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Creamy Panna Cotta Recipe with Easy Tangy Berry Compote for Dessert

creamy panna cotta recipe - featured image

A simple and elegant creamy panna cotta paired with a tangy berry compote, perfect for a quick and satisfying dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon gelatin powder
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) cold water
  • 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped) OR 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (300 g) mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of gelatin over ¼ cup (60 ml) cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it swells and becomes jelly-like.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, and ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar. Add the split vanilla bean with seeds scraped in, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  3. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling (around 170°F/77°C), about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove the cream from heat. Remove the vanilla bean pod if used. Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm cream until fully dissolved, about 1-2 minutes, ensuring no lumps.
  5. Optional: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl or jug for extra smoothness.
  6. Divide the mixture evenly among 6 ramekins or glass jars (about ½ cup / 120 ml each). Let cool to room temperature (10-15 minutes), then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  7. While panna cotta chills, combine 2 cups (300 g) mixed berries, 2 tablespoons water, 2 tablespoons honey or sugar, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice in a small saucepan.
  8. Simmer gently over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries break down and sauce thickens slightly. Let cool to room temperature.
  9. Serve panna cotta chilled with a spoonful of tangy berry compote on top. To unmold, dip ramekins briefly in warm water and invert onto plates.

Notes

Do not boil the cream mixture to preserve gelatin setting power. Bloom gelatin fully in cold water before adding. Chill panna cotta at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture. Use agar-agar and coconut milk for a dairy-free and vegan version, noting firmer texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: panna cotta, creamy dessert, berry compote, easy dessert, gelatin dessert, Italian dessert, quick panna cotta