Panna Cotta with Vanilla Bean and Fresh Strawberries
Strawberry Panna Cotta! Ever want to make a homemade dessert but dread turning on the oven in the heat? Panna Cotta is the perfect solution—no oven needed for this refreshing treat. All you need is your stovetop, cream, gelatin, sugar, fresh berries, vanilla, and a few hours for it to set. Enjoy this cool and creamy dessert without breaking a sweat!
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What is panna cotta?
Panna Cotta is Italian for "cooked cream." This dessert features sweetened cream thickened with gelatin and set in a mold, offering a luxurious, silky, and creamy texture.
Variations
This recipe incorporates fresh strawberries both in the panna cotta itself and as a garnish, with additional strawberries and a syrup made from macerating the berries on the serving plate. Other berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, also pair beautifully with this dessert and add a delicious twist.
Panna cotta dishes
No ramekins? No problem! There’s no rule that says panna cotta has to be unmolded for serving. Simply pour the heated cream mixture into a small, heat-proof serving dish—like a bowl or a parfait glass—and serve it right in the dish for an equally delightful presentation.
Unmold panna cotta
Unmolding these strawberry panna cottas can be frustrating. Just follow the process below and your panna cottas will unmold nicely:
- Dip bottom of ramekins, one at a time, into a bowl half-filled with hot water. Leave for about 5 seconds.
- Invert ramekin onto a serving plate. If panna cotta does not release, dip ramekin into the hot water for an additional 5 seconds and invert again.
- Spoon berry sauce from macerated strawberries over the panna cotta. Place remaining strawberries on the serving plates.
FAQs
Check out this link to read an interesting history of panna cotta.
I do not recommend freezing this strawberry panna cotta. The milkfats can breakdown and cause the dessert to be watery. To store the panna cotta, place it in the fridge in a airtight container for up to 3 days.
More strawberry desserts
Need more dessert recipes featuring strawberries? Check out these:
I hope you enjoy this Strawberry Panna Cotta recipe as much as my friends and family do!
📋 Recipe
Strawberry Panna Cotta Recipe
Equipment
- Heavy Duty Saucepan
- Bowls, measuring cups and spoons
- Heat-Resistant Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Powdered Gelatin
- 2 Tablespoons Cold Water (to sprinkle gelatin over)
- 3 Cups Heavy Cream
- ⅓ Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste or pure vanilla extract
- ½ Pint Fresh Strawberries
- 2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
Instructions
- Sprinkle powdered gelatin over the cold water. Set aside to allow gelatin to set.1 Tablespoon Powdered Gelatin, 2 Tablespoons Cold Water
- Place 6 ramekins on a tray or baking pan (one that will fit in your refrigerator).
- Wash strawberries and remove stem.½ Pint Fresh Strawberries
- Cut strawberries into ¼" slices. Place 3 slices of strawberries into each ramekin.
- Place remaining strawberries in a bowl and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sugar (this will macerate the strawberries and pull out some of the juices, resulting in a sugary syrup to pour over the panna cotta once unmolded).2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- Place cream, granulated sugar and vanilla bean paste in a large saucepan. Bring to a low boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally to avoid scorching the cream.3 Cups Heavy Cream, ⅓ Cup Granulated Sugar, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste
- Remove from heat as soon as the cream begins to boil.
- Add gelatin to the cream mixture and stir until gelatin is completely dissolved. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Pour mixture into a heat-proof measuring cup. Distribute evenly between the 6 ramekins pouring over the strawberry slices.
- Place ramekins in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to set.
Unmolding the Panna Cotta
- Dip ramekins, one at a time, into a bowl half-filled with hot water. Leave for about 5 seconds.
- Invert the ramekin onto a serving plate. If panna cotta does not release, dip ramekin into the hot water for an additional 5 seconds.
- Spoon syrup from macerated strawberries over the panna cotta. Place remaining strawberries on serving plates.
Cpg says
This recipe is ridiculously easy- light, and so good. I love this site
Csna Media says
this one one of the tastiest things I've had in a long
Julie says
Oh my goodness, Stephanie, I have got to say, your strawberry panna cotta recipe has absolutely blown me away! From the moment I saw those gorgeous pictures, I knew I just had to try it out for myself. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed! The creamy, silky smooth texture paired with the bright, fresh flavor of the strawberries - it's just pure magic in every bite. Stephanie, you truly have a gift for creating desserts that are both beautiful and delicious, and I am just in awe of your talent. Thank you for sharing this recipe with us all, and for inspiring us to get creative in the kitchen!
dessertswithstephanie says
You are so kind to leave such a lovely note. Enjoy!
Jennifer L Prince says
Oh! I didn't realize how easy it was to make panna cotta. I always thought it was difficult, but this seems really doable!
Monidipa says
Wow, your Strawberry Panna Cotta recipe looks absolutely divine! The combination of creamy panna cotta and fresh strawberries is making my mouth water. I appreciate the detailed instructions and helpful tips.
Andy Thomps says
Great recipe! I used raspberries instead of strawberries. Was great for our celebration - creamy and not too sweet.
CanGee says
Such a refreshing dessert!