If you’re looking for a dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make, I’ve got you covered with this White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce Recipe. I first tried panna cotta at a friend’s birthday, and I was hooked instantly — creamy, smooth, and that little zing of orange chocolate sauce takes it to a whole new level. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll find yourself making it again and again for guests or even just because you want to treat yourself.

💛

Why This Recipe Works

Creamy Yet Light Texture: The half and half plus heavy cream combo gives a rich but soft set panna cotta with a delicate wobble, perfect for a refined dessert.
Balanced Sweetness: White chocolate provides sweetness without overpowering while the orange dark chocolate sauce adds a vibrant, slightly bitter contrast.
Simple Ingredients, Elegant Result: No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients, yet the final dish looks and tastes stunning.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this panna cotta up to two days in advance, making entertaining much less stressful.

White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce, panna cotta dessert, easy elegant dessert, creamy white chocolate panna cotta, citrus chocolate sauce - The image shows several clear white cocktail glasses filled with a smooth, creamy white layer at the bottom. One glass in the center is being topped with a thick dark brown liquid, gently poured from a vessel held by a woman's hand. The dark layer is glossy and rich, slowly spreading over the white base. The glasses are placed on a tray with a white marbled surface, arranged in neat rows, giving a clean and elegant look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce Recipe come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a role, from the creamy base to the zesty sauce, so grabbing quality ingredients really helps for the best taste. Plus, I’ve got some handy shopping tips to make sure you shop smart!

Powdered unflavored gelatin: This is what sets the panna cotta to that perfect, delicate wobble — don’t skip or substitute without the right ratio!
Half and half or whole milk: It adds that milky base and lightness; whole milk gives richer flavor but half and half makes it silkier.
Heavy whipping cream: Key for creaminess and mouthfeel, it’s what makes the panna cotta feel indulgent without being too heavy.
White chocolate morsels or bar: Look for white chocolate containing real cocoa butter for the best melt and genuine flavor.
Sugar: Just enough sweetness to bring out the chocolate and complement the orange without being cloying.
Orange dark chocolate bar: Adds a bittersweet, citrusy depth to the sauce — Theo’s 70% orange dark chocolate is my favorite, but any good quality dark chocolate with orange works.
Orange liqueur: This boosts the orange flavor in the sauce and gives it a sophisticated punch.
Callebaut Crispearls (chocolate beads): These little chocolate pop-in-your-mouth beads add a fun texture when sprinkled on top, though you can substitute with any chocolate caviar or even shaved chocolate.
Candied orange peel: This garnish brings a bit of chewiness and intensity of citrus — I love the way it complements the chocolate sauce and creamy panna cotta.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile this White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce Recipe is — it’s my go-to dessert for switching things up depending on who’s coming over or what mood I’m in. Don’t be afraid to personalize it; a little change can make it uniquely yours!

Variation: One time, I swapped the orange liqueur for Grand Marnier, and the citrus notes were more pronounced — a hit with guests who liked a boozier finish.
Dairy-free option: I’ve tried using coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and while it changes the texture slightly, the flavor is divine with white chocolate’s sweetness.
More citrus: Adding a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest into the panna cotta mixture amps up the freshness wonderfully.
Adjusting sweetness: If you prefer less sweet desserts, try reducing the sugar in the panna cotta by a tablespoon; it balances better with the sauce for some palates.

Step-by-Step: How I Make White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

Start by sprinkling the powdered gelatin over 1/4 cup of the cold half and half in a small bowl. Give it a quick stir and then let it sit for about 2 minutes. It will get lumpy and thick — that’s totally normal! I’ve learned that blooming gelatin this way is essential for no clumps and a silky panna cotta texture.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Sugar into Cream

While the gelatin blooms, combine heavy cream, white chocolate, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently but continuously until the white chocolate melts completely and sugar dissolves — it usually takes about 5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid scorching. This step transforms everything into a smooth, velvety base.

Step 3: Incorporate Gelatin and Milk

Once your white chocolate mixture is off the heat, stir in the gelatin mixture slowly until it dissolves completely. Then add the remaining 1 1/4 cups half and half and give it all a nice mix. If you want an even smoother panna cotta, I sometimes strain this mix through a fine sieve to catch any gelatin bits.

