For a simple and decadent Italian dessert, try this coconut panna cotta. Its silky smooth texture, combined with coconut flavors, will melt in your mouth.
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Panna cotta means "cooked cream" in Italian. This version is a delicious and refreshing dessert that can be made easily at home using coconut cream. Its presentation is often intimidating as it appears fancy, but it comes together quite simply. With just a few staple ingredients, you can have this luscious dessert on your table waiting for you to enjoy.
The smooth and silky custard like texture and creaminess of the panna cotta will be such a delight to your taste buds. By using coconut cream, this gives it a tropical taste along with the sweetness from the sugar makes this an excellent choice for a dessert that will be enjoyed by all. If your looking to enjoy more elegant desserts that come together easily I suggest trying this Filipino Leche Flan, Mini Pavlova Nests or this Chocolate Crème Brulee.
Reasons to Love
- Easy Dessert. This dessert sounds so fancy and looks elegant, but it is very simple to put together. With only 10 minutes needed to prep the dessert, then it is ready to set. This also makes it a great make ahead dessert to have at a party. It will impress your significant other or guests.
- Customizable Dish. This coconut panna cotta recipe is delicious with the strawberry topping. However, you can dress it up with additional fruit, a sweet sauce or coconut flakes to stand out. It is such a great dessert that can be customized to your liking.
- Rich in Flavors and Texture. The richness of the coconut cream combined with the sugar and vanilla gives this version a tropical flavoring. The creaminess of the smooth custard like texture will melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
With just a few ingredients you can enjoy this decadent dessert in no time.
- Water. This is combined with the gelatin to create a "bloom" and provide stability for the dessert.
- Gelatin. This provides the structure and stability to the dessert. We used unflavored for this recipe.
- Coconut Cream. Canned coconut cream works the best and make sure it doesn't have any added sugar.
- Sugar. Granulated white sugar was used to sweeten this recipe.
- Vanilla Extract. Helps enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Salt. This helps balance out the sweetness from the sugar and coconut cream.
- Strawberries. Fresh strawberries are wonderful to top the dessert with. If you don't
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Gather up your ingredients for the recipe and I'll show you how I make panna cotta with canned coconut cream. It doesn't take long at all before it's ready once you get started.
Combine the cool water and gelatin in a large bowl, stirring well. Allow it to rest while you proceed to the next step.
Combine the coconut cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat.
Pour a small portion of the hot coconut mixture over the bloomed gelatin, whisking until smooth.
Gradually add the remaining coconut mixture, whisking thoroughly.
Divide the panna cotta mixture among 4 small bowls.
Place the bowls on a flat shelf in the fridge and let them chill until firm, approximately 6 hours or overnight.
Serve the chilled panna cotta directly in the bowls with fresh fruit for a simple presentation.
Alternatively, release the panna cotta from the bowls by placing each bowl in a shallow dish of hot tap water for 30 to 60 seconds to loosen it. Then, invert the bowl onto a serving plate, tap the bottom of the bowl, and release the panna cotta.
Serve chilled. I like to add fresh fruit on top. Berries are my favorite and they give it a nice pop of color.
Hint: Blooming gelatin in cold liquid before adding it to the warm mixture ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
Variations
- Use coconut milk. Coconut milk can be used for this recipe, but it needs to be full-fat and canned. There should be no additives just coconut milk. This version will not be as creamy and rich as when using coconut cream but still should taste wonderful.
- Add fruit. In addition to strawberries, you can also top with blueberries or raspberries. If you want to add an even more tropical taste with the coconut, add mangos, passionfruit or pineapple.
- Add some crunch. Coconut flakes and granola would make an excellent topping and provide a contrast to the smooth texture of the coconut panna cotta.
- Use a different type of sugar. This recipe can be made with natural sugars such as honey or maple syrup. You can also use a sugar substitute such as stevia or monk fruit.
- Make it vegan. To make this dessert vegan, you need to use agar agar flakes instead of gelatin. Agar agar comes in powder and flake form. For this recipe, the flakes need to be used not the powder.
