Strawberry Panna Cotta
This elegant strawberry panna cotta is surprisingly easy to make. In fact, it has just 5 ingredients and takes 10 minutes to prepare. Hence, it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for entertaining guests.
The two Italian desserts that are perfect for entertaining are panna cotta and Tiramisu. Am I wrong? Both can be made ahead, and they are as elegant as they are delicious. And the best part is that they are both so easy to make.
We are a huge, dessert-loving family. So, making dessert at home is very common. And yet, you must see the big smile on the house when we have panna cotta in the fridge. It doesn’t matter what flavor. However, the most popular ones with my kids are vanilla, strawberry, blueberry, and mango. I recently made this as a strawberry panna cotta tart, and it was a huge hit with friends.
Why you’ll love this Panna Cotta
- Made with simple ingredients and fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Easy to customize with different berries, fruit sauces, or toppings.
- Smooth, creamy, and lightly set with the perfect panna cotta texture.
- A simple make-ahead dessert perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or summer entertaining.
- Elegant enough for guests but easy enough for everyday dessert.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Whipping Cream – I have used 38% fat for my whipping cream. You want to use at least 32%, if not more, since low-fat creams will set into a very soft Panna Cotta.
- Whole milk – You also need to use whole milk, not low-fat. However, you can substitute it with almond milk if you prefer.
- Sugar – It is best to use castor or fine-grain white sugar. You want the sugar to dissolve easily without altering the mixture’s color.
- Gelatin – It’s best to use unflavored gelatin so that the strawberry flavor shines beautifully.
- Strawberries – I have used fresh strawberries because they are in season. However, you can also use frozen strawberries for the puree. Just pulse and sieve them the same way.
Step-by-step: Strawberry panna cotta
Bloom the gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it soak for 5 minutes until absorbed.
Heat the cream mixture
In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is almost boiling. Do not let it boil. Add the vanilla extract.
Dissolve the gelatin
Add the bloomed gelatin to the hot cream mixture and stir until completely dissolved. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve for a smooth texture.
Add the strawberries
Blend the fresh strawberries into a smooth puree, then stir the puree into the cream mixture until well combined.
Chill
Pour the panna cotta mixture into serving glasses or ramekins. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
Make the strawberry sauce
Cook some of the strawberry puree with sugar over medium heat until thickened and saucy. Let cool completely.
Serve
Top the chilled panna cotta with the strawberry sauce before serving.
Strawberry Panna Cotta
Give your classic Italian dessert a strawberry treat with this elegant strawberry panna cotta. Surprisingly easy to make with just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes to prepare. Perfect make-ahead dessert for entertaining guests or date nights.
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250 ml) Milk
- 1 cup (250 ml) Whipping cream
- ¼ cup (50 g) Sugar
- 1 tbsp Gelatin
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 cup (230 g) Strawberry puree
- 4 Strawberries for garnish
- ½ cup (115 g) Strawberry puree
- 2 tbsp Sugar
Method
- Bloom the gelatin – In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it soak for 5 minutes until absorbed.1 tbsp Gelatin
- Heat the cream mixture – In a saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is almost boiling. Do not let it boil. Add the vanilla extract.1 cup Milk, 1 cup Whipping cream, ¼ cup Sugar, 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- Dissolve the gelatin – Add the bloomed gelatin to the hot cream mixture and stir until completely dissolved. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve for a smooth texture.
- Add the strawberries – Blend the fresh strawberries into a smooth puree, then stir the puree into the cream mixture until well combined.1 cup Strawberry puree
- Chill – Pour the panna cotta mixture into serving glasses or ramekins. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
- Make the strawberry sauce – Cook some of the strawberry puree with sugar over medium heat until thickened and saucy. Let cool completely.½ cup Strawberry puree, 2 tbsp Sugar
- Garnish – Decorate with more fresh strawberries.4 Strawberries
Notes
- Do not boil the cream mixture or the panna cotta can become grainy.
- Strain the mixture for the smoothest texture.
- Fresh ripe strawberries will give the best flavor and color.
- Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for the panna cotta to set properly.
- The strawberry sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Mention @veenaazmanov_kitchen or tag #veenaazmanovkitchen!Tips for Success
- Bloom the gelatin properly before adding it to the hot cream mixture.
- Heat the cream mixture until hot but not boiling.
- Strain the mixture for a smooth and creamy panna cotta.
- Let the panna cotta chill completely before adding the strawberry sauce.
- Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Panna cotta did not set | Not enough gelatin or not chilled long enough | Chill longer and measure gelatin accurately |
| Grainy texture | Cream mixture boiled | Heat gently and do not boil |
| Lumps in panna cotta | Gelatin not dissolved fully | Stir well and strain the mixture |
| Watery strawberry topping | Sauce not reduced enough | Cook the strawberry sauce until slightly thickened |
| Panna cotta sticks to mold | Not loosened properly | Dip the mold briefly in warm water before unmolding |
Frequently Asked Questions
A panna cotta will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Yes, because the milk mixture sets with the gelatin, there is no fear of the pastry getting soaked with the milk mixture. A perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion. You can make this tart 2 days ahead as well.
No, it’s best to use gelatin. You can use strawberry gelatin if you get it, but not a Jell-O mix. Those are with sugar added and not enough gelatin. As a result, the consistency of your Panna Cotta will be very soft.
Absolutely, you can try blackberry, blueberry, mango, and mixed berries. If you want, you can omit the fruit to keep it classic vanilla, too.
You combined to of my favorite things..Panna Cotta and Strawberries. This is a must try for me ,and you make it look so easy. I just might make this for Valentine’s Day this year. I can’t wait.
It is so easy, Debbie. I hope you try it.
Oh heck yes! This looks and sounds amazing! How would you be able to stop at just one serving! Yuuuum!
Yes, that’s the hardest part, Jess.
I haven’t had panna cotta in so long! The strawberries would be amazing – so fresh and light! I absolutely can’t wait to make this.
It’s so easy Kita. You must try.
What a delicious and easy dessert. I’m sure it would be perfect for Valentine’s Day. I’m definitely going to have to pin it and give it a try later!
Thanks, Claire.
This strawberry panna cotta will be perfect for serving at our next supper club. I love that I can make them the day before so I can focus on the main course.
Absolutely, Kelly. You must try and let me know how it was.
Hi Veena
Can I substitute the gelstine with agar agar for the strawberry Pana cotta? If I can, what quantity of agar agar can I use?
Many Thanks
Kauser
Yes, Kauser. You can use agar-agar instead of gelatin. Usually the substitute is one for one but I’d recommend 3/4 teaspoon instead of 1 so it’s not too firm. You will need to boil the milk with the agar-agar to activate it.
Thank you Veena. I shall def try this recipe.