Panna Cotta with Fresh Strawberry Sauce – Elegant Italian Dessert
Panna Cotta, literally meaning “cooked cream” in Italian, is a classic dessert that is as elegant as it is delicious. This recipe, complemented with a fresh strawberry sauce, brings a refreshing and vibrant twist to the traditional Italian favorite. It’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something delightful.
Table of Contents
The Best Panna Cotta with Fresh Strawberry Sauce
Notes on Ingredients
The key to a perfect Panna Cotta lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. The combination of milk and whipping cream provides a rich and creamy base, while unflavored gelatin ensures the dessert sets beautifully. Fresh strawberries, vanilla extract, and just the right amount of sugar create a delightful sauce that enhances the creamy Panna Cotta without overpowering it.
How to Make Panna Cotta with Fresh Strawberry Sauce
- Prepare Gelatin Mixture: Pour 1 ½ cups of milk into a bowl and sprinkle one envelope of unflavored gelatin over the milk. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes, letting the gelatin soften.
- Heat Cream and Sugar: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 ½ cups of whipping cream and ¼ cup of white sugar. Stir in the gelatin mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the gelatin has completely dissolved, about 3 minutes. Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Chill the Mixture: Pour the mixture evenly into ramekins, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
- Prepare Strawberry Sauce: While the Panna Cotta chills, make the strawberry sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 quart of quartered fresh strawberries, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, ¼ cup of white sugar, and ¼ cup of water. Crush the strawberries with a potato masher and simmer until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes. Let the sauce cool.
- Serve: Before serving, remove the ramekins from the refrigerator. Dip the bottoms of the cups in warm water to help loosen the Panna Cotta. Run a thin-bladed knife around the inner edge of each ramekin to loosen the dessert, then turn onto a dessert plate to unmold. Spoon the cooled strawberry sauce over the Panna Cotta and serve.
How to Serve Panna Cotta with Fresh Strawberry Sauce
Serve this elegant dessert chilled, with a generous spoonful of fresh strawberry sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with a few mint leaves or a slice of fresh strawberry for a touch of color and freshness. It’s a perfect dessert to end a meal on a light and refreshing note.
How to Store Panna Cotta with Fresh Strawberry Sauce
Store any leftover Panna Cotta in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. The strawberry sauce can be stored separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat the sauce gently before serving if desired.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 294.86 kcal | 15% |
| Total Fat | 20.98 g | 30% |
| Carbs | 22.88 g | 9% |
| Sugars | 17.63 g | 20% |
| Protein | 5.35 g | 11% |
| Sodium | 46.92 mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 2.53 g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 12.82 g | 64% |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | – |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5.96 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.79 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 74.28 mg | 25% |
| Calcium | 137.4 mg | 17% |
| Magnesium | 28.21 mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 346.41 mg | 10% |
| Iron | 0.54 mg | 4% |
| Zinc | 0.58 mg | 6% |
| Phosphorus | 129.09 mg | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 207.4 mcg | 26% |
| Vitamin C | 74.87 mg | 94% |
| Thiamin B1 | 0.08 mg | 7% |
| Riboflavin B2 | 0.19 mg | 14% |
| Niacin B3 | 0.58 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.11 mg | 8% |
| Folic Acid B9 | 32.83 mcg | 16% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.45 mcg | 18% |
| Vitamin D | 1.03 mcg | 21% |
| Vitamin E | 0.93 mg | 8% |
| Vitamin K | 4.6 mcg | 6% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FAQs About Panna Cotta with Fresh Strawberry Sauce
Can I use frozen strawberries for the sauce?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Thaw them completely and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Can I substitute the gelatin with agar-agar for a vegetarian version?
Yes, agar-agar can be used as a substitute for gelatin. Follow the package instructions for the correct amount and method.
How can I ensure the Panna Cotta unmolds easily?
Dipping the ramekins in warm water for a few seconds and running a thin knife around the edge helps release the Panna Cotta smoothly.
Can I flavor the Panna Cotta with something other than vanilla?
Absolutely! You can infuse the cream with other flavors like coffee, chocolate, or citrus zest for a different twist.
Panna Cotta With Fresh Strawberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 .25 ounce envelope unflavored gelatin
- 1 ½ cups whipping cream
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 quart fresh strawberries quartered
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Pour the milk into a bowl; sprinkle the gelatin over the milk. Allow mixture to sit until the gelatin softens, about 5 minutes.
- Combine the cream and 1/4 cup sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the gelatin mixture; cook and stir until gelatin dissolves completely, about 3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture evenly into ramekins; cover and chill at least 4 hours.
- To make the strawberry sauce, combine the strawberries, 2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. While the mixture cooks, crush the strawberries with a potato masher. Simmer the sauce until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes; cool.
- Remove chilled ramekins from the refrigerator shortly before serving. Dip the bottoms of the cups in warm water to help loosen the custard. Run a thin-bladed knife around the inner edge of each ramekin to loosen the dessert; turn onto a dessert plate to unmold. Spoon strawberry sauce over panna cotta to serve.
Enjoy crafting and savoring this delightful Panna Cotta with Fresh Strawberry Sauce, an elegant and refreshing dessert that brings a touch of Italy to your table!
