Hey foodies! Today, I’m diving into the creamy, dreamy world of panna cotta—a luscious dessert that feels like a culinary hug. Grab your ramekins and let’s get jiggle with it! 🍮✨
My Very Berry Panna Cotta is indulgent yet fresh, and that’s what I love to achieve in my desserts. This one starts with a base of mixed heavy cream, milk, sugar, and, of course, vanilla—that sweet, comforting wonder.
But instead of layering on more sweetness, I purified some mixed berries into a raspberry coulis and folded that into the panna cotta mixture.
Very Berry Panna Cotta Recipe Ingredients
- Heavy Cream: Rich in fat, adds creamy texture and luxurious taste.
- Whole Milk: Provides calcium and a slight sweetness to the panna cotta.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the panna cotta, balancing tart berry flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Mixed Berries: Packed with antioxidants, adds natural sweetness and color.
Very Berry Panna Cotta Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 packet (7 grams) unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
How to Make this Very Berry Panna Cotta Recipe
1. In a tiny bowl, scatter the gelatin over the chilled water and allow it to sit for approximately 5 minutes to come into its own.
2. In a saucepan of medium thickness, the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar come together. They are stirred over a medium flame until the sugar has completely yielded, and the mixture is hot (but not boiling, please).
3. Take the saucepan off the heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Put the bloomed gelatin into the hot cream mixture, stirring until it is completely dissolved.
5. Split the mixture evenly into 6 ramekins or serving glasses, and allow them to cool to room temperature.
6. When they have cooled, cover the ramekins with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for at least four hours—or until the panna cotta has set.
7. As the panna cotta sets, ready the berry topping. In a bowl, mix together the assorted berries and honey or sugar (if using) .
8. Chill the berries for approximately one hour to allow them to release their juices and to enhance their flavor.
9. To serve, take the panna cotta from the fridge and carefully add the berry mixture to the top of each one.
10. If desired, you may add a sprig of mint or some more berries for an extra flourish to the drink right before you serve it. Then, enjoy!
Very Berry Panna Cotta Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Small bowl
2. Medium-thick saucepan
3. Spoon or spatula for stirring
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. 6 ramekins or serving glasses
6. Plastic wrap
7. Mixing bowl
8. Refrigerator
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?A: Yes, you can swap whole milk for a non-dairy alternative, though it may affect the creaminess and flavor slightly.
- Q: How long does it take for the panna cotta to set?In the refrigerator, it usually takes about 4-6 hours to set up correctly.
- Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?A: Indeed, panna cotta can be prepared one or two days prior to service and kept in the refrigerator until you are ready to present it.
- Q: How can I ensure my gelatin dissolves properly?A: Ensure that you sprinkle the gelatin in an even manner over the cold water and allow it to bloom for a few minutes before you gently heat it with the milk mixture.
- Q: Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?A: Yes, you can use frozen berries; however, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and drained before use.
- Q: What should I do if the panna cotta is too firm?Next time, reduce the amount of gelatin slightly, or add a tiny bit more cream to make it softer.
- Q: How can I prevent the panna cotta from sticking to the mold?A: The molds should be greased lightly with a neutral oil, or the bottom of the molds should be briefly dipped in warm water before unmolding.
Very Berry Panna Cotta Recipe Substitutions and Variations
In place of unflavored gelatin: Substitute with 1 tablespoon of agar-agar powder (for a vegetarian alternative).
For the heavy cream: Use coconut cream to make it a dairy-free version.
Substitute for whole milk: Almond milk or oat milk serve as a suitable non-dairy alternative in recipes where whole milk is required.
Substitute for granulated sugar: Use an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar.
Instead of using mixed berries, try a combination of sliced kiwis, peaches, and mango for a tropical twist.
Pro Tips
1. Perfect Blooming Gelatin: Make sure the water is cold when sprinkling the gelatin over it. This ensures even blooming, which is critical for achieving a smooth panna cotta texture. After blooming, gently stir to ensure there are no clumps before adding it to the cream mixture.
2. Temperature Control: When heating the cream, milk, and sugar, be careful not to let the mixture boil. Boiling can affect the final texture and may curdle the mixture. Heating until it’s steaming hot and the sugar has just dissolved is perfect.
3. Even Cooling: Allow the panna cotta mixture to cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge. This gradual cooling helps prevent the formation of condensation under the plastic wrap, which can affect the set.
4. Berry Topping Upgrade: For a more intense fruit flavor, consider gently mashing some of the berries before mixing with the honey or sugar. This helps release their juices and enhances the topping’s flavor.
5. Setting Time: For the best panna cotta texture, consider letting it set overnight. This allows the flavors to fully develop and ensures a firmer, more luxurious set.
Very Berry Panna Cotta Recipe
My favorite Very Berry Panna Cotta Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Small bowl
2. Medium-thick saucepan
3. Spoon or spatula for stirring
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. 6 ramekins or serving glasses
6. Plastic wrap
7. Mixing bowl
8. Refrigerator
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 packet (7 grams) unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a tiny bowl, scatter the gelatin over the chilled water and allow it to sit for approximately 5 minutes to come into its own.
2. In a saucepan of medium thickness, the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar come together. They are stirred over a medium flame until the sugar has completely yielded, and the mixture is hot (but not boiling, please).
3. Take the saucepan off the heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Put the bloomed gelatin into the hot cream mixture, stirring until it is completely dissolved.
5. Split the mixture evenly into 6 ramekins or serving glasses, and allow them to cool to room temperature.
6. When they have cooled, cover the ramekins with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for at least four hours—or until the panna cotta has set.
7. As the panna cotta sets, ready the berry topping. In a bowl, mix together the assorted berries and honey or sugar (if using) .
8. Chill the berries for approximately one hour to allow them to release their juices and to enhance their flavor.
9. To serve, take the panna cotta from the fridge and carefully add the berry mixture to the top of each one.
10. If desired, you may add a sprig of mint or some more berries for an extra flourish to the drink right before you serve it. Then, enjoy!