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Master the Elegant No-Gelatin Raspberry Panna Cotta Using Agar-Agar


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

To truly appreciate this dessert, we first need to look at what the name actually means. In Italian, panna cotta literally translates to cooked cream. Traditionally, it is a simple mixture of dairy, sugar, and flavorings that is heated, bound together with a setting agent, and chilled in individual molds or glasses.


Ingredients

Scale

For the panna cotta:

  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • ⅓ cup (65 g) sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1½ tsp agar-agar powder (about 45 g)

For the raspberry sauce:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 23 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp water

For garnish (optional):

  • Fresh raspberries
  • Mint leaves
  • Lemon zest

Instructions

1. Prepare the panna cotta

  1. In a saucepan, whisk together the cream, milk, sugar, and agar-agar powder.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, whisking frequently.
  3. Once it reaches a boil, simmer for 2 minutes, continuing to whisk. Agar must be boiled briefly to activate properly.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

2. Pour and chill

  1. Pour the mixture into ramekins, glasses, or molds.
  2. Allow to cool for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.

3. Make the raspberry sauce

  1. Combine raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water in a small saucepan.
  2. Cook over medium heat for 5–8 minutes until the berries break down.
  3. For a smooth sauce, strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
  4. Cool completely.

4. Serve

  • Spoon the raspberry sauce over the chilled panna cotta.
  • Garnish with fresh raspberries, mint, or lemon zest.

Notes

The panna cotta can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator. Add the raspberry sauce just before serving for the freshest presentation.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 140–150 g)
  • Calories: 285 kcal

Keywords: no-gelatin raspberry panna cotta