Description
Lavender Honey Panna Cotta is an Italian-inspired dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of panna cotta with the sweet and floral notes of lavender and honey. The panna cotta itself is smooth and delicate, offering a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. The infusion of lavender gives it an aromatic touch, while the honey adds a sweet depth that balances the flavor profile perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream – Full-fat cream for the perfect creamy texture.
- 1 cup whole milk – Whole milk adds to the richness and ensures the panna cotta is smooth.
- 1/4 cup honey (preferably lavender honey) – The key sweetener, which complements the lavender flavor. If you can’t find lavender honey, regular honey will work.
- 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender – Use culinary-grade lavender, as this is safe for consumption and infuses the dessert with its floral flavor.
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin – This helps the panna cotta set into a firm but creamy texture.
- 2 tablespoons cold water – Used to bloom the gelatin before incorporating it into the mixture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a subtle, warm flavor to balance the floral lavender notes.
- Pinch of salt – Enhances the sweetness and flavor of the dessert.
Instructions
1. Bloom the Gelatin:
Start by preparing the gelatin, which will give your panna cotta its signature texture. Sprinkle the gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to “bloom.” This process helps the gelatin dissolve properly in the warm mixture later on.
2. Infuse the Cream:
In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, honey, dried lavender, and a pinch of salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally. Heat the mixture until it’s hot but not boiling—just below the boiling point. Once it reaches this stage, remove it from the heat. Allow it to steep for about 10-15 minutes to infuse the lavender flavor into the cream.
3. Strain the Mixture:
After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove the lavender buds. This step ensures that the panna cotta has a smooth texture without any stray bits of lavender.
4. Add the Gelatin:
Once the lavender-infused cream mixture is still warm, add the bloomed gelatin. Stir it gently until the gelatin is fully dissolved. The warmth of the mixture will help the gelatin dissolve completely.
5. Stir in the Vanilla Extract:
To enhance the overall flavor, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The vanilla adds depth to the dessert, complementing both the honey and lavender.
6. Pour into Molds:
Carefully pour the mixture into individual serving cups or ramekins. Make sure to divide it evenly so each serving is consistent in texture and flavor.
7. Chill the Panna Cotta:
Cover the cups or ramekins with plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. Chill the panna cotta for at least 4 hours or until it sets completely. If you want to speed up the process, you can refrigerate it overnight.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Once the panna cotta has set, it’s time to serve. If you used molds, carefully run a knife around the edges of the panna cotta and invert it onto a plate. If you used cups or ramekins, you can serve the panna cotta directly in the container.
For an extra touch, drizzle with additional honey, and garnish with fresh lavender sprigs and berries like blueberries or raspberries. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the flavor balance of the dessert.
Notes
For a touch of elegance, garnish with a few edible flowers or a drizzle of extra honey just before serving. You can also experiment with different infusions—like adding a sprig of rosemary or a hint of vanilla—to suit your taste. This dessert pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a crisp glass of white wine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 panna cotta
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: High
Keywords: Lavender Honey Panna Cotta Recipe