Vegan Panna Cotta

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❤️ Why you’ll love it

I love this vegan panna cotta recipe. It is a simple, yet elegant dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

Coconut cream and almond milk give it a rich and creamy texture, while the vanilla adds a beautiful aroma. Plus, the mixed berry sauce adds a fresh, fruity flavor that complements the panna cotta perfectly.

The best part is that this recipe is completely plant-based. Many traditional panna cotta recipes use gelatin, which is not vegan. This recipe, on the other hand, uses cornstarch as a thickening agent which makes it completely vegan.

🧾 Key ingredients

This vegan panna cotta is a delicious, creamy, and dairy-free dessert that is simple to make with ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store.

Full-fat coconut cream is the star of this recipe, providing the rich, creamy texture that is characteristic of traditional panna cotta. It is important to use full-fat coconut cream for the best results.

Almond milk is the perfect dairy-free alternative to traditional milk. It adds a hint of nutty flavor and helps to achieve the right consistency for the panna cotta.

Cornstarch is the binding agent we use to make this delicate dessert vegan. This is a great alternative to agar-agar which is too strong to make panna cotta perfectly.

Granulated sugar and vanilla extract are essential for sweetening and flavor. You can also use other alternative sweeteners like agave or maple syrup.

Frozen mixed berries are the main ingredient for the mixed berry sauce. They add a sweet and tart flavor that compliments the richness of the panna cotta perfectly.

🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

🥘 Equipment

For this vegan panna cotta recipe, a good quality saucepan is essential for heating and combining the coconut cream, dairy-free milk, and sugar, as well as for preparing the mixed berry sauce. I recommend using a heavy-bottom saucepan, which helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevents the mixture from scorching.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preparing the ingredients

STEP 1
Shake the can of coconut milk to ensure it is well mixed. Then, in a saucepan, warm up the full-fat coconut milk and sugar over medium heat.

STEP 2
While the coconut milk and sugar are heating up, mix the dairy-free milk and cornstarch in a small bowl. Ensure that the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the milk.

Making the vegan panna cotta

STEP 1
Once the sugar has dissolved in the coconut milk, add the dairy-free milk and cornstarch mixture to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

STEP 2
Continue to cook this mixture over medium heat until the cornstarch is activated and the cream has thickened. This should take about 10 minutes. The consistency you are looking for is similar to a slow-flowy paste.

STEP 3
After the cream has thickened, add the vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir well to ensure that the vanilla is evenly distributed.

STEP 4
Pour the panna cotta mixture into serving bowls. I recommend using ⅓ cup for each serving. Allow the panna cotta to cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator to set.

STEP 3
After blending the berries, add the cinnamon and cornstarch to the saucepan. Stir well to ensure that these ingredients are fully incorporated into the sauce.

STEP 4
Continue to cook the sauce until it thickens to a slow-flowy consistency. This should take about 10 minutes. Once the panna cotta has set, serve it with the mixed berries sauce. Enjoy your vegan panna cotta with mixed berries sauce!

💡 Expert tip

The key to achieving a smooth and creamy vegan panna cotta is to mix your dairy-free milk and cornstarch in a separate bowl before adding it to your warm coconut milk. This simple step prevents lumps from forming in your mixture, giving you a silky-smooth dessert.

🔄 Variations

Try a salt and caramel twist on this classic recipe. A quick vegan caramel can be made by melting ½ cup of coconut sugar and a 14-oz can of full-fat coconut milk in a saucepan. Make sure you have sea salt flakes (fleur-de-sel), not regular salt, to make this delicious sauce. Add ½ tsp and check for the flavor. It will give your panna cotta a unique, sweet, and salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy coconut.

Fresh mango puree is a perfect addition for a refreshing twist. Simply peel, slice, and blend ripe mangos into a creamy mousse. No need to add any other ingredients. This puree will bring a tropical, fruity flavor to your vegan panna cotta.

If you are a fan of tangy flavors, consider adding a fresh berry sauce. Instead of cooking the berries, blend fresh berries with a little bit of sugar and lemon juice. You can also try my strawberry sauce recipe.

🥣 Serving ideas

Vegan panna cotta is a versatile and delicious dessert that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. I love serving them with a generous drizzle of mixed berry sauce. The vibrant colors and sweet-tart flavor of the berries complement the creamy panna cotta beautifully.

You can also serve them with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist. This not only adds a lovely coconut flavor but also a bit of crunch, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Another great option is to serve them with a variety of fresh berries. I like to place a few strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries on top of each panna cotta. This not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing burst of flavor.

If you’re a fan of citrus flavors, you can also serve them with a citrus compote. The bright, tangy flavors of oranges, lemons, and limes are a perfect match for the creamy panna cotta.

❄️ Storing tips

Storing and reheating this vegan panna cotta is a simple process that can help maintain its creamy texture and delicious flavors.

To store it, you will need to place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for two to three days. However, it is important to note that the panna cotta will start to set more firmly the longer it is in the fridge.

I do not recommend freezing this dessert. The creamy texture of the panna cotta, which is achieved through the use of coconut cream and dairy-free milk, can be altered by the freezing and thawing process.

🤔 FAQs

More vegan pudding-like recipes

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