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Creamy Lemon Lavender Panna Cotta

lemon lavender panna cotta - featured image

A silky smooth panna cotta infused with subtle lavender and bright lemon, topped with fresh berries for a refreshing and elegant dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 1/3 cup (65 grams) sugar
  • 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons gelatin powder (about one packet)
  • Lemon zest from 1 large lemon
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (150 grams) fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
  • Optional garnish: lavender sprigs or mint leaves

Instructions

  1. Bloom the gelatin: Sprinkle 2 1/2 teaspoons of gelatin powder over 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of cold water in a small heatproof bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it softens and becomes spongy.
  2. Infuse the cream: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, 1/3 cup (65 grams) sugar, 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds, and the lemon zest from one large lemon. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and steam rises—about 7-8 minutes. Do not let it boil; keep it gently simmering.
  3. Strain the mixture: Remove from heat and pass the cream through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove lavender buds and zest. Press gently on solids to extract flavor but not grit.
  4. Add gelatin and lemon juice: While the cream mixture is still warm (not hot), whisk in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Stir in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly but gently.
  5. Pour into molds: Divide the mixture evenly into 6 ramekins or small glasses. Let them cool slightly at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  6. Chill to set: Transfer ramekins to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm with a slight wobble but not jiggly.
  7. Prepare berries: Just before serving, gently rinse 1 cup (150 grams) fresh berries and pat dry.
  8. Serve: Top each panna cotta with a generous spoonful of fresh berries and optional lavender sprigs or mint leaves for garnish.

Notes

Do not rush gelatin blooming to ensure smooth setting. Use gentle heat to avoid scorching cream. Strain well to remove lavender grit. Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the flavor. For vegan option, substitute dairy with coconut milk and gelatin with agar-agar (adjust setting time).

Nutrition

Keywords: panna cotta, lemon panna cotta, lavender dessert, creamy dessert, fresh berries, easy panna cotta, homemade dessert