Easy Panna Cotta
Make creamy homemade panna cotta in just 15 minutes prep. Easy no-bake Italian dessert with Greek yogurt for protein and fresh berries.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, plain unsweetened
- 1/3 cup honey or raw agave nectar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 3 tablespoons cool filtered water
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup fresh mixed berries for serving
- 2 tablespoons raw almonds, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Pour the cool filtered water into a small glass bowl and sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder evenly over the surface, allowing it to bloom for about 5 minutes until it absorbs the liquid and becomes spongy.
- 2
Combine the heavy whipping cream, whole milk, and fine sea salt in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches approximately 160°F on an instant-read thermometer—about 8 minutes.
- 3
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add the bloomed gelatin to the warm cream mixture, stirring constantly for 2 minutes until the gelatin dissolves completely with no visible granules.
- 4
Whisk the Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla bean paste together in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined, about 1 minute of vigorous whisking.
- 5
Pour the warm cream mixture into the yogurt mixture in a slow, steady stream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution, taking about 2 minutes to fully incorporate.
- 6
Strain the entire mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to remove any air bubbles that would create an uneven texture, about 3 minutes.
- 7
Divide the strained mixture evenly among four chilled serving glasses or ramekins, filling each approximately three-quarters full.
- 8
Refrigerate the filled glasses for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight until the panna cotta firms up to a silky custard consistency that jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
- 9
Remove the panna cotta from the refrigerator 10 minutes before serving to allow them to come closer to room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
- 10
Top each serving with a generous handful of fresh mixed berries, a pinch of chopped raw almonds, and a whisper of fresh lemon zest just before presenting to guests.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| heavy whipping cream | combination of 1 cup heavy cream plus 1/2 cup coconut milk | Reduces saturated fat content while maintaining creamy texture and richness, and coconut milk adds subtle tropical undertones |
| honey | maple syrup or coconut sugar in equal amounts | These alternatives have lower glycemic indexes than refined honey, preventing sharp blood sugar spikes and promoting steadier energy levels |
| whole milk | unsweetened almond milk or oat milk | Plant-based alternatives reduce cholesterol and saturated fat while maintaining adequate liquid volume for proper gelatin distribution |
| unflavored gelatin | agar-agar powder at 1.5 teaspoons per recipe | Agar-agar is vegetarian, vegan-friendly, and derived from seaweed, providing beneficial minerals and soluble fiber for digestive health |
| Greek yogurt | silken tofu blended until smooth | Tofu provides complete protein without dairy, reduces saturated fat significantly, and suits vegan dietary preferences |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 318 |
| Total Fat | 21g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Cholesterol | 72mg |
| Sodium | 88mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 23g |
| Protein | 8g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
