Lavender Honey Panna Cotta with Fresh Berries 🌸 | Elegant Floral Dessert
Delicately infused with dried lavender and naturally sweetened with honey, this Lavender Honey Panna Cotta is a light, creamy dessert that feels like a fancy restaurant treat but is so simple to make at home.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✔️ Elegant & impressive: Ideal for dinner parties, spring brunches, or Mother’s Day.
- ✔️ No-bake & make-ahead: Perfect for prepping in advance.
- ✔️ Floral twist: Subtle lavender gives it a unique, sophisticated flavor.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup honey (lavender or wildflower recommended)
- 1 ½ tsp dried culinary lavender
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) unflavored gelatin
- 3 tbsp cold water (for blooming gelatin)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) for topping
- Optional: edible flowers, extra drizzle of honey
👩🍳 Instructions – Part 1
- Bloom the gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Infuse the cream: In a saucepan, heat cream, milk, lavender, and honey over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
- Strain: Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain out lavender buds using a fine mesh sieve.
- Add gelatin: Stir bloomed gelatin into warm cream mixture until fully dissolved. Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
❄️ Setting & Serving
- Pour: Divide the panna cotta mixture evenly into 4–6 small ramekins or glasses.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set and jiggly.
- Serve: Top with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, and edible flowers if desired. Serve straight in the ramekins or unmold gently onto plates.
🌼 Variations & Flavor Ideas
- 🍋 Lemon-Lavender: Add 1 tsp lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- 🍵 Earl Grey Fusion: Replace lavender with 1 Earl Grey tea bag and steep for 5–7 minutes.
- 🥥 Dairy-Free Option: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream/milk (texture will be softer).
- 🍫 Chocolate Base: Add 2 oz white chocolate to warm mixture for extra richness.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- 📆 Make Ahead: Can be prepared up to 2 days in advance.
- ❄️ Store: Cover tightly and refrigerate. Do not freeze (gelatin texture won’t hold).
- 🕓 Serving Note: Let sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.
❓ FAQ
- Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Yes, but use it sparingly as fresh lavender is more potent. Start with 1 tsp finely chopped. - What if I don’t have ramekins?
Use any small cups or even wine glasses! Just ensure they’re fridge-safe and easy to spoon from. - Why didn’t my panna cotta set?
Check your gelatin! Ensure it bloomed properly and the cream mixture wasn’t too hot (which can deactivate it). - How do I unmold them easily?
Dip the ramekin base in hot water for 5–10 seconds, then run a thin knife around the edge and invert onto a plate.
Simple Elegance in Every Spoonful 🌸
This Lavender Honey Panna Cotta is a dreamy, creamy dessert that brings a touch of floral elegance to your table — no baking required.
