Vanilla Panna Cotta Dessert with Berry Coulis
Indulge in this sumptuously smooth and creamy Vanilla Panna Cotta, a dessert that’s as naturally gluten-free as it is elegant. Paired with a vibrant berry coulis, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion. If you’re a fan of light and refreshing desserts, you might also enjoy our Zesty Gluten-Free Lemon Bars.
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Get Your Copy TodayWhy Panna Cotta is Perfect for Gluten-Free Living
Finding naturally gluten-free desserts can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. That’s why Panna Cotta is such a gem! It offers a luxurious alternative to typical gluten-free options like ice cream or brownies, which, while delicious, can become repetitive. For more variety, be sure to check out our collection of Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes for endless inspiration.
What’s more, this dessert requires minimal effort. There’s no baking involved, and it can be prepared well in advance, making it ideal for dinner parties or celebrations. This vanilla Panna Cotta recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, simple yet sophisticated.
Understanding Panna Cotta
Panna Cotta, which translates to “cooked cream,” is essentially a sweetened, set custard. While traditional recipes call for cream, sugar, and gelatin, variations have emerged to cater to different dietary needs, including vegan options. If you’re interested in exploring dairy-free alternatives, you might like our Creamy Raspberry Mousse which offers a similar texture without the dairy.
The magic of Panna Cotta lies in its texture – a delicate wobble, a creamy consistency that melts in your mouth. The ratio of cream to milk is crucial; while you can substitute some cream with milk, maintaining a higher cream content ensures a truly indulgent experience. Our recipe uses a 2:1 cream ratio for the perfect balance of luxury and richness.
Beyond vanilla, Panna Cotta is a versatile canvas for flavor. You can infuse it with fruits, chocolate, coffee, herbs, or flowers. Don’t miss our other variations like Vanilla Chia Pudding with Fresh Berries for another delightful twist.
Tips for Serving Panna Cotta
Serving Panna Cotta can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re unmolding it. To release it cleanly, briefly dip the base of the mold in boiling water. For a simpler approach, serve it directly in glasses. Pair it with a contrasting sauce or fruit to balance the sweetness. Berries are an excellent choice for vanilla Panna Cotta, adding vibrant color and a touch of tartness. You can use same approach to serve Decadent Gluten-Free Chocolate Mousse as well.
Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful dessert. It’s a treat that’s well worth the indulgence!
Vanilla Panna Cotta with Berry Coulis – A Gluten Free Delight
Indulge in the creamy, dreamy perfection of this Vanilla Panna Cotta, topped with a vibrant Berry Coulis. Naturally gluten-free and irresistibly delicious, this dessert is the perfect ending to any meal.
Ingredients
Panna Cotta
- 6 g PLATINUM grade leaf gelatine
- 200 g whole (full fat) milk
- 400 g double (heavy) cream
- 120 g caster (superfine) sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or 1 vanilla pod (slit)
Berry Coulis
- 300 g fresh or frozen raspberries/strawberries or other berries
- 2 to 3 tbsp caster (superfine) sugar
- 2 tsp cold water
- 6 strawberries – to decorate (or handful of raspberries)
Equipment
- 5-6 silicone moulds/glasses (for individual servings)
- Flat-bottomed bowl
- Kitchen tongs/fork
- Jug (measuring optional)
- Small and large saucepans (one of each)
- Hob
- Silicone/wooden spoon
- Fridge
- Sieve
Instructions
Making the Vanilla Panna Cotta
- Chill the Moulds: Prepare 5 or 6 silicone moulds or individual-size non-stick pudding bowls (without removable bases) by placing them in the freezer or fridge to chill. This helps the Panna Cotta set smoothly.
- Soak the Gelatine: Soak the gelatine leaves in cold water using a flat-bottomed bowl for about 5 minutes, following packet instructions. Ensure each leaf has enough room for the water to circulate.
- Heat the Milk: Pour the milk into a small saucepan and heat on a medium heat until it’s just below simmering point. Do not allow it to boil, then remove the pan from the heat.
- Dissolve the Gelatine: Drain the gelatine (use kitchen tongs/fork to lift each piece) and add it to the hot milk. Stir until the gelatine is completely dissolved and combined.
- Combine Cream, Sugar, and Vanilla: Pour the cream into a larger saucepan and add the sugar and vanilla.
- Bring to a Boil: Bring the cream mixture to a boil over a low to medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Immediately remove from the heat and do not allow it to continue boiling. If using a vanilla pod, remove it at this stage.
- Mix the Milk and Cream: Stir the milk-gelatine mixture into the cream until fully combined.
- Pour into Moulds: Remove the chilled moulds from the freezer and carefully pour the Panna Cotta mixture into them equally.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the Panna Cotta to cool as quickly as possible (you can speed this up by placing the moulds in a container with ice around the base). Then, chill in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours, or until completely set.
