Espresso Con Panna Recipe: A Creamy Italian Coffee Delight

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Espresso con Panna is a classic Italian treat that translates to “espresso with cream.”

It’s a simple yet luxurious drink made with just two ingredients: rich espresso and silky whipped cream.

Loved for its bold flavor and creamy finish, this coffee is the perfect blend of indulgence and simplicity.

In this post, we’ll show you how to easily make this creamy Italian delight at home!

How to Make Espresso Con Panna: At A Glance

Brew a double shot of espresso using an espresso machine or alternative method (Moka pot or French press).
Whip heavy cream with optional powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Pour espresso into a small cup and top with 2 tablespoons of whipped cream.
Serve immediately and enjoy this rich, creamy coffee treat.

What is Espresso con Panna?

Espresso con Panna is a simple yet indulgent coffee drink consisting of a single or double shot of espresso topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

Traditionally served in a small demitasse cup or glass, this drink strikes a perfect balance between the bold, rich flavor of espresso and the light, creamy sweetness of whipped cream.

While deeply rooted in European coffee culture, where it is especially popular in Italy, it has also gained recognition in the United States.

Many coffee shops, including Starbucks, feature their own versions of Espresso con Panna, making it a favorite for those seeking a quick, satisfying treat.

Ingredients Needed

To prepare Espresso con Panna, gather the following ingredients:

Freshly brewed espresso: 2 shots (approximately 2 ounces total)
- A dark roast is recommended for a bold, rich profile.
Whipped cream: 2 tablespoons per serving
- Homemade whipped cream is preferred. To make it, you’ll need:
  - ¼ cup heavy cream
  - ½ tablespoon powdered sugar (optional for sweetness)
  - A dash of vanilla extract (optional for added flavor)

Equipment Required

To prepare Espresso con Panna at home, you’ll need the following equipment:

Espresso machine (preferred): For pulling a high-quality espresso shot with the right pressure and crema.
Alternative brewing methods (if no espresso machine is available):
- Moka Pot: Produces strong, espresso-like coffee.
- French Press: Brew a concentrated coffee by using less water and more grounds.
- Portable espresso maker: A compact option for espresso-style coffee on the go.
Coffee grinder: For grinding fresh coffee beans to the fine consistency required for espresso.
Whisk or electric mixer: For whipping heavy cream into a smooth, fluffy texture.
Medium mixing bowl: To hold the cream while whipping.
Demitasse cup or small glass: Traditionally used for serving Espresso con Panna in a simple, elegant way.

How to Make Espresso con Panna at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Espresso

Using an Espresso Machine: Grind fresh espresso beans to a fine consistency, tamp firmly, and brew a single or double shot of espresso (about 1–2 ounces).
Using a Moka Pot: Add water to the bottom chamber, fill the filter with finely ground coffee, and brew on low heat until the coffee is ready.
Using a French Press: Use 1½ times the usual coffee grounds-to-water ratio to make a strong brew, then press down slowly after steeping.
Ensure your coffee is hot and freshly brewed for the best flavor.

Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream

Combine ¼ cup heavy cream, ½ tablespoon powdered sugar (optional), and a dash of vanilla extract (optional) in a medium bowl.
Use a whisk or electric mixer to whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks.
This will yield enough whipped cream for two servings.
Refrigerate any leftover cream for up to 2 days.

Step 3: Assemble the Drink

Pour your freshly brewed espresso into a demitasse cup or small glass.
Use a spoon to gently add 2 tablespoons of whipped cream on top of the espresso, letting it sit as a creamy layer.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the Espresso con Panna immediately while the coffee is still hot.
Enjoy it as is or stir gently to mix the cream and espresso for a balanced flavor.
This process only takes about 10 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per serving of Espresso con Panna:

Calories: 70–100 (varies based on whipped cream and serving size)
Fat: 7 grams (from heavy cream)
Carbohydrates: 1 gram (optional sweeteners may add more)
Protein: 1 gram
Cholesterol: 24 mg
Sodium: 8 mg
Potassium: 65 mg

Tips for the Perfect Espresso con Panna

Use Freshly Ground, High-Quality Coffee Beans

The quality of your espresso starts with the beans.

