Capture the essence of spring with this delicate, layered panna cotta recipe. Panna cotta is easy to make with simple ingredients, and it's a crowd-pleasing dessert thanks to its light and creamy texture. We've added Capora lavender syrup and butterfly pea flowers to this classic confection to give it a floral flavor and appealing purple hue. Try adding our lavender panna cotta to your menu for a sophisticated yet uncomplicated dessert option.
What Special Equipment Do I Need?
Gather some key supplies before getting started with this recipe:
- Panna cotta mold: Silicone molds have become very popular because they're easy to use and come in a range of sizes and shapes. For this recipe, use a mold with compartments that hold at least 4 ounces to make 8 servings of panna cotta.
- Strainer - You'll need a fine mesh strainer to separate the dried butterfly pea flowers and create a smooth panna cotta mixture.
Lavender Panna Cotta Recipe
This panna cotta recipe doesn't take long to mix up, but it does need at least 4 hours to chill. Make sure to prepare this dessert ahead of time so it can set properly in the refrigerator.
Yield: (8) 4-ounce servings
Total Time: 20 minutes + 4 hours to chill
Gelee Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons cold water
- 1 Tablespoon powdered gelatin
- 1 cup lavender syrup
- 3 Tablespoons lemon juice
Panna Cotta Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons cold water
- 4 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 1/3 cup lavender syrup
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/4 cup dried butterfly pea tea flowers
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Lavender sprigs for garnish
Directions
- For gelee: In small bowl, sprinkle 1 tablepoon powdered gelatin in 2 tablespoons cold water and let sit for 5 minutes to bloom (soften and hydrate).
- Stir in 1 cup lavender syrup and 3 tablespoons lemon juice, whisk to dissolve completely.
- Pour equal amounts of gelatin mixture into each mold and set aside.
- For panna cotta: In another small bowl, sprinkle 4 teaspoons powdered gelatin in 3 tablespoons of cold water to bloom.
- Add remaining syrup, heavy cream, half and half, and butterfly pea tea flowers to small sauce pan and bring to simmer over medium heat.
- Add bloomed gelatin to syrup mixture, whisk to dissolve completely.
- Remove pan from heat and strain mixture into bowl to remove butterfly pea flowers. Add vanilla extact and stir.
- Pour equal amounts of mixture into molds already containing gelee layer. Set aside to cool for 20 minutes.
- Once cool, cover molds with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours to chill and set.
- When ready to serve, invert mold over small dessert plate and gently shake to loosen panna cotta.
- Garnish with lavender sprig and serve.
What Does It Mean to Bloom Gelatin?
When a recipe calls for gelatin to be bloomed, it means to soften it in a liquid before using it in the dish. Blooming gelatin allows it to fully hydrate and dissolve evenly when added to a hot liquid, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture in the final product.
Is Panna Cotta the Same as Flan?
While they share similarities in texture and consistency, panna cotta and flan are not the same. Panna cotta is an Italian dessert made with cream, sugar, and gelatin, giving it a smooth and silky texture. On the other hand, flan is a traditional Spanish dessert made with eggs, sugar, and milk, giving it a rich and custard-like consistency. So, while they may look alike at first glance, these two desserts have distinct ingredients and origins that set them apart.
Subtle floral notes of lavender add a unique twist to this classic creamy panna cotta. The simple ingredients and straightforward cooking process make this dessert a practical choice for busy commercial kitchens seeking to offer a high-quality dessert without extensive preparation time.
