A creamy, smooth vanilla panna cotta served with sweet, caramelized roasted strawberries for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vanilla Panna Cotta with Roasted Strawberries is a luxurious dessert that perfectly balances creamy smoothness and the fresh, sweet tang of roasted strawberries. The delicate vanilla-flavored panna cotta offers a velvety texture, while the caramelized strawberries add a burst of sweetness with a hint of citrus. This simple yet sophisticated dessert is perfect for a special occasion or as a treat to end a lovely meal. With just a few ingredients, it comes together effortlessly but feels indulgent and impressive. The roasted strawberries elevate the panna cotta, making it an irresistible dessert for any season.
Ingredients
For the Panna Cotta:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup cold water
For the Roasted Strawberries:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, halved
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
For the Panna Cotta:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape the seeds into the cream mixture, and add the bean pod as well (or add vanilla extract).
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the cream is hot but not boiling.
- Remove from heat, discard the vanilla bean pod, and stir in the bloomed gelatin until dissolved.
- Pour the panna cotta mixture into individual ramekins or molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
For the Roasted Strawberries:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss the halved strawberries with honey and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Spread the strawberries in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until softened and caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Assemble:
- Once the panna cotta has set, carefully unmold it onto serving plates.
- Spoon the roasted strawberries over the panna cotta and drizzle any remaining juices from the pan on top.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Variations
- Flavored Panna Cotta: Add a splash of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or amaretto, to the panna cotta mixture for a unique twist.
- Other Roasted Fruits: Substitute the strawberries with other fruits such as peaches, figs, or cherries for a different flavor profile.
- Vegan Version: Use coconut milk and a plant-based gelatin alternative to make this dessert dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
- Nut Topping: Add a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or toasted almonds over the panna cotta for a delightful crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the panna cotta in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or in airtight containers, for up to 3 days. The roasted strawberries should also be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: The panna cotta is best served cold, but you can gently warm the roasted strawberries in the microwave or on the stovetop if you prefer them warm.
FAQs
Can I make the panna cotta ahead of time?
Yes, panna cotta is an excellent make-ahead dessert. Simply refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set properly.
Can I use gelatin sheets instead of powdered gelatin?
Yes, you can use gelatin sheets instead of powdered gelatin. Use 2-3 sheets, depending on the brand, and bloom them in the cold water before adding them to the cream mixture.
Can I use frozen strawberries for roasting?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for roasting, but if using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture, which could affect the texture.
How do I know when the panna cotta is set?
The panna cotta should have a firm yet slightly wobbly texture when set. If it’s too soft, it may need more time in the fridge.
Can I make this dessert without the roasted strawberries?
Yes, the panna cotta is delicious on its own and can be served without the roasted strawberries. You can also serve it with fresh berries, a fruit compote, or a fruit syrup instead.
How can I unmold the panna cotta easily?
To unmold the panna cotta, run a sharp knife around the edges of the ramekin, then dip the bottom of the ramekin briefly in hot water to loosen it before inverting it onto a plate.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, this panna cotta recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add chocolate to the panna cotta?
Yes, you can add melted chocolate to the cream mixture for a chocolate panna cotta. Simply melt 2-3 ounces of chocolate and stir it into the cream mixture before heating.
How do I make the roasted strawberries more caramelized?
For extra caramelization, roast the strawberries for a few extra minutes or increase the oven temperature slightly. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Can I use other types of cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but this may affect the richness and texture of the panna cotta.
Conclusion
Vanilla Panna Cotta with Roasted Strawberries is an elegant dessert that perfectly balances rich, creamy flavors with the natural sweetness of roasted fruit. The smooth texture of the panna cotta combined with the caramelized strawberries offers a delightful contrast in both taste and texture. This dessert is perfect for any special occasion, yet simple enough to make at home. With a few basic ingredients and easy preparation, you can create an impressive treat that will leave your guests asking for more. Enjoy this classic Italian dessert with a modern twist!
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Vanilla Panna Cotta with Roasted Strawberries
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, smooth vanilla panna cotta served with sweet, caramelized roasted strawberries for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, halved
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- For the Panna Cotta:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise, scrape the seeds into the cream mixture, and add the bean pod as well (or add vanilla extract).
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the cream is hot but not boiling.
- Remove from heat, discard the vanilla bean pod, and stir in the bloomed gelatin until dissolved.
- Pour the panna cotta mixture into individual ramekins or molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
- For the Roasted Strawberries:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss the halved strawberries with honey and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Spread the strawberries in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until softened and caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Assemble:
- Once the panna cotta has set, carefully unmold it onto serving plates.
- Spoon the roasted strawberries over the panna cotta and drizzle any remaining juices from the pan on top.
Notes
- If you prefer a non-dairy version, you can substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and almond milk.
- For added flavor, you can add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the roasted strawberries before baking.
- The panna cotta can be made a day ahead for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling, Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
