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Delicious Panna Cotta Recipe with Easy Mixed Berry Compote

panna cotta with mixed berry compote - featured image

A creamy, silky panna cotta paired with a vibrant mixed berry compote, perfect for any occasion and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 tsp (7 g) unflavored gelatin powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 cups (300 g) mixed berries (fresh or frozen; blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) water

Instructions

  1. Bloom the gelatin: Sprinkle 2 1/2 teaspoons (7 g) of gelatin over 1/4 cup (60 ml) of cold whole milk in a small bowl. Let sit for about 5 minutes until spongy.
  2. Heat the cream mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream, remaining 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot but not boiling (around 170°F / 77°C), about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Incorporate gelatin: Remove saucepan from heat. Add bloomed gelatin and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract. Whisk gently until gelatin fully dissolves with no lumps.
  4. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl or jug for smooth texture.
  5. Pour mixture evenly into 4-6 ramekins or glasses. Let cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then cover with plastic wrap or lids.
  6. Chill in refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set.
  7. Make the mixed berry compote: Combine 2 cups (300 g) mixed berries, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) water, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey or maple syrup in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until berries break down and mixture thickens slightly, about 8-10 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
  8. Serve panna cotta chilled topped with the mixed berry compote. Garnish with fresh mint or whole berries if desired.

Notes

Do not boil the cream mixture after adding gelatin to preserve setting power. Bloom gelatin in cold milk to avoid lumps. Straining the mixture yields a silkier panna cotta. Chill panna cotta at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture. Frozen berries can be used directly without thawing. For dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk and use agar-agar instead of gelatin.

Nutrition

Keywords: panna cotta, mixed berry compote, easy dessert, creamy dessert, gelatin dessert, berry sauce, quick dessert, family dessert