Valentines Day Strawberry Panna (Print Version)

Silky, creamy Italian dessert with vanilla-infused cream and vibrant strawberry topping for special occasions.

# What You Need:

→ Panna Cotta Base

01 - 2 cups heavy cream
02 - 1/2 cup whole milk
03 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - Pinch of salt

→ Strawberry Sauce

07 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
08 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
09 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice

→ Garnish

10 - Fresh strawberries, sliced
11 - Mint leaves

# How To Make:

01 - Sprinkle powdered gelatin over whole milk in a small bowl and allow to bloom undisturbed for 5 minutes.
02 - Combine heavy cream, granulated sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves completely and cream reaches a steaming temperature without boiling.
03 - Remove saucepan from heat. Add bloomed gelatin mixture and whisk continuously until gelatin dissolves completely into the cream.
04 - Stir vanilla extract into the cream mixture and blend thoroughly to distribute evenly.
05 - Distribute cream mixture evenly among 4 serving glasses or ramekins. Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours until firmly set.
06 - Combine chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until strawberries soften and release their natural juices.
07 - Gently mash strawberries with the back of a spoon and allow to cool. Blend to desired consistency if a smoother sauce is preferred.
08 - Once panna cotta is completely set, spoon strawberry sauce over each serving.
09 - Top each portion with fresh sliced strawberries and mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until service.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Only 20 minutes of active prep—the refrigerator does the rest of the work for you.
  • A classic Italian dessert that looks and tastes impressively restaurant-worthy.
  • Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for different dietary preferences.
  • The luscious fresh strawberry sauce adds a bright, fruity contrast to the rich cream.
  • Can be prepared entirely in advance, leaving you stress-free on the big day.
  • Perfectly portioned into 4 individual servings for an intimate celebration.
02 -
  • Always bloom the gelatin in cold milk for the full 5 minutes before adding it to the warm cream to ensure a silky, lump-free texture.
  • Heat the cream until just hot—never boiling—to preserve the gelatin's setting power.
  • For the smoothest sauce, blend the cooked strawberries with an immersion blender and pass through a fine sieve.
  • Make the panna cotta the night before to guarantee it is fully set and stress-free serving.
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice in the strawberry sauce brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
  • Use individual ramekins or clear glasses for beautiful single-serve presentations that impress without extra effort.
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