This simple Espresso con Panna recipe pairs the rich flavor of a double shot of espresso with creamy vanilla whipped cream. Bold, bitter, and creamy with a touch of sweetness, this classic Italian coffee is a treat for any coffee lover. With high quality espresso and fresh whipped cream, this classic coffee drink is simplicity at its finest!

Why You Will Love This Espresso Con Panna Recipe

Easy

This classic coffee recipe is so easy to make. An electric mixer whips up the heavy cream in minutes, making it quick and easy. Unlike some specialty espresso drinks, there is no need for complex syrups and steamed milk. This coffee drink is perfect in two simple layers: bold espresso on the bottom, with delicate whipped cream on top.

Healthy

Instead of using refined sugar or unhealthy processed syrups, this recipe is made with all natural maple syrup! High quality coffee has many known health benefits, including antioxidants and improved metabolism. This drink is proof that you can be healthy and still enjoy the finest luxuries!

Delicious

Espresso con Panna has the perfect balance bitter and sweet, with the fluffiness of the whipped cream paring perfectly with smooth espresso. The rich flavor of fresh espresso is complimented by light and sweet whipped cream, creating a tasty contrast with every sip. In this recipe, maple syrup adds a caramel-like natural sweetness that enhances the flavor of the coffee.

Choosing a High Quality Coffee

While coffee can be healthy, it can often contain contaminants like mold, pesticides, and acrylamide, which can negatively impact your health. Mold can grow on coffee beans during storage or processing. This creates mycotoxins that can lead to an array of health issues (source). Acrylamide is chemical formed when coffee beans are roasted at high temperatures, and has been linked to many health issues (source). Since most coffee drinkers are consuming coffee on a daily basis, it’s important to choose coffee that is tested and free from these contaminants. Check out my favorite coffee brand at the bottom of this post, and learn more about the negative affects of common contaminants in coffee here.

Brewing a High Quality Espresso

You don’t have to have an expensive machine to brew a great espresso at home. I have made delicious shots even with very inexpensive espresso machines. I recommend watching some youtube videos about techniques to make a great espresso, the little things really make a difference! Lately, I prefer to use a very cheap stovetop camping espresso maker (linked at the bottom of the post). Most espresso machines are made with aluminum or plastic components that can leach into you coffee. Since I drink coffee every day, I decided it was important for me to stop using my plastic and aluminum laden espresso maker. To my pleasant surprise, the little camping espresso maker makes great espresso when following careful moka pot brewing techniques. Now I use it every day!

Choosing a High Quality Whipping Cream

espresso con panna with whipped cream recipe

It’s important to buy high-quality, pasture-raised heavy cream that is free of thickening agents. Pasture-raised cream is higher in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Conventional dairy comes from animals fed unnatural diets and kept in unhealthy environments. Thickening agents like carrageenan or guar gum are highly processed and can negatively impact gut health over time.

How to Make Espresso Con Panna

How to Make Healthy Maple Whipped Cream

Pour heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt into a large bowl.
With an electric hand mixer, begin to whip the cream, starting on low speed then gradually increase to medium.

Whip until soft peaks form, being careful not to overwhip and ruin the soft, creamy texture!

How to Make Espresso Con Panna

Brew a double shot of espresso: use your espresso machine or other espresso maker.

Pour the 2 shots of espresso into a small cup or glass. Use a glass cup to see the lovely layers!

Top of the espresso with a big dollop of whipped cream.

Enjoy by sipping the espresso through the whipped cream or stir gently with a spoon.