There’s something magical about the combination of creaminess and fruity delight that makes a panna cotta a favorite in many homes. Picture this: warm sunlight streaming through the kitchen window, the sweet aroma of fresh strawberries filling the air, and the anticipation of a delightful dessert waiting to be savored. This Easy Strawberry Panna Cotta recipe captures not just the taste of summer, but also the joy of creating something special for yourself and your loved ones.
Why make this recipe?
This strawberry panna cotta brings a taste of indulgence that feels effortless. The rich cream melds beautifully with the sweetness of ripe strawberries, crafting a dessert that’s both elegant and simple. Perfect for a dinner party or a cozy night in, it’s a dish that promises to impress without demanding hours in the kitchen. Plus, who can resist the allure of a dessert that looks just as stunning as it tastes?
How to make Easy Strawberry Panna Cotta
Ingredients:
- 23 oz (650 g) Strawberries
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) Whole milk, divided
- 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (67 g) Sugar
- 2 teaspoons (7 g) Gelatin
- 3 tablespoons (36 g) Sugar (for topping) or less
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
- Pinch Salt
Directions:
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree: Start by pureeing the vibrant strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. To achieve that silky texture, strain the mixture through a very fine sieve, discarding the seeds. Divide the puree into two portions: two-thirds for the panna cotta and one-third for the topping. Set aside.
- Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, whisk together the gelatin and 1/4 cup of the whole milk. Let this sit for about 10 minutes. This will help the gelatin bloom, ensuring a creamy, smooth panna cotta.
- Make the Panna Cotta Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, the remaining 1/4 cup of whole milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium, bringing it to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently until the sugar has fully dissolved — but be careful not to let it boil!
- Combine Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in the fragrant vanilla extract. Next, add the bloomed gelatin mixture and whisk until it’s completely dissolved into the warm cream.
- Infuse with Strawberry Flavor: Carefully fold in the two-thirds of the strawberry puree, mixing until it’s all beautifully combined and the color is perfectly rosy.
- Chill: Pour the panna cotta mixture evenly into serving dishes or glasses, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least three hours, or until set.
- Prepare the Topping: For the sweet topping, take the remaining one-third of the strawberry puree and place it in a small saucepan. Add in the sugar and lemon juice, heating gently until the sugar dissolves. Once cooled, pour this fragrant mixture over the set panna cotta. Return to the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
How to serve Easy Strawberry Panna Cotta
When it’s time to serve, simply take your panna cotta out of the fridge, removing the plastic wrap. You can garnish with a fresh strawberry or a sprig of mint for that extra touch of elegance. This panna cotta pairs wonderfully with a light dessert wine or can stand on its own as a refreshing treat.
How to store Easy Strawberry Panna Cotta
You can store the panna cotta in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure they’re covered to keep them fresh and luscious. If you plan to prepare it in advance, hold off on adding the strawberry topping until you’re ready to serve!
Tips to make Easy Strawberry Panna Cotta
- Use the ripest strawberries you can find for maximum flavor.
- For an extra luxurious touch, consider infusing the cream with a sprig of fresh rosemary or basil while it heats.
- If you prefer a sweeter panna cotta, feel free to adjust the sugar levels in the recipe.
Variations
Feel free to experiment! You can swap strawberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries, or even mix in a layer of dark chocolate for an indulgent twist. For a tropical vibe, try adding mango puree or coconut cream in place of some of the heavy cream.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before pureeing.
Can I make this panna cotta dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and the whole milk with any plant-based milk of your choice.
How do I know when the panna cotta is set?
It should be firm to the touch but still have a slight wobble when you gently shake the dish.
Embrace the joy of creating this Easy Strawberry Panna Cotta, a beautiful dessert that’s both a feast for the eyes and a delight for the taste buds. With every creamy bite, you’ll feel that warmth spreading in your heart, knowing you’ve created something truly special. So gather your ingredients, let the strawberries inspire the chef in you, and enjoy the sweetness of not just this panna cotta but the moments you share it with others.
Easy Strawberry Panna Cotta
Ingredients
Method
- Puree the strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth, then strain through a fine sieve. Set aside two-thirds for panna cotta and one-third for topping.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the gelatin and 1/4 cup of whole milk. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to bloom.
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, remaining 1/4 cup of milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat gently until sugar dissolves, avoiding boiling.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Whisk in the bloomed gelatin mixture until fully dissolved.
- Fold in the two-thirds strawberry puree until well combined.
- Pour the panna cotta mixture into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least three hours until set.
- For the topping, mix the remaining strawberry puree with sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves, then cool.
- Pour the topping over set panna cotta and return to the fridge until ready to serve.