- Serve: When set, turn the Panna Cotta portions out onto serving plates. To loosen, briefly dip the base of the mould into a bowl of boiling water. Serve with fresh strawberries/raspberries and berry coulis.
Making the Berry Coulis
- Combine Ingredients: Put the raspberries/strawberries/other berries, sugar, and water into a small saucepan. Set over a low to medium heat.
- Simmer: Crush the berries against the side of the pan with the back of a wooden/silicone spoon to release their juices. Slowly bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
- Cook the Berries: Continue to simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, until the berries are soft and disintegrated. The exact time will vary depending on the natural softness of the fruit used. Take off the heat.
- Strain the Coulis: Pour and push the liquid through a sieve into a jug/bowl. Stir the juice and pulp through, creating your coulis. Discard the pips and fibre.
- Chill: Allow the coulis to cool completely. Then, chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Tips for the Perfect Panna Cotta
The density and success of this recipe hinges on the accuracy of ingredient measurements. For best results, use metric measurements and weigh the milk and cream rather than using a measuring jug.
Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 445kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 108mg
- Sodium: 51mg
- Potassium: 222mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 35g
- Vitamin A: 1202IU
- Vitamin C: 25mg
- Calcium: 112mg
- Iron: 1mg
* Note: Nutritional information is an estimate & may vary according to portion size/ingredient variants.
Vanilla Panna Cotta with Berry Coulis: A Gluten-Free Delight
Indulge in a sumptuously smooth and creamy Vanilla Panna Cotta, drizzled with a bright and fruity Berry Coulis. Naturally gluten-free, this Italian dessert is the perfect ending to any meal!
Ingredients
Vanilla Panna Cotta Ingredients:
- 6 g PLATINUM grade leaf gelatine
- 200 g whole (full fat) milk
- 400 g double (heavy) cream
- 120 g caster (superfine) sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or 1 vanilla pod (slit)
Berry Coulis Ingredients:
- 300 g fresh or frozen raspberries/strawberries or other berries
- 2 to 3 tbsp caster (superfine) sugar
- 2 tsp cold water
- 6 strawberries – to decorate (or handful of raspberries)
Nutritional Information
Enjoy this decadent dessert without the worry of gluten! Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional benefits:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 445kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Cholesterol | 108mg |
| Sodium | 51mg |
| Potassium | 222mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 35g |
| Vitamin A | 1202IU |
| Vitamin C | 25mg |
| Calcium | 112mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Panna Cotta
Gluten-Free Benefits
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Panna Cotta is inherently gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious dessert option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
- Versatile Base: The simple ingredients allow for endless flavor combinations without the need for gluten-containing thickeners or stabilizers.
Dietary Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the whole milk and double cream with full-fat coconut milk or a blend of cashew cream and almond milk for a vegan and dairy-free version.
- Sugar Alternatives: Use maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia as a substitute for caster sugar. Adjust the quantity to taste, as sweetness levels vary.
- Gelatine Alternatives: For a vegetarian option, replace leaf gelatine with agar-agar powder. Use approximately 2 teaspoons of agar-agar powder for the given quantity of liquid.
- Flavor Variations:
- Citrus Infusion: Add lemon, orange, or lime zest to the cream mixture for a refreshing twist.
- Chocolate Panna Cotta: Incorporate melted white, milk, or dark chocolate into the cream for a chocolatey indulgence.
- Coffee Panna Cotta: Infuse the milk with coffee beans or add instant coffee granules to the cream for a caffeinated kick.
- Herbal Infusion: Add lavender, rosemary, or mint to the cream for a herbal and aromatic dessert.
- Berry Coulis Variations: Try mixed berries, blackberries, or even a tropical fruit coulis for a change of pace.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Elegant Presentation: Serve in individual glasses or ramekins for an elegant look.
- Fruit Accompaniments: Pair with fresh berries, poached pears, or grilled pineapple.
- Sauce Options: Drizzle with caramel sauce, chocolate ganache, or a tangy fruit compote.
- Toppings: Garnish with chopped nuts, toasted coconut flakes, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Enjoy creating your perfect Panna Cotta!
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To prepare this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowls – A set of various sizes is essential for preparing different components of the recipe.
Find Mixing Bowls on Amazon - Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements are key to successful baking and cooking.
Find Measuring Cups and Spoons on Amazon - Baking Sheets – Perfect for even baking and crisp results.
Find Baking Sheets on Amazon - Whisks – For whipping air into mixtures and ensuring everything is well combined.
Find Whisks on Amazon - Spatulas – Ideal for folding and mixing ingredients gently.
Find Spatulas on Amazon - Food Processors – Great for quickly chopping vegetables or making sauces.
Find Food Processors on Amazon - Saucepans – Essential for heating liquids and making sauces.
Find Saucepans on Amazon - Chef’s Knives – A good chef’s knife makes prep work easier and more efficient.
Find Chef’s Knives on Amazon - Cutting Boards – Protect your countertops and provide a stable surface for chopping.
Find Cutting Boards on Amazon