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
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
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.