Vanilla cream panna cotta topped with golden caramel sauce is silky and indulgent. This beloved mediterranean dessert is a family dinner favorite.
Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 3 tbsp cold water in a small bowl and allow to bloom for 7 minutes.
In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and 0.5 cup sugar. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves and tiny bubbles form around the edge (do not boil).
Remove saucepan from heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved, then add vanilla extract.
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large measuring cup for smoothness, then divide evenly into 6 ramekins or glasses.
Refrigerate, uncovered, until set—at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) for optimal texture.
For the caramel, combine 0.75 cup sugar and 3 tbsp water in a clean saucepan. Cook over medium heat, swirling occasionally but not stirring, until the caramel is deep amber (about 7-10 minutes). Remove from heat immediately.
Carefully pour the hot caramel sauce over the set panna cotta just before serving, allowing it to gently cascade over the surface.