Raspberry Panna Cotta Hearts
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely adore creating desserts that not only taste incredible but also look stunning. These Raspberry Panna Cotta Hearts are the perfect treat for any occasion, from romantic dinners to festive celebrations. The velvety texture of the panna cotta combined with the vibrant raspberry sauce creates a beautiful contrast that captures both the eye and the palate. Plus, they are surprisingly simple to make, so you can impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will bring a touch of elegance to your dessert table!
When I made these Raspberry Panna Cotta Hearts for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy and quick they were to prepare. The key is to let the panna cotta set properly in the fridge, which ensures that they come out perfectly smooth and creamy. Using fresh raspberries for the sauce not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful pop of color that makes the dessert truly eye-catching.
One detail I learned while perfecting this recipe is the importance of blooming the gelatin properly. It’s essential to dissolve it in a little cold water before adding it to the warm cream mixture. This step prevents any lumps and results in a silky-smooth panna cotta that melts in your mouth. Trust me, your guests will be raving about this dessert!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich raspberry flavor combined with creamy panna cotta
- Elegant heart shapes perfect for special occasions
- Effortlessly impressive yet easy to make
- Fresh ingredients create a delightful contrast
Mastering the Panna Cotta Technique
The beauty of panna cotta lies in its simplicity, but achieving the perfect texture requires attention to detail. When blooming the gelatin, ensure it absorbs the cold water fully, as this is crucial for a sturdy yet silky consistency. If the panna cotta does not set, it’s often because the gelatin wasn’t fully dissolved. Make sure to stir the gelatin mixture thoroughly after adding it to the warm cream until you no longer see any granules.
For the creamiest panna cotta, use high-quality heavy cream and whole milk. The fat content plays a significant role in achieving a luscious mouthfeel. If you're looking to lighten the dessert a bit, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with coconut milk for a hint of tropical flavor, but keep an eye on the gelatin ratio, as it may need slight adjustments.
Creating the Perfect Raspberry Sauce
The raspberry sauce adds a beautiful tangy contrast to the panna cotta’s subtle creaminess. When cooking the raspberries, keep the heat at medium and stir occasionally to prevent scorching. The sauce should bubble gently; if it starts boiling vigorously, reduce the heat immediately. You are looking for the raspberries to break down and release their juices, typically taking about 5-7 minutes.
Straining the sauce is essential for a smooth finish. Use a fine-mesh sieve to catch any seeds; pressing down on the mixture with a spatula helps extract more liquid. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of water or more lemon juice, maintaining the balance of sweetness and acidity which complements the panna cotta beautifully.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Raspberry Panna Cotta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Raspberry Sauce
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Panna Cotta
In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
Mold the Panna Cotta
Pour the mixture into heart-shaped molds or serving glasses. Allow to cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
Make the Raspberry Sauce
While the panna cotta is setting, prepare the raspberry sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the panna cotta has set, gently remove them from the molds. Drizzle the raspberry sauce over the panna cotta and serve immediately. Enjoy this beautiful dessert!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, garnish with fresh raspberries or mint leaves when serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the panna cotta with fresh mint leaves or additional whole raspberries on top. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh aroma that enhances the eating experience. If you're feeling creative, try layering the panna cotta in clear glasses with the raspberry sauce for a beautiful, layered effect that showcases the vibrant colors.
Consider pairing the panna cotta with a cookie crumble, such as crushed ginger snaps or almond biscotti, to provide a delightful textural contrast. This adds crunch and warmth, balancing the silky smoothness of the panna cotta and the tartness of the sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best features of panna cotta is that it can be made ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld and making it an excellent choice for entertaining. Prepare the panna cotta a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve. The raspberry sauce can also be prepared ahead of time; just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When ready to serve, just reheat the raspberry sauce slightly on low heat to loosen it up if it has thickened too much. This prevents your dessert from being served cold, which can mute the vibrant raspberry flavor and creamy texture. It's all about balancing temperatures to enhance the overall experience!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The panna cotta can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
→ What if I can’t find fresh raspberries?
You can substitute with frozen raspberries, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using them in the sauce.
→ Can I use a different flavor instead of raspberry?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like strawberries, mango, or passion fruit to create variations of this panna cotta.
→ Is there a non-dairy option for this recipe?
Yes, you can use coconut cream and almond milk as a non-dairy alternative, though the texture may vary slightly.
Raspberry Panna Cotta Hearts
I absolutely adore creating desserts that not only taste incredible but also look stunning. These Raspberry Panna Cotta Hearts are the perfect treat for any occasion, from romantic dinners to festive celebrations. The velvety texture of the panna cotta combined with the vibrant raspberry sauce creates a beautiful contrast that captures both the eye and the palate. Plus, they are surprisingly simple to make, so you can impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will bring a touch of elegance to your dessert table!
Created by: Eden Clarke
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Raspberry Panna Cotta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Raspberry Sauce
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How-To Steps
In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin and vanilla extract until fully dissolved.
Pour the mixture into heart-shaped molds or serving glasses. Allow to cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
While the panna cotta is setting, prepare the raspberry sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and let cool.
Once the panna cotta has set, gently remove them from the molds. Drizzle the raspberry sauce over the panna cotta and serve immediately. Enjoy this beautiful dessert!
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, garnish with fresh raspberries or mint leaves when serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g