Always choose freshly roasted, high-quality coffee beans for the richest flavor.

A dark roast is ideal, as it delivers the bold, intense profile that pairs beautifully with the creamy whipped topping.

Grind the beans just before brewing to preserve their aroma and freshness.

Using pre-ground coffee can result in a less flavorful espresso and compromise the overall quality of the drink.

Make Homemade Whipped Cream

While store-bought whipped cream is convenient, homemade whipped cream elevates the flavor and texture of Espresso con Panna.

By whipping heavy cream yourself, you can control the sweetness and consistency.

Add a touch of powdered sugar or a dash of vanilla extract for a subtle enhancement.

Homemade whipped cream has a fresh, smooth texture that blends perfectly with the espresso, making each sip indulgent and satisfying.

Master Espresso Extraction Techniques

Proper espresso extraction is key to achieving a balanced flavor.

If you’re using an espresso machine, ensure the coffee grounds are evenly tamped and use the correct amount of pressure.

The water temperature should be between 195–205°F for optimal extraction.

If the espresso is over-extracted, it will taste bitter; under-extracted, it will be sour.

If you’re using alternatives like a Moka Pot or French Press, adjust the coffee-to-water ratio for a strong, espresso-like flavor.

Variations and Customizations

Espresso con Panna is a versatile drink that can be tailored to your taste with a few simple adjustments.

As we touched on earlier, to enhance the whipped cream, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a drizzle of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness and depth.

These subtle flavors can complement the rich espresso without overpowering it.

For added flair, consider topping the drink with cocoa powder, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even chocolate shavings for a decadent finish.

If you don’t have access to espresso, “Coffee con Panna” is an excellent alternative, made by using strong-brewed coffee instead of espresso.

This variation maintains the signature combination of bold coffee and creamy whipped topping while offering a slightly lighter flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Espresso con Panna is a versatile coffee treat that pairs wonderfully with a variety of desserts and pastries.

Its rich and creamy flavor makes it a perfect companion to light, flaky options like croissants, almond biscotti, or a slice of pound cake.

For a more indulgent pairing, consider serving it with chocolate-based treats like brownies, truffles, or a dark chocolate tart.

This drink also shines as a standalone pick-me-up, ideal for a relaxing afternoon break or a quick, satisfying boost of energy.

After dinner, Espresso con Panna works beautifully as a dessert alternative, offering a balance of sweetness and bold coffee flavor that rounds off a meal without being overly heavy.

Its small, elegant presentation adds a touch of sophistication to any occasion.

Conclusion

Espresso con Panna is a simple yet indulgent coffee treat that’s easy to make at home.

With just two ingredients, you can create a rich and creamy drink that feels like a luxury.

Give it a try and experiment with flavors to make it your own.

Share your experience or any creative twists with us—we’d love to hear how you enjoy this classic recipe!

FAQs

What’s the difference between Espresso con Panna and a macchiato?

Espresso con Panna is topped with whipped cream, while a macchiato uses a small amount of foamed milk.

The whipped cream in Espresso con Panna adds a rich, creamy texture, whereas the macchiato highlights the boldness of the espresso with just a touch of milk.

How is Espresso con Panna different from affogato?

An affogato is a dessert-like coffee treat made by pouring hot espresso over a scoop of ice cream, typically vanilla or gelato.

Espresso con Panna, on the other hand, is a coffee drink with whipped cream as a topping.

Can I make Espresso con Panna without an espresso machine?

Yes! You can use a Moka pot, French press, or a portable espresso maker to brew strong, espresso-like coffee.

These methods provide enough concentration and flavor to mimic a traditional espresso shot.

Can I use store-bought whipped cream?

Absolutely. While homemade whipped cream offers the freshest flavor and texture, store-bought whipped cream is a convenient alternative if you’re short on time.

Can I customize the recipe?

Yes, Espresso con Panna is highly customizable.

Add flavors to the whipped cream, such as vanilla or maple syrup, or sprinkle the drink with cocoa powder, cinnamon, or chocolate shavings for a personal touch.