- Spice it up. Add a dash of cinnamon, ginger or cardamon to the coconut mixture to give it even extra flavoring.
- Dress it up. Adding shaved white or dark chocolate even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce will truly make this dessert richer.
Heavy cream can be used instead of coconut cream, and you can flavor it with coconut extract. You can also check out my coconut shake if you love the taste of coconut.
Tips
Top tip: When combining the water and gelatin, it is best to sprinkle the gelatin over the water first to soften so that clumps don't start to form.
- Don't whisk the mixture too hard. Whisk lightly until everything is incorporated so to avoid air bubbles in the coconut mixture.
- Spray ramekins with cooking spray or lightly grease with coconut oil. This guarantees the panna cotta can easily come out and will not fall apart in the ramekin.
- Use a sieve to pour mixture into ramekins. This is optional but can ensure the panna cottas texture will be silky smooth.
- Release the coconut panna cotta. To make releasing the panna cotta easier, place the bowl in a shallow dish of hot water for 30 to 60 seconds to help loosen it up. Then, invert the bowl onto a serving plate, tap the bottom of the bowl and release the coconut panna cotta.
Serving suggestions
Coconut panna cotta is best served with fresh fruit but can also be served with Air Fryer Strawberries or these Air Fryer Pineapple for an even more tropical taste.
Add a splash of dairy-free whipped cream on top for an even richer dessert. It also can be enjoyed with an iced Americano coffee or hot matcha tea. You can even have it with a creamy espresso martini with Bailey's.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It is essential to keep it covered to prevent any odors from seeping into the delicate custard.
FAQs
Why did my panna cotta separate?
It is possible the gelatin didn't dissolve properly when combining with the coconut mixture. Another reason could be the coconut mixture got too hot causing the gelatin to not thicken up enough.
Why is my panna cotta hard?
If your panna cotta is hard that means you used too much gelatin or not enough liquid to the amount of gelatin used. Measuring the gelatin powder with a measuring spoon should ensure this doesn't happen again.
Can I make this using coconut milk?
Yes, this coconut panna cotta recipe can be made using coconut milk. It may not be as firm due to the lesser fat content. You also must use canned full-fat coconut milk.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, the recipe is required to set a minimum of 6 hours but can be made up to 3 days in advance without loosing flavoring. You will just want to cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.
Related Recipes
If you enjoy rich and creamy treats, you may also want to try these small-batch dessert recipes as well:
- Chocolate crème brulée is a decadent baked custard.
- Cheesecake in a Jar is a quick no-bake cheesecake treat.
- Leche flan is smooth and creamy Filipino custard.
- Soufflé cheesecake is very light and creamy.
- Cookies and cream mousse can be made in just minutes.
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Recipe
Coconut Panna Cotta
Ingredients
- ¼ cup water
- 1 ½ teaspoons gelatin
- 13.5 ounces coconut cream canned
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup strawberries for serving
Instructions
- Combine the cool water and gelatin in a large bowl, stirring well. Allow it to rest while you proceed to the next step.
- Combine the coconut cream, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove it from the heat.
- Pour a small portion of the hot coconut mixture over the bloomed gelatin, whisking until smooth. Gradually add the remaining coconut mixture, whisking thoroughly.
- Divide the liquid among 4 small bowls.
- Place the bowls on a flat shelf in the fridge and let them chill until firm, approximately 6 hours or overnight.
- Serve the chilled panna cotta directly in the bowls with fresh fruit for a simple presentation. Alternatively, release the panna cotta from the bowls by placing each bowl in a shallow dish of hot tap water for 30 to 60 seconds to loosen it. Then, invert the bowl onto a serving plate, tap the bottom of the bowl, and release the panna cotta. Serve chilled immediately with fresh fruit on top.
Glenda
I order panna cotta when I'm out so I decided to make it myself. Your recipe was easy and came out perfect. I added some ginger to mine. Next time I am going to add coconut milk for a change.
Dylan
Totally loved this recipe! This dessert is perfect for the summer!