If you are in the mood for a delicate, floral dessert that feels both luxurious and wonderfully soothing, this Lavender Panna Cotta Recipe is just what you need. Creamy and velvety panna cotta infused with the soothing aroma of lavender creates a dessert that’s as elegant as it is comforting. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare but impresses with every spoonful, making it a perfect treat for a dinner party, a romantic evening, or whenever you want to indulge yourself with something a little special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity: a handful of key ingredients that each play an essential role in crafting that perfect panna cotta texture and signature floral flavor. From the gentle creaminess of heavy cream to the subtle fragrance of lavender water, every item contributes to making this dessert a showstopper.
- 2 tablespoons water: Needed to bloom the gelatin properly, ensuring a silky set.
- 1 tablespoon gelatin: The key to giving panna cotta its smooth, jiggly texture.
- 1 1/4 cups heavy/whipping cream: Provides richness and the luscious mouthfeel panna cotta is famous for.
- 1/4 cup sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the floral notes without overpowering.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (2% fat recommended): Adds a subtle tang and creamy body to the dessert.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances flavors and contrasts the sweetness beautifully.
- 2 teaspoons lavender water: The star flavoring, bringing a delicate and fragrant floral aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and complements the lavender perfectly.
- Food coloring (optional): A few drops of blue and red can create a gentle purple hue matching the lavender theme.
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender: Freshly steeped to make your own fragrant lavender water.
- 2 tablespoons water (for steeping): Used to extract lavender’s essential flavor and aroma.
How to Make Lavender Panna Cotta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lavender Water
Start by pouring 2 tablespoons of boiling water over the culinary lavender and allow it to steep for about 15 minutes. This process extracts the lavender’s beautiful fragrance and subtle flavor, which will define your panna cotta. After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine sieve or a paper tea filter to get 2 teaspoons of clear lavender water. Set this fragrant liquid aside for later use.
Step 2: Soften the Gelatin
Next, combine the gelatin with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. This step allows the gelatin to absorb the water and soften, which is crucial for smooth incorporation into the warm cream later. Let the gelatin sit quietly while you move on to the next step.
Step 3: Heat Cream and Sugar
Gently warm the heavy cream and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until you see bubbles forming at the edge of the pan but avoid boiling. This process dissolves the sugar evenly, setting a rich and sweet base for the panna cotta.
Step 4: Dissolve the Gelatin
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly whisk in the gelatin mixture. The residual heat will melt the gelatin perfectly without risking any lumps, helping to create that dreamy, silky texture that panna cotta is loved for.
Step 5: Add Yogurt and Flavorings
Now it’s time to whisk in the Greek yogurt, a pinch of salt, the prepared lavender water, vanilla extract, and, if you’re feeling creative, a few drops of blue and red food coloring to give your panna cotta a gentle lavender hue. This combination marries tangy creaminess with floral notes in a delightfully balanced way.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Pour the mixture into your desired glasses or molds and cover them if you plan to refrigerate overnight. Chill for at least 3 hours, allowing the panna cotta to fully set into a luscious, wobbly dessert that practically melts in your mouth.
How to Serve Lavender Panna Cotta Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Lavender Panna Cotta Recipe is your chance to add personality and extra flavor layers. Fresh edible flowers, a sprig of lavender, or a few fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries add vibrant color and a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy delicacy. A light dusting of crushed pistachios also lends a lovely crunchy texture to contrast the softness.
Side Dishes
This panna cotta pairs wonderfully with light, fruity sides. Consider serving it alongside a simple mixed berry compote or a crisp citrus salad to cut through the creaminess. For something a bit more decadent, a shortbread cookie or almond biscotti offers a satisfying crunch and complements the floral notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try presenting your Lavender Panna Cotta Recipe in charming little mason jars or delicate glass teacups. Layering it with a thin lavender syrup or a layer of crushed almonds at the bottom of the glass before pouring in the panna cotta mixture can create an elegant, restaurant-quality look. For a playful twist, serve it with a small pipette filled with lavender honey on the side for drizzling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover panna cotta can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its delicate texture or flavor. Make sure to keep it sealed well to prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Freezing
Freezing panna cotta is not generally recommended because it can alter the creamy texture once thawed, making it grainy or watery. However, if you must freeze, do so in airtight containers and thaw slowly in the refrigerator before serving, keeping in mind the textural change.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed cold directly from the fridge. Reheating is not advised since warmth will break down the delicate gelatin structure and change the taste and feel of the panna cotta. Instead, embrace the cool, smooth experience as it is.
