Lavender Panna Cotta Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels both elegantly simple and delightfully fragrant, this Lavender Panna Cotta is an absolute must-try. Silky smooth and gently infused with floral lavender, this classic Italian treat captures a beautiful balance of creamy richness and subtle herbal perfume that makes every spoonful feel like a little moment of joy. The Lavender Panna Cotta is perfect for impressing guests or indulging in your own cozy evening treat, combining freshness and a touch of whimsy in one luscious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Lavender Panna Cotta are wonderfully straightforward yet essential in creating that perfect creamy texture and delicate floral flavor. Each element plays a key role, from the rich heavy cream to the fragrant lavender buds, ensuring your dessert is both luscious and aromatic.
- Whole milk: Provides a light base that balances the creaminess without overpowering the flavor.
- Heavy cream: The star of the show, giving the panna cotta its signature silky, rich texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens gently to enhance the lavender’s natural floral notes.
- Gelatin sheets: Essential for setting the panna cotta so it has that delicate, wobbly finish.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting depth that complements lavender beautifully.
- Dried lavender buds: The heart of the dish, infusing that fragrant, herbal essence.
- Purple food coloring: Optional but fun, bringing a subtle pastel hue that brightens the presentation.
How to Make Lavender Panna Cotta
Step 1: Prep your molds
If you want to unmold your panna cotta onto plates, lightly greasing the inside of your glasses with vegetable oil is key. Use a paper towel to wipe most of the oil away—just a slight residue helps the panna cotta slip out cleanly without sticking. If you prefer serving them in the glasses, you can skip this step.
Step 2: Soften the gelatin
Place the gelatin sheets in cold water to let them soften. This gentle step ensures they dissolve well later without clumping, which is crucial for that perfectly smooth panna cotta texture.
Step 3: Warm your dairy and sugar
Combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Heat gently until the mixture simmers—avoid boiling to keep the cream from curdling. This slow warming helps dissolve the sugar fully, creating a smooth base for the lavender flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate the gelatin
Remove the saucepan from heat, then squeeze the softened gelatin sheets to get rid of excess water. Add them to the warm cream mixture, stirring constantly so the gelatin melts completely for that dreamy, set texture.
Step 5: Add flavor and color
Now it’s time to stir in the vanilla extract, dried lavender buds, and purple food coloring. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture steep for 10 to 15 minutes. This step lets the lavender infuse fully, transforming the panna cotta into a fragrant delight.
Step 6: Strain and chill
Strain the creamy lavender mixture through a fine sieve to remove the buds, creating a silky smooth liquid. Pour it evenly into your prepared molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set beautifully firm yet delicate.
Step 7: Unmold and serve
When ready to serve, dip the bottom of each mold into hot water for about 5 seconds to gently loosen the dessert. Run a knife around the edges, then carefully invert onto plates. The panna cotta should slide out effortlessly, showcasing its glossy, pale purple hue.
How to Serve Lavender Panna Cotta
Garnishes
Garnishing your Lavender Panna Cotta adds a lovely finishing touch and can enhance both flavor and appearance. Try delicate lavender sprigs, edible flowers, or a drizzle of honey for sweetness that echoes the floral notes. Fresh berries like blackberries or blueberries also pair wonderfully, adding a burst of color and tartness.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines best when paired with light, fresh sides that don’t compete with its subtle flavor. Consider serving with a crisp fruit salad or a handful of toasted almonds for a bit of crunch. A simple shortbread cookie also complements the panna cotta’s creamy, fragrant profile beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Presenting Lavender Panna Cotta in clear glass cups lets you admire its delicate purple tone—a beautiful touch especially for gatherings. Alternatively, serve it in mini mason jars for a rustic charm or mold it into individual ceramic ramekins for an elegant dinner party vibe. For a whimsical twist, try layering it with a lavender-infused syrup or a soft berry compote.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Lavender Panna Cotta should be covered tightly and kept refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, preserving its creamy texture and delicate lavender flavor. Make sure to keep it chilled to maintain that perfect firmness.
Freezing
Freezing panna cotta isn’t generally recommended because the texture can become grainy after thawing. However, if you do choose to freeze it, use an airtight container and thaw slowly in the refrigerator before serving, but expect a slight change in the signature silky mouthfeel.
Reheating
Panna cotta is best enjoyed cold and set, so reheating is not advised. Instead, allow it to thaw gently in the fridge if previously frozen. If you want a warm lavender dessert, it’s easier to prepare a fresh batch or try warming the garnishes separately.
