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.
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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 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 creats a luxurious drinking experience with a perfect balance of bitter and creamy notes.
Here’s how to make a traditional Espresso Con Panna:

Espresso Con Panna – Espresso With Cream
Ingredients
- 2 tsp instant espresso powder e.g., Cafe Bustelo or Nescafe
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 tbsp whipped cream
- Sugar to taste Optional
Instructions
- In a cup, add 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder. Pour hot water over the espresso powder and stir until it's completely dissolved.
- 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.
- Your Espresso Con Panna is ready! Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
How to pair
You can pair this Espresso Con Panna with these dishes:
1. Dessert Pairings
- Tiramisu: The creamy mascarpone and coffee flavors in tiramisu pair elegantly with espresso con panna for a classic Italian match.
- Chocolate Desserts enhance the espresso’s chocolate notes, making for a deeply indulgent pairing.
- Dark chocolate truffles
- Chocolate bars
- Chocolate cake
- Panna Cotta: coffee or vanilla flavor
- Biscotti (especially almond or chocolate varieties)
- Butter cookies or shortbread
- Fresh croissants
- Italian amaretti cookies
2. Savory Pairings
- Cheese Plates:
- Goat cheese or mascarpone
- Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Breakfast Dishes:
- French toast or pancakes
- Plain scones
3. Tips to Pair
The key is to choose foods that:
- Won’t overwhelm the espresso’s flavor
- Complement the contrast between the bitter coffee and sweet cream
- Have a texture that works well with the smooth whipped cream
It’s best to avoid:
- Very spicy foods
- Heavy, greasy dishes
- Strongly flavored pastries
- Citrus-based desserts
Variations
Besides the classic recipe, you can try other versions:
1. Iced Espresso Con Panna: incorporates ice cubes along with the espresso and whipped cream for a refreshing twist.
2. Flavored Variants:
- Add a swirl of rich caramel sauce
- Include vanilla syrup
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt
3. Coffee con Panna: Replace espresso with strong brewed coffee. This version typically uses a Moka pot or a strong drip-brew.
4. Double Con Panna
- More intense coffee flavor
- Uses a double shot of espresso
- Same amount of whipped cream
5. Con Panna Macchiato
- Espresso with a spot of steamed milk
- Topped with whipped cream
- Create three distinct layers
6. Viennese Coffee (Franzikaner): In Vienna, a similar drink known as Franzikaner combines coffee, milk, and whipped cream in equal parts.
7. Triple Cream Con Panna
- Single espresso shot
- Extra generous portion of whipped cream
- Layered with different cream textures