Perfect Panna Cotta with Dreamy Strawberry Sauce Recipe

Creamy and silky panna cotta with strawberry sauce promises a delightful dessert adventure.

Soft Italian custard melts effortlessly on your palate.

Sweet berries add vibrant color and tangy notes to this classic treat.

Delicate textures blend seamlessly in each spoonful.

Simple ingredients create magic in your kitchen.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction with this elegant dessert.

Indulge in a restaurant-worthy experience that will impress everyone around your table.

Why People Keep Making Panna Cotta With Strawberry Sauce

• Create Creamy Elegance: Indulge in a luxurious dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality treat with silky smooth texture and sophisticated presentation.
• Master Simple Technique: Learn an impressive Italian dessert technique that looks complicated but requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen equipment for guaranteed success.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize your dessert by switching fruit sauces, adding different toppings like fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or experimenting with flavor variations such as coffee or lavender extract.
• Perfect for Any Gathering: Versatile dessert that works beautifully for intimate dinner parties, summer barbecues, holiday celebrations, or as a delightful weekend sweet treat that impresses guests without stress.

What Goes Into Panna Cotta With Strawberry Sauce

• Heavy Cream: A rich and luxurious ingredient that provides the smooth, creamy texture of the dessert.
• Milk: Helps create a lighter consistency and balances the richness of the heavy cream.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps dissolve the other ingredients smoothly.

• Gelatin Powder: A key ingredient that helps the panna cotta set and achieve its signature wobbling texture.
• Cold Water: Used to bloom the gelatin and activate its setting properties.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor that complements the creamy base.

• Fresh Strawberries: The main fruit component that provides natural sweetness and vibrant color to the sauce.
• Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries.
• Water: Helps create the sauce consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy note to balance the sweetness of the strawberries.

• Fresh Mint Leaves, Sliced Almonds: Provide additional texture and visual appeal to the finished dessert.

How To Pull Off Panna Cotta With Strawberry Sauce

Step 1: Warm Creamy Base

Grab your saucepan and combine heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Gently heat the mixture over medium-low temperature, stirring continuously until sugar dissolves completely and creates a silky smooth texture.

Step 2: Bloom Gelatin

In a separate bowl, sprinkle gelatin powder over cold water. Let it sit and transform for 5 minutes until it becomes slightly gelatinous and absorbs the liquid.

Step 3: Blend Gelatin Into Cream

Whisk the bloomed gelatin into the warm cream mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure complete incorporation, eliminating any potential lumps.

Step 4: Add Flavor Enhancer

Remove the pan from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Mix well to distribute the rich, aromatic flavor evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Prepare Serving Containers

Carefully pour the cream mixture into individual serving glasses or ramekins. Fill each container about three-quarters full for the perfect portion.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the desserts for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight. Wait until the panna cotta sets firmly, creating a delightful wobbling yet stable texture.

Step 7: Create Strawberry Sauce

• Sliced fresh strawberries
• Sugar
• Water

Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the berries break down and the sauce thickens.

Step 8: Finish Sauce

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in lemon juice. Allow the sauce to cool completely, developing a rich and vibrant flavor.

Step 9: Final Assembly

Once the panna cotta has set, drizzle the cooled strawberry sauce over the top of each dessert.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Add a finishing touch by sprinkling fresh mint leaves and sliced almonds on top. This will provide an extra layer of texture and visual appeal just before serving.

Tips To Nail Panna Cotta With Strawberry Sauce

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality heavy cream and ripe, sweet strawberries for the most delicious flavor and smooth texture.
• Control Gelatin Consistency: Bloom gelatin carefully to prevent lumps and ensure a silky, perfectly set panna cotta that wobbles gently.
• Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to achieve the ideal creamy, delicate texture that defines a classic panna cotta.
• Balance Sauce Sweetness: Adjust sugar in strawberry sauce to complement the dessert’s richness, tasting and tweaking as you cook for perfect balance.
• Serve with Elegant Garnish: Top with fresh mint leaves and sliced almonds to add a professional touch and delightful crunch to the creamy dessert.

