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.
Contents
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.
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
Nutrition
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.
SIMILAR RECIPES
How to pair
Strawberry Panna Cotta pairs well with various accompaniments and drinks.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.