Berry Panna Cotta

Oh my gosh, you guys! I just made this berry panna cotta, and it looks so pretty. The colors are like a little rainbow in a glass.

I love how creamy and smooth it is, with sweet berries on top. Every spoonful just melts in your mouth—it’s kind of magical.

Imagine serving this at a dinner party or enjoying it on a cozy night in. It feels fancy but is actually super easy to make.

So, let’s make it together! I’ll show you how simple it is to create this creamy, dreamy dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant and Simple: Panna Cotta is one of those desserts that looks impressive but is easy to make.
• Berry Delicious: Fresh strawberries and raspberries provide a refreshing burst of flavor, making each bite pop with sweetness and tartness.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Panna cotta needs to chill in the fridge for at least a few hours, making it a perfect dish to prepare in advance.
• Versatile: You can customize this recipe with different berries, fruits, or even infusions like vanilla or citrus.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you dive into the recipe, make sure you have these basic tools:

• Saucepan: You’ll need this to heat the cream, milk, and dissolve the gelatin.
• Whisk: A good whisk helps ensure smoothness when mixing the ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in measuring your ingredients.
• Heatproof Molds or Glass Cups: These will shape the panna cotta. You can also use silicone molds for easy release.
• Knife: To chop the berries into bite-sized pieces for the topping.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this creamy and berry-licious panna cotta:

Panna Cotta Base:

• ¼ Lemon – A fresh lemon provides a touch of citrusy tang that balances out the sweetness of the cream.
• 1 Pint Heavy Cream – This rich ingredient forms the backbone of the panna cotta’s smooth texture.
• ½ Cup Confectioners’ Sugar – Adds the perfect sweetness without being overpowering.
• 1 Cup Milk – Used to lighten up the richness of the heavy cream and create a balanced, creamy consistency.
• 3 ½ Teaspoons Unflavored Gelatin – This is what helps set the panna cotta and give it its distinctive, wobbly texture.
• ¾ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract – For a warm, aromatic touch that complements the creaminess.

Berry Topping:

• 1 ½ Cups Sliced Fresh Strawberries – Sweet, ripe strawberries add color and flavor to the dessert.
• 1 ½ Cups Fresh Raspberries – These add a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries and elevate the overall taste.

Variations for Berry Panna Cotta

While this berry panna cotta recipe is delightful on its own, there are plenty of ways you can tweak it to suit your taste or occasion. Here are a few variations to consider:

• Mixed Berries: If you prefer other berries, feel free to mix blackberries, blueberries, or even cherries into the topping.
• Flavored Panna Cotta: Infuse the cream mixture with flavors like vanilla beans, citrus zest, or even lavender for a fragrant twist.
• Vegan Version: Swap the heavy cream and milk for coconut milk or almond milk and use agar-agar instead of gelatin for a plant-based version.
• Layered Panna Cotta: Create a layered version by dividing the panna cotta mixture into two and making one layer flavored with chocolate or coffee, then top with the berry layer.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Berry Panna Cotta

Making panna cotta may sound intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple once you break it down. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect berry panna cotta:

1. Prepare the Gelatin

Start by blooming the gelatin. In a small bowl, combine 3 ½ teaspoons of unflavored gelatin with a couple of tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to soften.

2. Heat the Cream Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 pint of heavy cream, 1 cup of milk, and ½ cup of confectioners’ sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking. You want the mixture to heat up until it’s hot, but not boiling. Stir in the bloomed gelatin and whisk until it’s fully dissolved.

3. Add the Lemon and Vanilla

Once the gelatin is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the juice from ¼ of a lemon and ¾ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir well to combine the flavors.

4. Pour Into Molds

Now it’s time to pour the panna cotta into your molds. You can use individual serving cups, glasses, or silicone molds depending on your preference. Pour the cream mixture evenly into the molds and let it cool to room temperature.

5. Chill the Panna Cotta

Once the panna cotta has cooled down to room temperature, place it in the refrigerator to set. Allow it to chill for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best for a firmer texture.

6. Prepare the Berry Topping

While the panna cotta sets, prepare the berry topping. Slice 1 ½ cups of fresh strawberries and gently mix them with 1 ½ cups of raspberries. You can sweeten the berries with a little honey or sugar, depending on the sweetness of your fruit.

7. Serve the Panna Cotta

Once the panna cotta has set, carefully remove it from the molds. If you’re using glasses, you can simply top them with the fresh berries. If you used silicone molds, carefully invert the panna cotta onto a serving plate. Spoon the mixed berries on top and serve.

How to Serve Berry Panna Cotta

Berry panna cotta is incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways:

• As a Solo Dessert: This panna cotta can shine on its own as a simple, yet elegant dessert.
• With Fresh Mint or Herbs: Add a few sprigs of fresh mint or basil on top for an aromatic touch.
• With Whipped Cream: If you want to add a bit more indulgence, serve the panna cotta with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
• With a Drizzle of Honey: If you want a little extra sweetness, drizzle honey over the top of the berries.
• With Crushed Biscuits or Granola: For a crunchy contrast, serve the panna cotta with a side of crushed shortbread or granola for added texture.

Storing Berry Panna Cotta

• Panna Cotta: If you have leftovers, store the panna cotta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can cover the individual servings with plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
• Berry Topping: The berry topping should be prepared just before serving, as fresh berries can become mushy over time. However, if you have leftover berries, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.

Berry Panna Cotta FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! Panna cotta is perfect for making ahead. Just make sure you allow enough time for it to chill and set in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I use frozen berries?

While fresh berries are ideal for this recipe, you can use frozen berries in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before using them as a topping.

What if I don’t have gelatin?

If you don’t have unflavored gelatin, you can use agar-agar as a substitute, though you may need to adjust the quantity as agar-agar sets more firmly than gelatin.

Can I add flavorings to the panna cotta?

Absolutely! You can infuse the milk and cream mixture with vanilla, citrus zest, or even spices like cinnamon or cardamom for extra flavor.

Nutrition Table

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	210
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	18g
Protein	2g

Conclusion

Berry Panna Cotta is the perfect balance of creamy texture and fruity freshness. It’s an elegant dessert that can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a special celebration, or a simple treat for yourself. The rich creaminess paired with the sweet berries makes this dessert one you’ll return to time and time again.