Panna Cotta with Strawberry Sauce

Name: Panna Cotta with Strawberry Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon gelatin powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; A pinch of salt; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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I absolutely love making panna cotta, especially when strawberries are in season. The creamy, silky texture of this dessert is something I look forward to every summer. It feels elegant yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. We pair it with a fresh strawberry sauce that adds a burst of sweetness and a stunning pop of color. This dessert is perfect for family gatherings or intimate dinners, and it never fails to impress. I can't wait for you to try this recipe and savor each spoonful!

Created by

Zinnia Fairweather

Last updated on 2026-01-07T10:29:34.694Z

Creating panna cotta has become a joyful ritual in my kitchen. The combination of cream, sugar, and gelatin yields a luscious dessert that melts in your mouth, making it an instant favorite. I love to experiment by infusing the cream with vanilla or even coffee for variation.

The strawberry sauce is the star here, as it balances the richness of the panna cotta with its bright acidity. Blending fresh strawberries with a pinch of sugar and a splash of lemon juice results in a sauce that's both vibrant in color and flavor. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Silky smooth texture that's a delight to the senses
Fresh, vibrant strawberry sauce that complements the dessert perfectly
Simple yet impressive, ideal for any occasion

      

Understanding the Base of Panna Cotta

The beauty of panna cotta lies in its simple yet luxurious base. The combination of heavy cream and whole milk provides both richness and a delicate balance. While using only heavy cream might yield a thicker texture, the addition of whole milk lightens it, making it silky rather than overly dense. Aim for a ratio that allows the panna cotta to jiggle slightly when set, which should take about four hours in the fridge. This ensures it has that desirable melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Gelatin is the key stabilizer here, and it’s crucial to bloom it correctly. If you rush this step and add granulated gelatin directly to hot liquid, you risk creating clumps that will mar the smooth finish of your panna cotta. The goal is a perfectly smooth and silky mixture, so allow the gelatin to sit in cold water until it becomes gelatinous, then incorporate it into the warm cream to achieve a flawless consistency.

Perfecting the Strawberry Sauce

The strawberry sauce is as simple as it is rewarding, showcasing the fresh fruit's natural sweetness. For optimal flavor, slice your strawberries and let them sit with sugar for a few minutes before blending. This process helps to draw out their juices and intensify their flavor, transforming them into an almost syrupy consistency. When blending, aim for a smooth pour—if you prefer a chunkier sauce, pulse gently instead of blending fully.

Consider making the strawberry sauce a day ahead to maximize the flavors—it actually gets better as it sits! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a gentle stir before serving. If you're short on time or strawberries aren’t in season, feel free to substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones, just be sure to thaw and drain them before blending to avoid excess liquid in your sauce.

Ingredients for Panna Cotta

For the Panna Cotta

2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon gelatin powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Sauce

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

How to Make Panna Cotta

Prepare the Gelatin

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 3 tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it absorbs the water and becomes gel-like.

Heat the Cream Mixture

In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot, but not boiling.

Combine Gelatin with Cream

Once the cream mixture is hot, remove it from the heat and stir in the gelatin mixture until fully dissolved. Add vanilla extract and mix well.

Chill the Panna Cotta

Pour the mixture into individual cups or glasses. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.

Make the Strawberry Sauce

In a blender, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve if desired to remove seeds.

Serve

Once the panna cotta is set, top with strawberry sauce and garnish with fresh strawberries or mint leaves. Enjoy!

Enjoy Your Dessert!

Pro Tips

For a twist, try infusing the cream with different flavors such as lavender or coffee. Just remember to strain the mixture before pouring it into the cups for a smooth texture.

Serving Suggestions

Panna cotta is impressively versatile when it comes to serving options. I love to garnish it with additional fresh strawberries, sprigs of mint, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. For a more sophisticated serving, you can place the panna cotta in a martini glass or decorative bowl, enhancing its presentation for gatherings. Another tip is to layer the strawberry sauce in the glass for a stunning visual effect.

If you want to personalize the dish further, try adding different flavorings to the panna cotta base. A splash of almond extract or a hint of orange zest can elevate the taste and make it unique. Don't hesitate to experiment with various fruit sauces, like raspberry or blueberry, according to your preference or seasonal availability.

Storing and Freezing

You can make panna cotta in advance, which makes it an excellent choice for entertaining. Once set, cover the cups or glasses tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from absorbing any fridge odors. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days without losing their creamy texture. Just remember to add the strawberry sauce right before serving to maintain its vibrancy and freshness.

While I wouldn't recommend freezing panna cotta due to its delicate texture—ice crystals can alter its creamy consistency—if you do find yourself needing to freeze it, pour the cooled panna cotta into freezer-safe containers. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To enjoy, place in the fridge overnight and serve with freshly made strawberry sauce the following day.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits for the sauce?

Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or even mango would work beautifully.

→ How long can I store the panna cotta?

You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving.

→ Is there a vegan version of panna cotta?

Yes! You can substitute coconut milk and use agar-agar instead of gelatin.

→ What can I do if my panna cotta doesn't set?

If it doesn't set, it may need more gelatin or a longer chilling time. Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved before combining.