panna cotta lemon recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
panna cotta lemon recipe
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The Best panna cotta lemon recipe

I am so excited to share with you my favorite panna cotta lemon recipe. This creamy dessert has been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries, and for good reason. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors is absolutely divine, and the texture is simply heavenly.

Panna cotta is an Italian word that literally means ‘cooked cream’, and it’s easy to see why when you take a bite of this delicious treat. The key to making a great panna cotta is to use high-quality cream and to cook it slowly over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. I love serving this dessert at family gatherings and special occasions, as it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

But it’s also a great option for a weeknight dessert when you need something quick and easy. Plus, it’s incredibly healthy, made with only a few ingredients that are all-natural and free of additives. My kids adore helping me in the kitchen to make this recipe, and they’re always eager to taste the final product.

And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good excuse to spend time in the kitchen with their loved ones? Whether you’re serving this at home or taking it to a potluck, I promise you’ll be the star of the show. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and get ready for rave reviews from everyone who tries it!

I like to serve my panna cotta in small individual cups or ramekins, which makes it easy to portion out and perfect for presentation. You can also garnish it with fresh fruit or nuts for added flavor and texture.

Lemon Panna Cotta

Lemon Panna Cotta

4.8 from 1526 votes

A silky Italian dessert infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, offering a bright citrus finish. This creamy panna cotta is simple to make yet elegant enough for dinner parties.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Panna Cotta

2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
2 1/4 teaspoons powdered gelatin (1 packet)
3 tablespoons cold water

For the Garnish

1 cup fresh raspberries or blueberries
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
Fresh mint leaves (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the cold water.
2Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the gelatin blooms and becomes firm and sponge-like.
3Meanwhile, zest and juice the lemons.
4In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar.
5Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling, about 3 to 4 minutes.
6Remove from heat.
7Add the bloomed gelatin to the hot cream mixture and whisk until fully dissolved, about 1 minute.
8Then stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice until well combined.
9Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large measuring cup or bowl to remove the lemon zest and any gelatin lumps.
10Divide the strained liquid evenly among 4 ramekins or glasses.
11Refrigerate the panna cottas uncovered for at least 4 hours, or until set and firm to the touch.
12For best results, cover each ramekin with plastic wrap after 1 hour to prevent a skin from forming.
13To serve, gently run a thin knife around the edge of each ramekin and invert onto a plate, or serve directly in the glass.
14Top with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and garnish with mint leaves if desired.

🔧Equipment

Small bowl
Saucepan
Whisk
Fine-mesh strainer
4 ramekins or glasses (6-ounce capacity)
Measuring cups and spoons
Zester or microplane
Citrus juicer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 15g❤️Cholesterol: 90mg🧂Sodium: 45mg🌾Total Carbs: 24g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 22g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with half-and-half. To unmold easily, dip the ramekins in hot water for 10 seconds before inverting. The panna cotta can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.

Watch Video Of How Lemon Panna Cotta Works

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick dessert solution for your family. The best part about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to store or reheat your panna cotta, I recommend keeping it in an airtight container in the fridge until serving time. You can also reheat individual portions by placing them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or by warming them gently over low heat on the stovetop.

For serving ideas, consider topping your panna cotta with fresh berries or sliced citrus fruits – they add natural sweetness without adding refined sugars.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Panna Cotta

Q: What is panna cotta?

Panna cotta is an Italian dessert made from sweetened cream that’s set with gelatin.

Q: How do I know if my panna cotta has set properly?

You’ll know your panna cotta has set when it’s firm to the touch and holds its shape when you run a knife through it.

Q: Can I make panna cotta without gelatin?

No, gelatin is necessary to give panna cotta its signature texture.

Q: Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?

While you can use low-fat cream, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may not be as rich and creamy as with heavy cream.

Q: How long does panna cotta last in the fridge?

Panna cotta typically lasts for 3-5 days in the fridge, but it’s best consumed within 24 hours for optimal flavor and texture.

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