FAQs
Can I use powdered gelatin instead of sheets?
Yes, you can substitute powdered gelatin for sheets. Typically, one sheet equals about one teaspoon of powdered gelatin, but be sure to soften the powder in water separately before adding it to your warm cream mixture to avoid lumps.
How strong is the lavender flavor in this panna cotta?
The lavender flavor is delicate and fragrant, not overpowering. It subtly infuses the creamy base, so it’s suitable even for those new to using floral notes in desserts. You can adjust the amount of dried lavender buds to make it more or less pronounced to your taste.
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried buds?
Fresh lavender can be used but usually requires a bit more quantity since it’s less concentrated than dried. Also, be sure the fresh lavender is culinary grade and pesticide-free. Infuse it similarly, then strain well to keep the panna cotta smooth.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Traditional panna cotta relies on gelatin, which is animal-derived. For a vegan version, you can substitute gelatin with agar-agar and swap dairy for coconut milk and coconut cream. The lavender infusion process remains the same, offering a fantastic plant-based twist.
What if I don’t have purple food coloring? Can I skip it?
Absolutely! The food coloring is purely for aesthetic appeal, giving the panna cotta a soft purple tint. Skipping it won’t affect the delicious flavor or texture at all, so feel free to omit it if you prefer a natural look.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend making this Lavender Panna Cotta enough—it’s a deceptively simple dessert that feels incredibly special. Whether you’re inviting friends over or treating yourself after a long day, the delicate floral aroma paired with that luxuriously creamy texture is pure magic. Give it a go and watch how quickly it becomes one of your favorite go-to desserts for effortless elegance and mouthwatering flavor.
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Lavender Panna Cotta Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicate Lavender Panna Cotta is a creamy Italian dessert infused with fragrant dried lavender buds, offering a subtly floral aroma and a hint of sweetness. The custard-like texture is achieved using gelatin, cream, and milk, enhanced by a touch of vanilla and a charming purple hue from food coloring. Perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions, this panna cotta is a light yet indulgent treat that’s both visually stunning and delicious.
Ingredients
Dairy
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
Sweeteners
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Thickening Agent
- 3 sheets gelatin
Flavorings
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp dried lavender buds
- 1–2 drops purple food coloring
Miscellaneous
- Vegetable oil (for greasing molds)
Instructions
- Prepare the molds: If you intend to unmold the panna cotta, lightly grease the inside of your serving glasses or molds with vegetable oil. Use a paper towel to wipe out most of the oil, leaving just a thin residue to aid in release. Alternatively, leave the molds ungreased if you prefer to serve directly.
- Soften gelatin: Place the gelatin sheets in cold water and let them soak until soft and pliable, typically about 5 to 10 minutes. Once softened, set them aside for use in the cream mixture.
- Heat the dairy mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat until the mixture just starts to simmer carefully, ensuring it does not boil, which could affect texture and gelatin setting.
- Incorporate gelatin: Remove the saucepan from heat. Squeeze the excess water out of the softened gelatin sheets and stir them into the hot cream mixture until fully dissolved and smooth.
- Add flavorings and steep: Stir in the vanilla extract, dried lavender buds, and a few drops of purple food coloring. Mix thoroughly to combine. Allow the mixture to steep for 10 to 15 minutes, letting the lavender infuse its delicate floral notes.
- Strain and pour: Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the lavender buds and any gelatin lumps. Pour the smooth mixture evenly into the prepared molds or glasses.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the panna cotta for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until it is fully set and firm to the touch.
- Unmold and serve: To unmold, briefly dip the bottom of each mold into hot water for about 5 seconds to loosen the edges. Run a knife gently around the panna cotta’s perimeter and invert it onto a plate. Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert experience.
Notes
- Use high-quality dried lavender buds intended for culinary use to avoid bitterness and ensure safety.
- If you do not have gelatin sheets, you can substitute with 2 1/2 teaspoons of powdered gelatin, blooming it in cold water according to package instructions.
- This dessert can be prepared a day in advance to allow flavors to fully develop and to save time on the day of serving.
- For a vegan alternative, use agar-agar powder instead of gelatin and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
- To intensify the lavender flavor, infuse the cream mixture with lavender buds by heating gently and straining before adding gelatin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling and setting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Lavender panna cotta, floral panna cotta, creamy Italian dessert, lavender dessert, chilled pudding, gelatin dessert, easy panna cotta recipe
