Imagine a dessert that brings together the smooth silkiness of cream with the bright, tropical happiness of fresh mangoes. This Creamy Mango Panna Cotta Recipe is just that magical combination. It’s incredibly simple to prepare yet feels so elegant and indulgent on the palate. Whether you’re serving it at a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, this panna cotta showcases luscious mango flavor paired with a velvety texture that simply melts in your mouth. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to taste it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to mastering this Creamy Mango Panna Cotta Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from setting the perfect creamy texture to delivering that vibrant mango twist.
- Milk (1/4 cup): The perfect base to bloom the gelatin and ensure a smooth set.
- Gelatin (2 tsp): This magical powder transforms the cream mixture into that classic delicate firmness without being too jiggly.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): The star of the show, providing richness and that luxuriously creamy mouthfeel.
- Granulated sugar (3 tbsp): Just enough sweetness to balance the cream without overpowering.
- Vanilla bean paste (1 tsp): Adds deep, fragrant vanilla notes; vanilla extract works well as a substitute.
- Mango chunks (1 & 1/2 cups): Fresh and juicy, these bring that unmistakable tropical sunshine.
- Extra granulated sugar (2 tbsp): Optional, only add if your mangoes need an extra touch of sweetness.
- Lime juice (2 tbsp): Injects a bright, zesty balance that lifts the fruity flavors beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Mango Panna Cotta Recipe
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
Pour the milk into a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Mix gently and set it aside for about 10 minutes to let the gelatin bloom fully. This step is essential because it allows the gelatin to absorb the liquid and ensures a smooth texture in your panna cotta without any lumps.
Step 2: Heat the Cream and Sugar
In a large saucepan set over medium heat, whisk together the heavy cream and sugar until the mixture becomes hot and steamy. Be careful not to let it boil, as boiling can ruin the gelatin’s ability to set your panna cotta properly. Stir frequently to keep things even and avoid scorching.
Step 3: Combine Gelatin and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste along with the soaked gelatin. Whisk continuously until the gelatin dissolves completely and the mixture is perfectly smooth. This step ensures that every spoonful of panna cotta has that dreamy creaminess flavored with a hint of warm vanilla.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Carefully divide the cream mixture into four cups or ramequins. Allow them to cool down to room temperature before covering and chilling in the refrigerator. Let the panna cotta set for at least 4 hours; patience here is rewarded with that ideal melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Prepare the Mango Coulis
Blend the mango chunks with lime juice and the additional sugar if your mangoes need more sweetness. This vibrant coulis will sit atop your set panna cotta, adding fresh tropical sweetness with a slight tang that perfectly complements the rich cream base.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your panna cotta has set firm, spoon the mango coulis over each cup. The vivid yellow-orange splash over the creamy white panna cotta isn’t just beautiful; it’s an invitation to indulge right away.
How to Serve Creamy Mango Panna Cotta Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor by adding a few fresh mango cubes, a sprig of mint, or a thin lime zest twist on top of your panna cotta. These simple touches bring freshness and color that make your dessert look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This panna cotta holds its own wonderfully, but if you’re planning a fuller meal, pair it with light, tropical-inspired sides like coconut rice or a refreshing green salad with a citrus dressing. The contrast will highlight the panna cotta’s creamy sweetness even more.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the panna cotta in clear glasses to showcase the stunning layers of cream and mango coulis. Alternatively, unmold them onto small plates to allow more space for creative drizzling of the mango sauce and decorative garnishes such as edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover panna cotta in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from absorbing other flavors. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy schedules.
Freezing
While panna cotta’s texture can change slightly when frozen, you can freeze leftovers by wrapping each serving well in plastic wrap and placing them in an airtight container. Thaw slowly overnight in the fridge before serving. For best creaminess, enjoy the panna cotta within a month of freezing.
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. Let it thaw naturally in the fridge, and if you want to revive the mango coulis’s aroma, give it a quick gentle stir before serving.
FAQs
Can I use agar agar instead of gelatin?
Yes, agar agar is a great vegetarian substitute for gelatin. Use it according to package instructions to ensure your panna cotta sets properly, but keep in mind the texture may be slightly different—firmer and less creamy.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this creamy mango panna cotta recipe vegan, substitute the heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk and use agar agar instead of gelatin. The coconut milk enhances the tropical flavor beautifully and maintains that luxurious texture.
What if my mangoes aren’t very sweet?
Add the extra 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to your mango coulis to balance tart or less ripe mangoes. The lime juice also adds brightness, so taste as you blend to find the perfect sweetness for your palate.
How long does it take to set the panna cotta?
It typically takes at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to set properly. For best results, chill it overnight so the texture is perfectly firm yet silky.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Absolutely! This Creamy Mango Panna Cotta Recipe scales beautifully, so just adjust your ingredient quantities accordingly. Keep the same ratio of gelatin to liquid to ensure the panna cotta sets correctly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mango Panna Cotta Recipe is a delightful celebration of flavor and texture that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. It brings a touch of sunshine to any dessert table and is certain to become a favorite for all who try it. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this luscious tropical delight—you won’t regret it!
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Creamy Mango Panna Cotta Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy mango panna cotta is a luscious Italian dessert infused with tropical mango flavor. The rich and velvety panna cotta base made from heavy cream is lightly sweetened and delicately set with gelatin. It is topped with a refreshing mango coulis that perfectly balances the creamy texture with fruity tang. A simple yet elegant dessert ideal for warm weather and special occasions, served chilled for the best taste experience.
Ingredients
Panna Cotta Base
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tsp gelatin powder
- 2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
Mango Coulis
- 1 1/2 cup mango chunks
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, use only if mango isn’t ripe or sweet enough)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin. Pour the milk into a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin evenly over it, and gently mix. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the gelatin to fully hydrate and bloom.
- Heat Cream Mixture. In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the heavy cream and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Stir frequently until the mixture is hot and steamy but do not let it boil to preserve the gelatin’s setting properties.
- Dissolve Gelatin. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste along with the bloomed gelatin. Whisk thoroughly until the gelatin completely dissolves into the cream mixture.
- Pour Into Molds and Chill. Divide the panna cotta mixture evenly into four cups or ramequins. Allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
- Prepare Mango Coulis. In a blender, combine the mango chunks, lime juice, and sugar (if using). Blend until smooth to create the mango coulis.
- Serve. Spoon the mango coulis over each set panna cotta cup and enjoy the creamy, fruity dessert chilled.
Notes
- Do not let the cream mixture boil as it will affect gelatin’s setting ability.
- If fresh mangoes are not sweet enough, add sugar accordingly to the coulis for balanced flavor.
- Ensure panna cotta is fully chilled and set before adding mango coulis for the best texture.
- Vanilla bean paste provides a more authentic vanilla flavor, but vanilla extract can be substituted.
- This dessert is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days for freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