Step 4: Portion and Chill

Pour the mixture evenly into your glasses or ramekins. I love using mini martini glasses for this recipe — they’re so cute and perfect for parties! Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to get that perfect set. I’ll often make these a day ahead — they’ll be waiting and ready when you are.

Step 5: Make the Orange-Dark Chocolate Sauce

Place the chopped orange dark chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and melted — around 1 1/2 minutes total. Stir in the orange liqueur and let cool until it’s warm but still pourable. If you’re like me, you’ll want to taste a spoonful — it’s delicious.

Step 6: Sauce and Garnish

Once the panna cotta has set, spoon a little of the orange-dark chocolate sauce on top. Add a few chocolate crispearls and a candied orange peel for that gorgeous finishing touch just before serving. The contrast of textures is honestly one of my favorite parts about this dessert.

💡

Pro Tips for Making White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce Recipe

Use Quality Chocolate: High-quality white chocolate with cocoa butter melts more smoothly, preventing graininess in your panna cotta.
Bloom Gelatin Properly: Skip rushing this step! Blooming gelatin in cold liquid avoids clumps and gives that perfect set.
Don’t Overheat Cream Mixture: Keep heat medium and stir constantly to prevent chocolate from seizing or burning.
Chill Overnight if Possible: Panna cotta sets and flavors deepen better if made a day ahead; perfect for stress-free entertaining.

How to Serve White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish mine with a few Callebaut Crispearls because they add a lovely crunch and a sleek chocolaty pop. The candied orange peel is a must for me—it brings that zesty brightness and looks so pretty perched on the glass rim. If you want extra flair, a small mint leaf can bring fresh color and aroma as well.

Side Dishes

This dessert stands out on its own, but if you’re thinking of pairing, I find a light fruit salad or a plate of delicate biscotti complements the creaminess nicely. A citrusy sorbet on the side can also balance richness beautifully, especially in warmer weather.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated panna cotta inverted onto delicate dessert plates and drizzled the orange chocolate sauce around in artistic swirls. You can scatter edible flowers or gold leaf flakes for an extra touch of elegance — guests always get impressed, but the best part is it’s so simple to pull off!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the dessert, if you have any panna cotta left, cover the glasses tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. They keep well for up to two days, maintaining that silky texture and fresh flavor.

Freezing

I’ve experimented with freezing panna cotta, but honestly, it loses that delicate texture once thawed, becoming a bit grainy. So, I recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerated for the best experience.

Reheating

Panna cotta is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t ideal. If you want your sauce a little warmer, gently heat it separately and pour just before serving to keep everything perfect.

FAQs

Can I use regular gelatin sheets instead of powdered gelatin?

Yes, you can substitute gelatin sheets, but you’ll need to adjust the quantity carefully—usually one sheet equals about 1 teaspoon of powdered gelatin. Soak the sheets in cold water until soft, then dissolve them in a small amount of warm liquid before adding to your mixture. Precise blooming is key to avoid lumps!
What if I don’t have orange liqueur? Can I skip it?

Absolutely! The orange liqueur adds a boozy citrus depth, but you can substitute with a teaspoon of fresh orange juice or zest for brightness. Just remember the alcohol gives a richer flavor, so omitting it slightly alters the sauce but it’ll still be delicious.
How do I know when the panna cotta is properly set?

After chilling for 4 hours or more, gently shake the glass or ramekin—the panna cotta should jiggle softly but hold its shape. If it’s too soft, it needs more setting time. It shouldn’t wiggle like jelly, but have a gentle wobble that’s creamy and smooth.
Can I make this into a larger molded dessert instead of individual servings?

You sure can! Use a larger mold or springform pan lined with plastic wrap. Just remember to increase chilling time and when serving, invert carefully and plate with the sauce on the side or drizzled right before serving.

Final Thoughts

This White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Orange Chocolate Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my dessert repertoire. It’s the kind of dessert that gets compliments every single time I bring it out, yet it’s straightforward enough for you to whip up on a weeknight if the mood strikes. I hope you enjoy making—and more importantly, eating—this luscious treat as much as I do. Don’t be shy about sharing it with friends; it’s a showstopper that’s truly worth the little effort!