Fun Ways To Play With Panna Cotta With Strawberry Sauce

• Chocolate Panna Cotta: Replace vanilla extract with melted dark chocolate, creating a rich and velvety version of the classic dessert.
• Lavender Honey Panna Cotta: Infuse cream mixture with dried lavender buds and swap sugar for honey, offering a floral and sweet alternative.
• Coconut Mango Panna Cotta: Substitute half the heavy cream with coconut milk and top with fresh mango puree for a tropical transformation.
• Espresso Caramel Panna Cotta: Mix strong espresso into the cream base and serve with a homemade caramel sauce for a sophisticated coffee-inspired dessert.

Great Pairings For Panna Cotta With Strawberry Sauce

• Elevate Fruit Pairing: Match the delicate panna cotta with fresh berry compote, especially blueberries or raspberries, which complement the strawberry sauce’s sweet profile.
• Wine Harmony: Select a crisp, light Moscato d’Asti or Prosecco to enhance the dessert’s creamy texture and balance its sweetness with gentle effervescence.
• Herbal Accent: Introduce fresh mint or lavender garnish to add subtle aromatic complexity and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, smooth panna cotta.
• Textural Contrast: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or crushed pistachio on top to create a delightful crunch against the silky dessert’s smooth surface.

Storing Panna Cotta With Strawberry Sauce Made Easy

• Transfer panna cotta in covered containers, keeping them sealed tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors. Store directly in serving glasses or ramekins for best preservation.
• Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring dessert remains fresh and maintains its delicate wobbling texture. Always store with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent skin formation.
• Store strawberry sauce separately in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator. Keep sauce chilled for maximum 5 days, preventing potential bacterial growth and maintaining optimal flavor profile.
• Freeze plain panna cotta without sauce for up to 2 weeks. Wrap individual portions carefully in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers.

Panna Cotta With Strawberry Sauce Questions Covered

• What is gelatin and why is it important in this recipe?

Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen that helps panna cotta set and create its signature smooth, wobbling texture. It acts as a binding agent that transforms liquid cream into a delicate, firm dessert.

• Can I use different types of milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with alternatives like low-fat milk, half-and-half, or even non-dairy options like coconut milk. However, keep in mind that the fat content will affect the final texture and richness of the panna cotta.

• How do I know if my gelatin is properly bloomed?

Properly bloomed gelatin looks like a soft, spongy mass that has absorbed water and expanded slightly. It should not have dry powder remaining and should feel slightly gelatinous when touched.

Panna Cotta with Strawberry Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (minimum)
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Italian Panna Cotta dances with luscious strawberry sauce, creating a silky dessert dream that melts gracefully on palates. Cool elegance meets fruity charm, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this classic Italian indulgence.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp gelatin powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Strawberry Sauce:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Optional Garnish:

• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 2 tbsp sliced almonds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine heavy cream, milk, and sugar in a saucepan, heating gently over medium-low temperature until sugar dissolves completely and mixture becomes smooth.
2. Sprinkle gelatin powder over a small amount of cold water in a separate bowl, allowing it to bloom for 5 minutes until it absorbs liquid and becomes slightly gelatinous.
3. Whisk bloomed gelatin into warm cream mixture until fully incorporated, ensuring no lumps remain.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to distribute evenly.
5. Pour cream mixture into individual serving glasses or ramekins, filling them about three-quarters full.
6. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight until panna cotta sets firmly and becomes wobbling yet stable.
7. For strawberry sauce, slice fresh strawberries and combine with sugar and water in a small saucepan.
8. Simmer strawberry mixture over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until berries break down and sauce thickens.
9. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and let sauce cool completely.
10. Once panna cotta has set, drizzle cooled strawberry sauce over the top of each dessert.
11. Optionally garnish with fresh mint leaves and sliced almonds just before serving for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Gelatin Blooming Matters: Ensure gelatin absorbs cold water completely to prevent lumpy texture and guarantee smooth, silky panna cotta.
• Temperature Control Crucial: Heat cream mixture gently to prevent scorching and maintain delicate, creamy consistency.
• Dietary Flexibility: Substitute dairy milk with coconut or almond milk for lactose-free version, creating a versatile dessert option.
• Sauce Texture Tips: Mash strawberries slightly during cooking to release natural pectin, enhancing sauce thickness without extra thickeners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg