Panna Cotta with Berry Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This panna cotta is creamy, smooth, and delicately sweetened. It’s incredibly simple to prepare and requires only a few basic ingredients. The berry sauce adds a burst of fresh, fruity flavor that perfectly complements the mellow richness of the panna cotta. Plus, it can be made ahead, making it a stress-free, make-ahead dessert that always delivers a wow factor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the panna cotta:

• Heavy cream

• Whole milk

• Granulated sugar

• Unflavored gelatin

• Vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)

• Pinch of salt

For the berry sauce:

• Mixed berries (fresh or frozen – such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)

• Sugar

• Lemon juice

• Water (optional, to thin the sauce)

Directions

1. Bloom the gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes to soften.

2. Heat the cream mixture: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.

3. Add gelatin and vanilla: Remove the cream from heat. Stir in the gelatin-milk mixture until fully dissolved. Add vanilla extract and stir to combine.

4. Pour and chill: Pour the panna cotta mixture into ramekins, cups, or glasses. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.

5. Make the berry sauce: In a small saucepan, combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, mashing some of the fruit. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. Let cool completely.

6. Serve: Unmold panna cotta onto plates or serve in the glasses. Spoon the berry sauce over the top and garnish with fresh berries or mint if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours or overnight
Total time: about 4 hours and 15 minutes

Variations

• Coconut Panna Cotta: Replace the milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist.

• Lemon or Orange Zest: Add citrus zest to the cream for a refreshing flavor.

• Berry Mix-In: Fold whole berries into the panna cotta before chilling for bursts of fruit throughout.

• Chocolate Version: Add melted white or dark chocolate to the cream mixture before setting.

• Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut milk and a dairy-free milk alternative with plant-based gelatin (agar-agar).

Storage/Reheating

Store panna cotta covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keep berry sauce in a separate container and spoon over just before serving.
Do not freeze, as freezing can affect the texture.
No reheating is needed—serve chilled.

FAQs

What is panna cotta?

Panna cotta is an Italian dessert made by setting a sweetened cream and gelatin mixture into a smooth, custard-like texture.

Can I make panna cotta ahead of time?

Yes, it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert. It needs several hours to chill, and can be made 1–2 days in advance.

Can I use frozen berries for the sauce?

Absolutely. Frozen berries work just as well and can be used straight from the freezer.

What type of gelatin should I use?

Unflavored powdered gelatin is most common. You can also use gelatin sheets, but be sure to convert the quantity properly.

Can I unmold panna cotta easily?

Yes. Lightly grease the molds and dip the bottoms in warm water for a few seconds before inverting onto a plate.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste, especially in the berry sauce.

Why didn’t my panna cotta set?

The gelatin may not have fully dissolved, or not enough gelatin was used. Ensure accurate measurement and dissolve it completely.

Can I use flavored extracts?

Yes, almond, coconut, or even rose water can be added in place of or along with vanilla for unique flavor variations.

How do I make the sauce smoother?

Blend the cooked berry sauce and strain it through a sieve for a silky finish.

What’s the best way to serve panna cotta?

Serve in elegant glass cups, unmolded on dessert plates, or layered in jars with granola or compote for a parfait-style treat.

Conclusion

Panna Cotta with Berry Sauce is an elegant, no-fuss dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and fresh fruit topping, it strikes a beautiful balance between rich and refreshing. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, this classic Italian treat is sure to become a go-to favorite for entertaining or treating yourself.

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