If you’re looking for a dessert that’s effortlessly elegant yet incredibly easy to make, this Yogurt Panna Cotta with Macerated Berries is your answer. It’s silky smooth, lightly sweet, and perfectly balanced with the bright, juicy berries on top. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this is a dessert that feels fancy but requires minimal effort.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, enjoying a quiet evening in, or looking for a refreshing dessert on a warm day, this dish is a winner. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Light and Refreshing: The creamy, tangy yogurt pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy berries.
Easy to Make: No baking required! Just a few simple steps, and you have a stunning dessert.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping in advance so you can enjoy stress-free hosting.
Customizable: Switch up the berries, add citrus zest, or drizzle with honey for a unique twist.
Restaurant-Worthy: Looks and tastes like a high-end dessert but is super simple to make at home!
Ingredients
Here’s what makes this Yogurt Panna Cotta so delightful:
Greek Yogurt: Adds a luscious, creamy texture and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
Heavy Cream: Provides the rich, silky smoothness that makes panna cotta irresistible.
Sugar: Just enough to lightly sweeten the base without overpowering the flavors.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the creamy, delicate flavor of the panna cotta.
Gelatin: The secret to that perfect, delicate jiggle.
Mixed Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries—whatever you love!
Lemon Juice: A splash brightens the berries and enhances their natural sweetness.
Honey or Sugar: Helps the berries macerate, drawing out their juices for a delicious syrup.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it sit for a few minutes to soften.
Heat the Cream: In a saucepan, warm the heavy cream and sugar over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Do not boil.
Combine with Gelatin: Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
Add Yogurt and Vanilla: Whisk in the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Pour and Chill: Divide the mixture into serving glasses or ramekins and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
Macerate the Berries: Toss the mixed berries with lemon juice and honey (or sugar) in a bowl. Let sit for 15-30 minutes until they release their juices.
Serve: Spoon the macerated berries over the chilled panna cotta and enjoy!
How to Serve Yogurt Panna Cotta
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprig of mint adds a pop of color and freshness.
Add a Crunchy Element: Serve with biscotti, shortbread cookies, or toasted nuts for texture.
Drizzle with Honey: A touch of honey or maple syrup enhances the flavors beautifully.
Try a Citrus Zest: Grate a little lemon or orange zest on top for an extra bright note.
Additional Tips
- Use Full-Fat Yogurt: This ensures the creamiest texture.
- Let the Gelatin Fully Dissolve: Any undissolved gelatin can affect the texture, so mix well.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before chilling and adjust sugar if needed.
- Storage Tips: Panna cotta can be made 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free yogurt for a plant-based version.
FAQ Section
- Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin? Yes, but the texture may be slightly firmer. Follow package instructions for best results.
- How long does panna cotta take to set? It usually takes about 4-6 hours, but overnight is best.
- Can I use frozen berries? Absolutely! Just thaw them first, and they’ll macerate beautifully.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert and keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- How do I unmold panna cotta? Dip the ramekin in warm water for a few seconds, then gently loosen the edges before flipping onto a plate.
- What’s the best sweetener to use? Honey, maple syrup, or regular sugar all work well—adjust to taste.
- Can I use flavored yogurt? Yes, but it may alter the flavor balance. Plain Greek yogurt is best for a neutral base.
- Why is my panna cotta too firm? You may have used too much gelatin—reduce the amount slightly next time.
- Can I make this vegan? Yes! Use coconut milk and agar-agar for a dairy-free version.
- What other toppings work well? Chopped nuts, caramel sauce, or even a fruit compote are delicious options.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—an effortlessly elegant dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Yogurt Panna Cotta with Macerated Berries is light, refreshing, and sure to impress. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking!
Print
Yogurt Panna Cotta with Macerated Berries
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This smooth and creamy Yogurt Panna Cotta is a light and refreshing dessert that pairs the cool tang of yogurt with fresh, juicy macerated berries. A simple yet elegant treat perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- Nonstick spray
- 3 tbsp 1% milk
- 1 1/4 cups 1% milk
- 1/2 tbsp unflavored gelatin
- 6 tbsp sugar, divided
- 1 cup plain 0% Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups mixed berries (blackberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries)
- 8 small mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ramekins: Lightly spray 8 (4-ounce) ramekins with nonstick spray.
- Bloom Gelatin: Pour 3 tbsp of milk into a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Heat Milk & Sugar: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining 1¼ cups of milk and 5 tbsp sugar. Add the gelatin mixture and stir until both the sugar and gelatin dissolve. Do not boil.
- Mix Yogurt & Vanilla: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Whisk in the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Chill: Divide the mixture evenly among the ramekins (about ⅓ cup each). Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm.
- Macerate Berries: About 30 minutes before serving, toss the berries with the remaining 1 tbsp sugar in a medium bowl. Stir occasionally until they become juicy, about 10 minutes.
- Unmold & Serve: Carefully unmold each panna cotta onto a plate. Top with ½ cup macerated berries and garnish with mint leaves.
Notes
- To unmold easily, dip ramekins in warm water for a few seconds before inverting onto a plate.
- Substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar for a natural sweetener.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin & ½ cup berries
- Calories: 82 kcal
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 2mg