Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberries

Name: Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberries
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin; 3 tablespoons cold water; 1 cup fresh raspberries; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Oven Kitchen

I absolutely adore this Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberries! It’s a classic dessert that never fails to impress with its delicate flavor and creamy texture. Making panna cotta might sound intimidating, but I’ve found it to be surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. The way the smooth vanilla custard contrasts with the tartness of fresh raspberries makes each bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s beautifully elegant in presentation, making it ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Created by

Maribel Hawthorne

Last updated on 2026-01-07T14:37:34.913Z

During a recent gathering, I decided to whip up my favorite dessert: Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberries. The creamy texture and elegant flavor never fail to take center stage. I discovered that letting the panna cotta chill longer enhances its stability and makes for a richer experience. The fresh raspberries add a pop of color and a burst of tartness, which perfectly complements the sweet vanilla base.

What’s fantastic about this dessert is its versatility. I often switch up the fruit based on the season, but the vanillla is a staple that I always come back to. Pairing it with a light raspberry coulis results in a stunning presentation, making it a perfect choice for impressing guests or a special treat for myself.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Silky smooth texture that melts in your mouth
Elegant presentation that impresses guests
A delightful balance of sweet vanilla and tart raspberries

Understanding Panna Cotta

Panna cotta, which means 'cooked cream' in Italian, relies on the perfect balance of cream, milk, and sugar to create its signature silky texture. The heavy cream gives richness, while the whole milk ensures the final dessert isn’t overly greasy. When making panna cotta, it's crucial to avoid boiling the cream mixture, which could lead to a grainy texture. Instead, aim for a warm mixture, just enough to dissolve the sugar and gelatin thoroughly.

The gelatin is a key ingredient that allows panna cotta to set properly. It is essential to bloom the gelatin in cold water before adding it to the warm cream mixture. This step hydrates the gelatin, making it easier to dissolve and ensuring a smooth consistency. If not bloomed correctly, the gelatin may remain grainy, compromising the silky texture that panna cotta is known for.

Perfecting the Raspberry Topping

The raspberry topping adds a vibrant and tangy contrast to the creamy panna cotta. When cooking the raspberries, heat them gently over medium heat to prevent them from breaking down too quickly. You want to see them soften and release their juices without becoming a complete mush. Straining the mixture after cooking can help achieve a smooth sauce, but if you prefer a chunkier topping, feel free to skip this step.

For a sweeter or tarter flavor profile, you can easily adjust the sugar and lemon juice in the raspberry topping. If you find the raspberries are too tart, a bit of extra sugar can balance the flavors. Alternatively, if you're using sweeter raspberries, consider reducing the sugar to let the berry's natural flavor shine through. It's a great way to customize the topping to your taste!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delicious dessert.

Panna Cotta Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
3 tablespoons cold water

Raspberry Topping Ingredients

1 cup fresh raspberries
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Once you have all your ingredients, you're ready to start creating this beautiful dessert!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Vanilla Panna Cotta with Raspberries.

Bloom the Gelatin

In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it blooms.

Heat the Cream Mixture

In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium until sugar is dissolved and mixture is warm, but not boiling.

Add Gelatin

Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin and vanilla extract until fully dissolved.

Pour into Molds

Divide the mixture into molds or cups. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.

Prepare the Raspberry Topping

In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until raspberries break down. Strain to remove seeds, if desired.

Serve

Remove panna cotta from molds and serve with raspberry sauce drizzled on top.

Enjoy the delightful combination of creamy panna cotta and fresh raspberries!

Pro Tips

For a more intense vanilla flavor, consider using vanilla bean instead of extract. Also, ensure that the panna cotta is fully chilled before serving for the best texture.

Make-Ahead Tips

Panna cotta is an excellent make-ahead dessert since it needs several hours to set in the refrigerator. You can prepare the creamy mixture up to two days in advance and store the molds covered in plastic wrap. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld and deepen. When ready to serve, simply add the raspberry topping for a fresh burst of flavor.

Make sure to allow enough time for the panna cotta to chill completely. I recommend at least 4 hours for an ideal set, but if you can leave it overnight, that’s even better! This way, you can focus on other dishes for your dinner party, and your dessert will be ready to impress your guests.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a lighter version of panna cotta, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or substituting part of the cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free option. This can lend a subtly tropical flavor that pairs surprisingly well with raspberries. Just keep in mind that these substitutions may alter the final texture slightly, so adjust expectations accordingly.

For those who prefer a different fruity topping, feel free to swap out raspberries for other berries like blueberries or strawberries. Each fruit brings its unique flavor profile; strawberries, for example, can add a sweetness that complements the vanilla nicely. In addition, mashing the berries slightly before cooking will release their juices faster, helping you achieve a deliciously quick sauce.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different fruit for the topping?

Absolutely! Strawberries, blueberries, or peaches make excellent alternatives.

→ How long can I store panna cotta?

Panna cotta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut cream or almond milk, and adjust the sweetness as necessary.

→ Can I prepare panna cotta ahead of time?

Definitely! Panna cotta should be made a day in advance for the best results.