Passionfruit Panna Cotta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert looks sophisticated but is surprisingly easy to make. It requires minimal ingredients, no baking, and can be prepared ahead of time. The creamy panna cotta balances beautifully with the bold, slightly tart flavor of passionfruit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

heavy cream
whole milk
granulated sugar
vanilla extract
powdered gelatin
cold water
passionfruit pulp
honey or sugar

Directions

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes.

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.

Pour the mixture into serving glasses or molds. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.

To make the topping, gently warm the passionfruit pulp with honey or sugar until slightly thickened. Allow it to cool, then spoon over the set panna cotta just before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with at least 4 hours of chilling time. Total time is around 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Variations

You can substitute coconut milk for part of the cream to add a tropical twist. Mango or pineapple purée works well if passionfruit is unavailable. For extra texture, garnish with fresh berries or toasted coconut.

Storage/Reheating

Store Passionfruit Panna Cotta covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert should always be served cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

What is panna cotta?

Panna cotta is a classic Italian dessert made from sweetened cream thickened with gelatin.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, panna cotta is ideal for making a day in advance.

Can I use canned passionfruit pulp?

Yes, canned or frozen passionfruit pulp works well.

How do I know when panna cotta is set?

It should be firm around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut cream and plant-based milk.

Is panna cotta very sweet?

It’s lightly sweetened, and you can adjust the sugar to taste.

Can I unmold panna cotta instead of serving in glasses?

Yes, lightly grease molds and dip briefly in warm water before unmolding.

Why didn’t my panna cotta set?

This usually happens if the gelatin wasn’t fully dissolved or measured correctly.

Can I freeze panna cotta?

Freezing is not recommended, as it affects the texture.

What pairs well with passionfruit panna cotta?

Fresh berries or a simple cookie pair nicely.

Conclusion

Passionfruit Panna Cotta is a smooth, refreshing dessert that combines creamy richness with vibrant tropical flavor. Easy to prepare yet visually stunning, it’s a perfect make-ahead option that’s sure to impress your guests.