Oreo-Infused Panna Cotta with Crispello Chocolate Crunch: A Step-by-Step Guide
Written by Neelanjana Mondal | August 26, 2025
Panna cotta is milky and quite simple on its own, but with two added elements like Oreo and Cadbury Crispello, you have a dessert that is milky and quite extravagant. So, try this recipe and read on for some tips and tricks at the end.
Oreo-Infused Panna Cotta with Crispello Chocolate Crunch
(Serves 4)
Ingredients:
For the Oreo-Infused Panna Cotta:
- 2 cups heavy cream, room temperature
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 Oreo cookies, crushed (filling included)
- 1 ½ tsp powdered gelatin (or 1 envelope)
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Crispello Chocolate Crunch Layer:
- 1 cup Cadbury Crispello, chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp butter
- Optional: 1/4 cup crushed cornflakes or crispy puffed rice, for extra crunch
Instructions:
Step 1: Making the Oreo-Infused Cream
- Take a saucepan, add the heavy cream, milk, sugar, crushed Oreos, and a pinch of salt.
- Bring it to a simmer on medium heat; do not let it boil. Stir often until the sugar dissolves, and add the Oreos for them to soften.
- Remove from the heat and set aside to cool for 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Blooming the Gelatin
- Take a small bowl, and sprinkle gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water. Set it aside for 5 minutes for it to bloom.
- After the gelatin has bloomed, microwave it for 10-15 seconds or place the bowl in warm water to melt the gelatin.
Step 3: Blending and Straining
- This step is optional but highly recommended: Blend the Oreo-cream mixture until smooth in a blender.
- Strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove chunky cookie bits for a silky finish.
- Stir in the melted gelatin and vanilla extract until combined well.
Step 4: Chill the Panna Cotta
- Pour the panna cotta custard into ramekins, glasses, or silicone molds.
- Chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours, for the panna cottas to fully set.
Step 5: Make the Crispello Chocolate Crunch
- Add the chocolate chips to a microwave-safe and heatproof bowl, and using the microwave or the double boiler method, melt them until smooth.
- Add the chopped Crispello and crushed cornflakes and mix.
- Let it cool a bit, then spread a spoonful over each set panna cotta. You can also create a disc of the crunchy mixture on parchment paper and chill it to serve on top as a garnish.
- Once the panna cottas are set, unmold them and serve them in their dishes or turn them over to a plate. Then top with the Crispello crunch layer.
- Garnish with Oreo crumbles, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Tips & Tricks:
- Let the crushed Oreos sit in the hot cream for at least 10-15 minutes before straining. This infuses the base with a deeper flavor, not just sweetness from the cream.
- Blending the Oreo-cream mixture gives you a more intense and uniform flavor, but straining afterward is crucial if you want that classic panna cotta silkiness without gritty bits.
- If your Crispello bits are coated in too much chocolate, the crunch layer can turn soggy. Add a small handful of crushed cornflakes or puffed rice to the melted chocolate to keep things crisp even after refrigeration.
- To get a clean release from molds, dip the bottom of each panna cotta container briefly into warm water for 5-10 seconds, then run a thin knife around the edge before inverting. If it still resists, give it a gentle jiggle.
- If you plan to create a layered look with the panna cotta and chocolate crunch, pour and set the panna cotta first. Only add the melted chocolate-Crispello mixture once the panna cotta is fully firm to prevent sinking or blending.
- For an extra version, make chocolate crunch discs on parchment paper using a ring mold or spoon, chill until set, and place them like edible crowns on top of each panna cotta.
- Add a tablespoon of Baileys, Kahlúa, or dark rum to the panna cotta base right after straining for an adult version. Alcohol softens the custard slightly, so reduce the milk by a tablespoon if you go this route.
- A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the chocolate crunch just before serving will wake up the sweetness and add depth. It also looks gorgeous.
- If you’ve got real vanilla bean paste or a pod, use it instead of extract. It rounds out the Oreo flavor with warm, fragrant notes that taste bakery-fresh.