About the Recipe
There’s something so special about a dessert that feels indulgent yet simple to make, and this Blackberry Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis has quickly become one of my go-to favorites for that very reason. I love how the smooth, creamy panna cotta contrasts with the bright, tangy raspberry coulis—it’s the perfect balance of flavors that keeps you coming back for another spoonful. Whether I’m making it for a special dinner with friends or just treating myself on a quiet weekend, this dessert always brings a little extra elegance to the table. I hope it brings the same joy to your home as it does to mine!
Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples like blackberries, heavy cream, and gelatin powder, making it easy to recreate.
Elegant Presentation: The deep purple hue of the blackberry panna cotta topped with vibrant raspberry coulis adds a sophisticated touch to your dessert table.
Make Ahead: Panna cotta can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings or when you need to save time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday dinner or an intimate gathering, this dessert brings a touch of elegance to any event.
What You'll Love
Ingredients
For the Panna Cotta:
1 cup blackberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon water
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons gelatin powder
Fresh blackberries for garnish (optional)
For the Raspberry Coulis
1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Preparation
Indulge in the elegance of a Blackberry Panna Cotta, a creamy Italian dessert that is both luxurious and simple to make. The velvety panna cotta pairs perfectly with a tangy raspberry coulis, offering a delightful balance of rich and fresh flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a beautiful yet fuss-free dessert, this blackberry panna cotta is sure to impress.
Key Ingredients:
Blackberries: Fresh blackberries provide a deep, rich flavor and color that makes this panna cotta extra special.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: These create the creamy base for the dessert.
Gelatin Powder: Essential for setting the panna cotta, giving it that perfect jiggle without being too firm.
Raspberry Coulis: A quick sauce made with raspberries, sugar, and a hint of lemon juice that complements the creaminess with a fresh, tart note.
Pro Tips for Perfect Panna Cotta:
Dissolve Gelatin Properly: Make sure your gelatin is fully dissolved before mixing it with the cream to avoid any grainy texture.
Strain the Mixture: Straining the blackberry puree ensures a smooth texture for the panna cotta.
Use Silicone Molds: If you want to unmold your panna cotta, silicone molds make the process much easier.
Let's get started!
Make the Panna Cotta:
Combine the blackberries, 1/4cup sugar, vanilla extract, and water in a saucepan.
Cook over medium heat until the blackberries softenand release their juices, about 5-7 minutes. Mash the berries slightly with a fork or spoon.
In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream, milk, and
1/4 cup sugar over medium heat.
Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm,
but not boiling.
Sprinkle the gelatin powder over 1/4
cup cold water in a small bowl.
Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom. Add the bloomed
gelatin to the warm cream mixture, stirring until
completely dissolved.
Remove the blackberry mixture from heat and strain
through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
Press down to extract as much liquid as possible.
Combine the strained blackberry mixture with the
warm cream mixture, stirring until well incorporated.
Pour the mixture into serving glasses or molds.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
Make the Raspberry Coulis:
In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh
sieve to remove seeds.
Press down to extract as much liquid as possible. Let
the coulis cool to room temperature, then refrigerate
until ready to serve.
Serve:
To serve, spoon some raspberry coulis over each chilled panna cotta. Garnish with fresh blackberries, if desired and enjoy!
1. What is Panna Cotta?
Panna cotta, meaning "cooked cream" in Italian, is a traditional dessert made from heavy cream, sugar, and gelatin. It’s known for its smooth, silky texture that melts in your mouth, and it’s incredibly versatile as it can be flavored with various fruits, spices, or even coffee.
2. Can I make panna cotta without gelatin?
Yes, you can use agar-agar as a vegetarian substitute for gelatin. However, it sets more firmly, so use about half the amount called for in the recipe to keep the texture smooth and creamy.
3. How do I make raspberry coulis for panna cotta?
Raspberry coulis is made by blending fresh or frozen raspberries with a bit of sugar and then straining out the seeds for a smooth sauce. Adding a touch of lemon juice enhances the flavor and adds brightness.
4. Can I use frozen berries for the coulis?
Yes, frozen raspberries work well for the coulis. Just thaw them slightly before blending, and follow the same steps as with fresh raspberries.
5. How far in advance can I make panna cotta?
Panna cotta can be made up to 2-3 days in advance, making it an ideal dessert for entertaining. Prepare it in individual servings, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
6. How do I achieve a smooth panna cotta texture?
To ensure a silky texture, heat the cream mixture gently and avoid letting it boil. Stir in the gelatin until fully dissolved, and strain the mixture before pouring it into molds.
7. What’s the best way to unmold panna cotta?
To unmold panna cotta, dip the mold briefly in warm water, then gently loosen the edges with a thin knife before inverting onto a plate. This will help release it smoothly.
8. Can I substitute blackberries with other fruits in the panna cotta?
Yes, you can use other berries like blueberries or strawberries for a similar flavor. Just adjust the sugar in the coulis based on the sweetness of the fruit.
9. What’s the best way to garnish panna cotta?
Fresh berries, a mint sprig, or a dusting of powdered sugar can add a nice visual touch. A drizzle of coulis over the panna cotta or pooling it on the plate also adds a beautiful contrast.
10. Is panna cotta gluten-free?
Yes, panna cotta is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent dessert option for those with gluten sensitivities.