FAQs
Can I use dried lavender instead of culinary lavender?
Yes, you can use dried lavender buds, but make sure they are culinary grade, meaning safe for consumption. Using garden lavender or non-culinary varieties can result in a bitter taste or unwanted chemicals.
Is it necessary to use lavender water, or can I substitute another flavor?
Lavender water is what gives this panna cotta its signature floral essence, but you can experiment by substituting with rose water or vanilla extract alone. Just be mindful that it will shift the dessert’s character away from the classic Lavender Panna Cotta Recipe you’re after.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This particular Lavender Panna Cotta Recipe relies on gelatin and dairy, so it’s not vegan. However, you can experiment by substituting gelatin with agar-agar and using coconut cream or another plant-based cream to achieve a similar texture and flavor.
How long does panna cotta take to set?
Typically, it needs a minimum of 3 hours in the fridge to firm up properly, but overnight chilling is best if you have time for deeper flavor melding and perfect texture.
What type of yogurt works best in the recipe?
Greek yogurt with around 2% fat is ideal because it adds creaminess without making the panna cotta too dense. Avoid flavored yogurts or those with additives that might interfere with the subtle lavender flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly special about making and sharing a Lavender Panna Cotta Recipe that is both elegant and reassuringly simple. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this dessert invites you to experiment with delicate flavors and textures that delight every sense. So go ahead, try it out and impress yourself and your loved ones with a truly unforgettable floral treat!
Print
Lavender Panna Cotta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicate Lavender Panna Cotta is a creamy, floral-infused dessert that combines the smoothness of heavy cream and Greek yogurt with the subtle aroma of culinary lavender. Perfect for an elegant treat, it’s light, refreshing, and beautifully scented with lavender water, making it a sophisticated twist on the classic Italian panna cotta.
Ingredients
Lavender Water
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender
- 2 tablespoons boiling water
Panna Cotta Base
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon gelatin powder
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream (or whipping cream)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (2% fat recommended)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons lavender water (prepared from above)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 6 drops blue food coloring, 6 drops red food coloring (to create a subtle purple hue)
Instructions
- Prepare Lavender Water: Steep 1 tablespoon of culinary lavender in 2 tablespoons of boiling water for 15 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve or a paper tea filter to extract approximately 2 teaspoons of lavender-infused liquid. Set aside this lavender water.
- Soften Gelatin: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of gelatin powder with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Let the gelatin bloom and soften, setting it aside for later use.
- Heat Cream and Sugar: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 1/4 cups heavy cream and 1/4 cup sugar. Heat gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until small bubbles appear around the edges and the sugar fully dissolves. Avoid boiling to maintain a smooth texture.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Remove the cream mixture from heat. Immediately whisk in the softened gelatin until completely dissolved, ensuring a smooth blend without lumps.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Incorporate 1 cup Greek yogurt, a pinch of salt, 2 teaspoons lavender water, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and optional food coloring (6 drops blue and 6 drops red) into the cream mixture. Whisk thoroughly to combine all elements evenly.
- Chill to Set: Pour the prepared panna cotta mixture into glasses or molds of your choice. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the dessert to set firmly. For longer storage or an overnight chill, cover the containers to prevent skin formation.
Notes
- Ensure the cream does not boil as this can affect the texture and smoothness of the panna cotta.
- Using Greek yogurt with 2% fat strikes a balance between creaminess and lightness.
- Food coloring is optional and used here to enhance presentation with a subtle lavender color.
- To achieve the best lavender flavor, use culinary-grade lavender specifically meant for cooking.
- Panna cotta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days when properly covered.
