croissants, and amaretti cookies.
For savory options, try it with goat cheese, mascarpone, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, as well as breakfast dishes like French toast, pancakes, or scones. You should avoid overly spicy, greasy, or citrus-heavy foods. The key is matching textures and flavors without overpowering the drink.
Here’s how to make a traditional Espresso Con Panna:
Espresso Con Panna – Espresso With Cream
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 shot (1 oz) espresso or strong brewed coffee
- 2 tbsp whipped cream
- Sugar to taste Optional
Instructions
- Pour the espresso into a small cup or demitasse.
- If you like your coffee on the sweeter side, you can add sugar to taste. Stir well to ensure it dissolves.
- Gently spoon 2 tablespoons of whipped cream on top of the espresso. You can use ready-made whipped cream or make your own.
- Serve and enjoy.
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Variations
Besides the classic recipe, you can try other versions:
- Iced Espresso Con Panna incorporates ice cubes along with the espresso and whipped cream for a refreshing twist.
- Flavored Variants:
- Add a swirl of rich caramel sauce
- Include vanilla syrup
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt
- Coffee con Panna replaces espresso with strong brewed coffee. This version typically uses a Moka pot or a strong drip-brew.
- Double Con Panna has a more intense coffee flavor. It uses a double shot of espresso and the same amount of whipped cream.
- Con Panna Macchiato is an espresso with a spot of steamed milk. This drink is topped with whipped cream to create three distinct layers.
- Viennese Coffee (Franzikaner) combines coffee, milk, and whipped cream in equal parts.
- Triple Cream Con Panna uses a single espresso shot, an extra generous portion of whipped cream, and layers with different cream textures.