Coconut panna cotta is a custard-like dessert made with rich coconut milk, sugar, vanilla and gelatin. It is creamy yet light, elegant, and easy to make. Top with orange slices and crushed pistachio to fancy up!
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Coconut panna cotta is a perfect no-bake dessert that works for the warmer season (or anytime of the year!). All it takes is combining the ingredients in one saucepan, pouring into molds and setting in the fridge for a couple of hours. It is such an easy, hands-free, delicious dessert.
Unlike traditional panna cotta made with heavy cream, this version uses full fat coconut milk that adds a rich exotic flavor. It is aromatic yet light, making it a great option for a ‘little something’ after big meals.
Hidden star ingredients are vanilla and salt! These two ingredients really add a depth in flavor that coconut milk cannot offer on its own.
Ingredients for this recipe
- Unflavored gelatin powder
- Water
- Canned full fat coconut milk - Not the coconut milk beverage that is on the refrigerated aisle.
- Sugar
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
Toppings(optional):
- Navel orange slices
- Blood orange slices
- Crushed pistachio
How to make coconut panna cotta
Step 1. In a small cup, combine the gelatin powder and water together and whisk well with a fork immediately. Leave for about 5 minutes. The mix will have a sponge-like consistency.
Step 2. Heat up the coconut milk in a saucepan over low heat. Add in the sugar, salt and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not let the mix boil as this will weaken the setting power of gelatin.
Step 3. Microwave the gelatin+water mix at 20 seconds increments until the gelatin has completely dissolved. Alternatively, melt in a double boiler. Pour the gelatin mix into the saucepan and stir well over low heat.
Step 4. Pour into small cups (4oz) and refrigerate for 3+ hours until set.
Step 5. Serve with orange slices and crushed pistachio.
How to invert coconut panna cotta
Once the panna cotta is set, run a toothpick around and place a plate over the cup.
Flip upside down, then shake and jiggle gently until the panna cotta comes down to the plate.
Pro tip: You can also wrap the cup with a hot towel for a minute or two. The outer surface of the panna cotta melts slightly which helps to slide out smoothly.
Important tip
Do not boil the panna cotta mix. Not only does it weaken gelatin’s setting power, it also makes it prone to separating during the chilling process. If the mix happens to get too hot, make sure to cool down to lukewarm temperature (not hot) before transferring to cups.
FAQ
Coconut milk gets separated and solidified depending on the storage temperature. But don't worry, it all melts back to a smooth liquid once you add heat. Just make sure to transfer everything in the can to the saucepan.
It will not be as rich, but lite coconut milk can be used as well.
More dessert with gelatin...
- Japanese Coffee Milk Pudding
- Easy Almond Tofu Pudding (Annin Tofu)
- Easy Matcha Pudding (4 Ingredients)
Recipe
Coconut Panna Cotta
Equipment
- 5 x 4oz cups
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
- ¼ cup water
- 13.5 fluid ounces full fat coconut milk
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- Navel orange slices
- Blood orange slices
- Crushed pistachio
Instructions
- In a small cup, combine the gelatin powder and water together and whisk well with a fork immediately. Leave for about 5 minutes. The mix will have a sponge-like consistency.
- Heat up the coconut milk in a saucepan over low heat. Add in the sugar, salt and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Do not let the mix boil as this will weaken the setting power of gelatin.
- Microwave the gelatin+water mix at 20 seconds increments until the gelatin has completely dissolved. Alternatively, melt in a double boiler. Pour the gelatin mix into the saucepan and stir well over low heat.
- Pour into small (4oz) size cups and refrigerate for 3+ hours until set.
- Serve with orange slices and crushed pistachio.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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