Name: Mango Panna Cotta Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 8 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups mango puree; 1 teaspoon gelatin; 2 tablespoons warm water; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1.5 teaspoons gelatin; 2 tablespoons warm water; Fresh mango slices for topping

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 40 reviews

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a tropical vacation in every bite, this Mango Panna Cotta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, silky, and bursting with real mango flavor, combining the luscious texture of panna cotta with the bright, sunny sweetness of fresh mango puree. Whether you’re a seasoned dessert maker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward enough to impress your friends and family, yet indulgent enough to become your new favorite after-dinner treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flat lay photo showing four small white bowls arranged in a loose circle on a white marbled surface, each bowl containing different ingredients: one with coarse white sugar crystals, one with a smooth thick white cream, one with fine yellowish granulated sugar, and one larger clear glass bowl filled with a frothy white liquid. At the bottom right corner, a woven basket filled with three ripe mangoes with green, yellow, and red shades is partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Mango Panna Cotta Recipe comes together with a handful of simple ingredients that each play a special role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Every element is essential for that smooth, elegant finish that panna cotta is famous for.

2 cups mango puree: The star ingredient that brings a vibrant fruity sweetness and beautiful golden hue.
2.5 teaspoons gelatin, divided: The magic behind panna cotta’s delicate set and creamy texture.
1 cup whole milk: Adds body and richness, ensuring the panna cotta isn’t too heavy but perfectly smooth.
1 cup heavy cream: Provides luscious creaminess that melts on your tongue.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dessert just right without overpowering the mango’s natural flavor.

How to Make Mango Panna Cotta Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the First Portion of Gelatin

Start by softening 1 teaspoon of gelatin in 2 tablespoons of warm water. This process, called blooming, allows the gelatin to dissolve more easily later and ensures a smooth pudding texture without lumps.

Step 2: Warm Mango Puree with Gelatin

Gently heat the mango puree in a small saucepan over low heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved. This warm mango mixture forms the first layer of your panna cotta and begins the setting process beautifully.

Step 3: Set the Mango Layer

Pour the mango gelatin mixture into glasses tilted at roughly 45 degrees to create a pretty angled layer. Chill in the refrigerator for about 4 hours to let the layer set firm and ready for the creamy topping.

Step 4: Bloom the Remaining Gelatin

Repeat the blooming process with the remaining 1.5 teaspoons of gelatin in 2 tablespoons of warm water. This ensures your creamy portion will set just as perfectly as the mango layer.

Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

In a saucepan on low heat, combine the milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Warm gently until the sugar dissolves completely, making sure not to let it boil, which could affect the texture.

Step 6: Add Gelatin to Cream Mixture

Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm cream mixture until dissolved. Let this cool for 10 to 15 minutes, which helps it blend easily when poured over the mango layer without melting it.

Step 7: Pour Cream Layer Over Set Mango

Make sure the mango layer is firmly set before pouring the cooled cream mixture gently on top. Place the glasses back in the fridge for at least 4 hours to chill and fully set the panna cotta.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

When ready to enjoy, garnish with fresh mango slices or your favorite complementary toppings for a stunning presentation.

How to Serve Mango Panna Cotta Recipe

A clear glass shows two layers inside it, the bottom layer is bright yellow with a smooth texture, placed diagonally. The top layer is creamy white, also smooth, following the same diagonal line as the yellow layer. On top of the white layer, there are small, vibrant yellow cubes of diced mango, with a small green mint leaf garnish adding a fresh touch. Three similar glasses are blurred in the background, all placed on a black wire cooling rack, which sits on a white marbled surface. The scene is light and fresh with a soft focus on the front glass, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh mango chunks or thin slices on top brings extra bursts of juicy freshness that complement the creamy panna cotta perfectly. You can also sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or a few mint leaves for a touch of color and subtle flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with light, fruity dishes like a simple mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette or a tropical fruit salad. The panna cotta’s creamy richness creates a delicious balance when served after a fresh, vibrant meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, serve your Mango Panna Cotta Recipe in clear glasses or delicate ramekins so the layers shine through. Tilted glasses add a fun visual effect, or try layering mango jelly beneath or around the panna cotta for extra texture. Individual servings make this dessert perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Mango Panna Cotta keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover each serving with plastic wrap or store in airtight containers to protect the delicate texture and prevent absorption of any fridge odors.

Freezing

Freezing panna cotta is not generally recommended because the creamy texture can change, becoming slightly grainy upon thawing. For the best experience, enjoy this dessert freshly made or within a few days of chilling.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold and does not require reheating. However, if you’d like it slightly less chilled, simply take it out of the fridge 10 to 15 minutes before serving to let it soften gently at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin in this Mango Panna Cotta Recipe?

Yes, agar-agar can be used as a vegetarian alternative, but it sets differently and often more firmly. You’ll want to carefully follow package instructions and adjust quantities to get the creamy texture that’s characteristic of panna cotta.

What type of mango is best for this recipe?

Choose ripe, juicy mangoes like Ataulfo or Alphonso for the richest, sweetest flavor. Mangoes at peak ripeness provide the perfect balance of sweetness and brightness to complement the cream.

Can I prepare Mango Panna Cotta Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, it’s a great make-ahead dessert since it needs several hours to set. You can make it a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based milk. This swap offers a tropical twist that complements mango beautifully.

How do I avoid lumps when mixing gelatin?

To prevent lumps, always bloom gelatin by sprinkling it over warm water and let it sit before stirring it into any warm liquid. Mix gently and keep the heat low so the gelatin dissolves smoothly without clumping.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way this Mango Panna Cotta Recipe combines silky creaminess with bright, natural mango flavor. It’s refreshingly elegant but so easy to make that it quickly becomes a go-to dessert for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and make this tropical treat part of your dessert rotation—your taste buds will thank you!