Famed for its creamy, dreamy goodness, espresso con Panna is a delightful Italian coffee beverage that’s sure to please. If you love espresso and crave something with a little extra panache, this delicious espresso topped with whipped cream is the perfect way to go.
What is espresso con panna?
Espresso con Panna means ‘espresso with cream’ in Italian and this symbolizes the true aspect of this coffee drink. It’s a single or double espresso shot served with a dollop of whipped cream. In Europe and the US, one can easily buy this coffee drink at coffee shops, including Starbucks, often served in small cups. The two ingredients complement each other since the indulgence of the cream neuters the bitter and nutty coffee taste.
An espresso con Panna can be drunk as a single shot or as a double shot, and it’s all based on one’s own preference. It can be customized with different types of cream such as coconut or almond, flavored syrups, sugar, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Pro tip
Insist on the double espresso shot while drinking the espresso con panna for a better and most wholesome experience. Additionally, this allows you to enjoy a larger drink to quench your thirst for this Italian cuisine drink.
How to Make Espresso Con Panna: Your Everyday Recipe
Espresso Con Panna
Equipment
- 1 Espresso machine
- 1 Coffee Grinder
- 1 Electric mixer or whisk
Ingredients
- 2 Shots Espresso
- 1/8 Cup Heavy cream Cold
- Sugar For taste (optional)
Instructions
- Pull two espresso shots and set aside in separate cups.2. In a medium bowl, add the cold heavy cream and use a hand mixer or whisk to whip it until it forms peaks.3. Add sugar to the cream, if desired.4. Pour espresso shots into two cups and divide the whipped cream on top of each cup evenly.5. Enjoy your espresso con panna!
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Notes
Nutritional Components
Espresso con Panna is a combination of two nutritional components. Per cup, espresso contains about 1 gram of protein and zero fat. The shot itself has around 5 calories and 2 milligrams of sodium. On the other hand, heavy cream consists mostly of triglycerides (fat). One cup contains 50 grams of fat, with 5 grams of protein and 6 milligrams of sodium.Making Homemade cream
The best news about the espresso con Panna is that it’s not made from canned whipped cream. Try making the best whipping cream at home for your coffee and you’ll not only save on costs but also enjoy a better taste.
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use other ingredients to make a homemade whipped cream for your Espresso con Panna. Here’s how:
- Combine 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream and ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract in a large bowl.
- Beat the mixture with an electric mixer set on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and beat to combine.
- Continue beating until your homemade cream is ready to be used.
Brewing the best espresso
The espresso shot for an espresso con Panna needs to be brewed with enough pressure and time. Otherwise, it won’t bring out the nutty yet bitter flavor that is expected in this Italian beverage. So, you can either use a stovetop espresso maker or a semi-automatic machine to make your espresso shots.
Start off by grinding your espresso beans, then follow the instructions in either machine. Make sure that you don’t over-extract or under-extract your shot – the ideal flavor comes from a shot that has been extracted for 20-30 seconds.
This formula creates the perfect espresso to blend with your homemade whipped cream for an overwhelmingly delicious espresso con Panna.
Espresso con Panna vs. Vienna Coffee
It can be easy to confuse espresso con Panna with Vienna Coffee, which is another coffee drink that has a dollop of whipped cream. However, Vienna Coffee contains ground coffee instead of espresso shots. Thus, it’s important to note that the two drinks have different tastes and you should choose whichever tastes better for you.
Some coffee shops, even in the US, offer Vienesse coffee rather than an authentic espresso con Panna, and this confusion is forgivable due to the close correlation between the two types of coffee.
Macchiato vs. Espresso con Panna
Despite the similarity between the two drinks, an espresso con Panna is still different from a macchiato. In a macchiato, espresso is added to already steamed milk and it often has foam on top. The difference between macchiato and espresso con Panna comes down to the ingredients used for each drink.
Macchiato is made with espresso, and steamed milk, and topped with foam whereas espresso con Panna is made of two ingredients: espresso and whipped cream.
Also read about: What is Macchiato
How To Drink Espresso Con Panna
Espresso con Panna is best enjoyed without milk and cream. Just mix the espresso shot with the homemade whipped cream so that you get a flavor blend of creamy sweetness and bold espresso.
Take your time while sipping this heavenly concoction – it’s an Italian tradition to take a few minutes to enjoy a cup of espresso con Panna and savor the flavors. Stirring the cream as you drink the coffee is an undefeated way of allowing oneself to bask in the unique experience afforded by the drink.
Conclusion
Espresso con Panna is a simple yet divine combination of espresso and homemade whipped cream. People in Italy have been sipping this drink for centuries. The unique blend of espresso and cream creates a heavenly concoction that is perfect for any time of day. The refreshing taste of espresso con Panna will tantalize your taste buds. With its unique combination of espresso shots and homemade whipped cream, this drink is truly a delight.
Ultimately, the espresso con Panna is a delightful specialty coffee that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of dessert. Brew your espresso shot right and don’t forget to add homemade whipped cream for an added touch of sweetness! Enjoy!
FAQs
What’s the Difference between Espresso Con Panna and Affogato?
Affogato is a dessert made with espresso shots and ice cream. It’s usually served in a glass and is quite different from espresso con Panna, which is made with espresso and homemade whipped cream.
Can I use store-bought whipped cream for an espresso con Panna?
It’s not recommended to use store-bought whipped cream for your espresso con Panna. Store-bought products may contain artificial flavorings or preservatives which could alter the taste of your espresso con Panna. Homemade whipped cream is always best for an authentic Italian experience.
Is it healthy to drink coffee every day?
Coffee has a number of health benefits but drinking it in moderation is key. Too much caffeine can lead to insomnia and headaches, so it’s best to keep your consumption to no more than three cups per day. It’s also important to use quality beans and brew correctly for the best flavor and health benefits.
How to Make the Best Espresso Con Panna
Espresso Con Panna
Best Recipe for making Espresso Con Panna Using Homemade Cream