Strawberry Panna Cotta with Glaze & Berry Hearts

Strawberry Panna Cotta with strawberry glaze is topped with half berries

Strawberry Panna Cotta always sets the mood for a special Valentine’s treat. Its smooth texture pairs beautifully with the fruity glaze. I love adding berry hearts for extra charm.

Strawberry Panna Cotta recipe

Strawberry Panna Cotta is a sweet version of the classic Italian dessert – Panna Cotta. This dessert is known for its creamy texture and delightful strawberry flavor. 

Strawberry Panna Cotta with strawberry glaze is perfect for romantic day

This dessert has a smooth, pudding-like texture. You can feel this creamy texture melting in your mouth. This is achieved by combining cream, milk, sugar, and gelatin. I added vanilla to the panna cotta for richness. Fresh strawberries provide a sweet-tart contrast with the creamy base.

Strawberry Panna Cotta is enjoyed during warmer months. The dessert is popular at summer celebrations. The simplicity makes it a favorite recipe for many celebrations.

Here is how to make the Strawberry Panna Cotta:

Strawberry Panna Cotta with strawberry glaze is topped with half berries

Strawberry Panna Cotta

A silky-smooth Italian dessert featuring delicate vanilla-scented cream set to perfection, topped with a vibrant strawberry glaze and arranged with fresh berries in an elegant heart shape.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Chilling time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Panna Cotta

  • 2 cups (500ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled
  • 2 tsp unflavored gelatin
  • 3 tbsp cold water

For the glaze

  • 1/2 cup (75g) fresh strawberries, hulled
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

For the decoration

  • Fresh strawberries or raspberries cut into heart shapes
  • Fresh mint leaves optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Panna Cotta

  • In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 3 tbsp cold water. Let it bloom for 5 minutes.
  • Blend 1 cup of fresh strawberries into a smooth puree.
  • In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, but do not boil.
  • Stir in the strawberry puree and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
  • Lightly grease 4 small ramekins or molds with a neutral oil (like vegetable oil) to ensure easy unmolding.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared molds. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.

Prepare the glaze and decoration

  • Blend 1/2 cup of strawberries into a smooth puree. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
  • Transfer the puree to a saucepan, add sugar and lemon juice, and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Cool completely.
  • Slice strawberries or raspberries and cut them in half or into heart shapes,

Assemble the dessert

  • Gently dip the bottom of each mold into warm water for 5-10 seconds. Run a knife around the edges if needed.
  • Carefully invert the mold onto a serving plate and gently tap until the panna cotta releases.
  • Spoon the strawberry glaze around the panna cotta on the plate.
  • Decorate with berry hearts on the glaze and garnish with fresh mint leaves for added color.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gSugar: 20g
Keyword homemade dessert, Italian recipes, no-bake dessert, strawberry panna cotta, Valentine’s Day recipes
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How to pair

Strawberry Panna Cotta pairs well with various accompaniments and drinks.

  1. Alcoholic Drinks
    • Late-harvest wines match the sweet profile.
    • Negroni cocktail complements sweetness with a bitter edge.
    • Poema Cava Brut Rosé complements Panna Cotta and fresh strawberries.
    • Moscato d’Asti balances the richness.
    • Brachetto d’Acqui enhances the flavors.
    • Champagne or Prosecco contrasts the creamy texture.
  2. Non-Alcoholic Options
    • Strawberry latte is a great pair.
    • Matcha tea pairs well with Panna Cotta’s richness.
    • Milk Oolong iced tea balances the sweetness.
  3. Complementary Foods
    • Mixed berry compote enhances the fruity notes.
    • Biscotti or almond cookies add textural contrast to Panna Cotta.
    • Fresh berries boost the fruitiness.
    • Crumble topping adds a crunchy texture to the dessert.
    • Mint leaves provide a refreshing herbal note to Panna Cotta.
    • Chocolate sauce contrasts the Panna Cotta’s lightness.
    • Pistachio meringues contribute a nutty flavor to Panna Cotta.

Variations

Strawberry Panna Cotta has many versions. Here are some popular variations and methods for making this creamy delight:

  1. Flavor Enhancements
    • Roasted Strawberry Panna Cotta incorporates roasting strawberries. This intensifies the flavor and sweetness with a richer taste and less added sugar.
    • Rose and Strawberry Panna Cotta combines strawberry with rose extract. It uses a coconut and oat milk base to create a vegan-friendly dessert.
  2. Textural Variations
    • A crunchy crumble topping provides a delightful contrast to the smooth texture of the panna cotta.
    • Layered panna cotta, such as a strawberry layer over the panna cotta base, adds visual appeal.
  3. Ingredient Substitutions
    • Dairy-free Options substitute traditional dairy ingredients with almond or coconut milk.
    • Different Sweeteners use alternatives like maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar. This adds unique flavors and cater to different dietary preferences.

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