Coconut Milk Panna Cotta with Red Berries
This coconut milk panna cotta with red berries is a light, elegant dessert that is surprisingly simple to make. With its smooth and creamy coconut flavor paired with a bright and slightly tangy berry sauce, it creates a refreshing yet indulgent treat that is perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or an easy make-ahead dessert.
Ingredients
Panna Cotta
- 400 ml full fat coconut milk
- 50 g sugar
- 2 sheets gelatin about 4 g total, softened in cold water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Red Berry Sauce
- 150 g mixed red berries fresh or frozen
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp sugar for berry sauce
Optional Garnish
- fresh mint leaves for garnish
- shredded coconut for garnish
- extra fresh berries for garnish
Instructions
- Place the gelatin sheets in a bowl of cold water and allow them to soften for about 5 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, combine the coconut milk and sugar. Heat over medium heat while stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. The mixture should be warm but not boiling.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Squeeze the softened gelatin sheets to remove excess water, then add them to the warm coconut milk mixture.
- Stir thoroughly until the gelatin dissolves completely.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into small glasses, ramekins, or dessert cups.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly at room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until the panna cotta is fully set.
- While the panna cotta chills, prepare the berry sauce by blending the red berries with lemon juice and sugar until smooth.
- When ready to serve, pour the berry sauce over the chilled panna cotta and garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or shredded coconut if desired.
Notes
For the creamiest texture, always use full fat coconut milk rather than light versions. Avoid boiling the coconut milk, as high heat can affect the texture. Make sure the gelatin dissolves completely to ensure the panna cotta sets properly. You can also customize the topping by using mango puree, passion fruit pulp, or blueberry sauce instead of red berries. For a vegan version, replace gelatin with agar agar and follow the package instructions for the correct quantity.