Panna Cotta vs. Flan: Key Differences (& Which Might You Like More)
When you look at panna cotta and flan, you might think that it is the same dessert in question due to their extremely similar look. Many people do not even notice the differences that are present between them, so it is quite a shock when they realize that they are actually two separate desserts. So, what are the differences between panna cotta and flan?
Panna cotta is an Italian dessert, while flan is mostly common in Mexican regions. Both desserts have the same custard-like look, meaning that they usually have the same shape that stands up. However, panna cotta uses gelatin as a base ingredient, so it is lighter than flan.
These desserts are quite similar, but they include some notable differences. Therefore, below, I have provided a close comparison between panna cotta and flan so you can distinguish them in the future and determine which one is more suitable for you.
Differences between panna cotta and flan
If you have tried both panna cotta and flan, you have probably realized that they taste quite similar, and sometimes, it is difficult to tell the difference. However, it is important to remember that these two desserts are separate and have some unique features, so they should not be regarded as the same. Below, I have included some differences that will clarify the distinction between panna cotta and flan.
These differences result from variations in origin, ingredients, ways of preparation, and taste. Therefore, I have provided everything you need to know about these details, meaning that once you read about them, you will be aware of the kinds of desserts you eat.
Ingredients
When it comes to ingredients, the first thing you have to remember is that both panna cotta and flan contain very simple ingredients. Even though their structure seems complex when you look at them, their ingredients are nothing uncommon. Most of the ingredients included in these desserts are the same. However, certain differences make them unique.
Regular panna cotta consists of gelatin, sugar, vanilla, and cream. The characteristic of panna cotta is that the base of the dessert is made of gelatin, which is why this sweet treat can hold up. On the other hand, flan is made of eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cream, meaning that the eggs are the ingredients that make flan stand up.
In other words, the gelatin and the eggs are the only ingredients that make panna cotta and flan different. These ingredients are used to thicken the desserts and hold the ingredients together. However, they give the same feeling in the mouth, which is why people sometimes cannot tell the difference between panna cotta and flan.
Preparation process
Even though panna cotta and flan have the same structure, that does not mean that they are prepared in the same way. If you consider the ingredients used in both of them, then it would be only logical to assume that they require different preparation processes. In other words, you might use the same basic ingredients, but you will not combine them in the same way.
Therefore, when it comes to panna cotta, it is important to point out that if you translate the name, it would mean “cooked cream”, and there is a perfect reason for this. Namely, in order to make panna cotta, you would need an oven or a different source of heat that will enable you to reach the texture and structure you need for this dessert. So, you would need first to warm the cream, and later mix it with sugar.
Panna cotta also allows the addition of different flavors, so you can choose how you want your dessert to taste. Gelatin is added to the mixture in the end, before transferring it to mold to set. Once it is set, panna cotta becomes smooth and wobbly.
In contrast, flan is prepared in a different way since much of the attention is focused on the presentation of this dessert. For the flan, you do not need an oven, but a stovetop for a so-called “hot bath” since this is how this dessert is prepared. More precisely, you would first need to caramelize the sugar, pour it into molds, and then place them over the stovetop.
However, you can also use the oven, but that would not be the proper way of preparing this dessert. In the end, you need to turn the flan upside down from the mold since this is how this dessert is served properly.
Taste
The taste of panna cotta and flan is quite similar; therefore, not many people feel the difference between these two desserts. Since both consist of cream and give a similar feel in the mouth, they are commonly regarded as variations of the same dessert. However, there are a few differences that make them distinct in taste.
For instance, when you eat panna cotta, you can taste the abundance of dairy inside of it. Also, it can come in many flavors, so it can taste different each time you try a different type of the same dessert.
On the other hand, the dominant taste in flan is the taste of caramel. In addition, there is the scent of nuttiness in this dessert, unlike panna cotta, in which the milky scent is more present.
Panna cotta or flan: Which might you like more?
When it comes to choosing the better dessert between panna cotta and flan, the choice is usually quite difficult since we are talking about different personal tastes. However, since they share most features, it is possible to determine slightly better features in panna cotta than in flan.
Therefore, the use of gelatin in panna cotta makes this dessert lighter, meaning that it does not make you full the minute you eat it. Also, since it allows the addition of different flavors, it can be said that panna cotta is the more versatile dessert, which is something that many people want in their treats.
