If you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s as stunning to look at as it is delightful to taste, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Blood Orange Panna Cotta with Raspberries Recipe. It pairs the creamy, silky texture of classic panna cotta with the bright, tangy notes of blood orange and the fresh burst of raspberries. This dessert balances sweetness and tartness perfectly, making it a refreshing treat that feels elegant yet uncomplicated. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Blood Orange Panna Cotta with Raspberries Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from the creaminess of the whipping cream and Greek yogurt to the vibrant flavor of fresh blood orange juice and raspberries. These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s luxuriously smooth with dazzling color and bright, fruity notes.
- Gelatin (1 packet, about 2 teaspoons): This is essential for setting the panna cotta into that perfect silky, spoonable texture.
- Cold water (3 tablespoons): Used to bloom the gelatin, ensuring it dissolves smoothly without clumps.
- Whipping cream (1 ½ cups): Adds richness and the luscious texture panna cotta is known for.
- Whole milk (½ cup): Lightens the cream just enough to keep the dessert balanced and not overly heavy.
- Sugar (½ cup for panna cotta, plus ¼ cup for raspberries): Sweetens both the creamy base and the raspberry topping perfectly.
- Blood orange zest (1 tablespoon): Provides that unmistakable aromatic citrus flavor and a pop of color.
- Greek yogurt (1 ½ cups, full fat preferred): Brings a tangy twist while keeping the panna cotta creamy and smooth.
- Fresh blood orange juice (½ cup): The star ingredient offering bright, tangy notes and a beautiful hue.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Fresh raspberries (1 ½ cups): The vibrant topping that pairs perfectly with the blood orange’s citrusy bite.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Enhances the freshness and balances the sweetness of the raspberry sauce.
How to Make Blood Orange Panna Cotta with Raspberries Recipe
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
Start by sprinkling the gelatin over the cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes — this allows the gelatin to bloom, meaning it absorbs the water and becomes soft and spongy, which helps it dissolve smoothly into the cream later.
Step 2: Heat the Cream Mixture
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the whipping cream, whole milk, sugar, and blood orange zest. Stir gently as the mixture warms. Just before it starts to boil, remove it from the heat to prevent curdling and stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved. This careful heating ensures a silky texture without lumps.
Step 3: Mix in Yogurt, Juice, and Vanilla
Once the gelatin has melted into the warm cream, let the mixture cool slightly before whisking in the Greek yogurt, fresh blood orange juice, and vanilla extract. This step’s important because adding the yogurt too hot could affect its texture, while the juice brings that lovely tangy freshness.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Divide the creamy mixture evenly into 6 serving glasses or ramekins. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the panna cotta is fully set with its signature jiggly firmness.
Step 5: Prepare the Raspberry Topping
While the panna cotta chills, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat. Gently cook, stirring occasionally, until the berries release their juices and the mixture thickens slightly into a fresh, vibrant compote. Let it cool before spooning it over the set panna cotta.
How to Serve Blood Orange Panna Cotta with Raspberries Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, scatter some fresh mint leaves or a few whole raspberries on top. Not only do these garnishes add a burst of color to the dessert, but they also provide an extra fresh aroma that complements the panna cotta perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines best on its own, but if you want to serve alongside something light, consider a crisp almond biscotti or a small slice of citrus pound cake. These subtly sweet sides won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the Blood Orange Panna Cotta with Raspberries Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, try serving the panna cotta in clear glass jars layered with the raspberry compote or topped with candied blood orange slices. These visual layers make the dessert look like an art piece and elevate any dinner party or casual gathering instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover panna cotta covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture holds well, and the flavors even deepen slightly overnight, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze panna cotta as the delicate creamy texture can become grainy once thawed. Instead, enjoy this dessert fresh to savor the full silky experience.
Reheating
Panna cotta is a chilled dessert and should be served cold, so reheating is not recommended. If the raspberries sauce was refrigerated and feels too thick, simply bring it to room temperature and stir gently before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular orange juice instead of blood orange juice?
Absolutely! While blood orange juice provides a unique, rich color and slightly more complex flavor, regular fresh orange juice will still create a delicious panna cotta that’s bright and refreshing.
Is there a vegan alternative to gelatin?
Yes, agar-agar powder is a great plant-based substitute. Keep in mind that agar-agar sets more firmly and quickly, so you’ll want to adjust the amount and follow the package instructions for best results in this Blood Orange Panna Cotta with Raspberries Recipe.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! In fact, it’s ideal to prepare the panna cotta a day ahead so it has plenty of time to set and the flavors can develop. Just add the raspberry topping right before serving for freshest taste and texture.
What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
You can substitute plain full-fat yogurt, but Greek yogurt gives a thicker, creamier consistency with less moisture, which helps the panna cotta hold its shape better and adds a nice tang.
How do I prevent lumps in my panna cotta?
Blooming the gelatin properly in cold water and dissolving it gently into warm (not boiling) cream ensures a smooth finish. Stirring constantly while mixing and letting the mixture cool slightly before adding yogurt also helps keep it silky smooth.
Final Thoughts
Making this Blood Orange Panna Cotta with Raspberries Recipe is such a joy because it combines simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that looks like it belongs in a fancy restaurant yet feels entirely approachable. The creamy texture paired with citrus brightness and fresh berries makes it perfect for warm-weather dinners or special occasions. Give it a try—you’ll love the bright flavors and silky smoothness that make this panna cotta truly unforgettable.
Print
Blood Orange Panna Cotta with Raspberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Blood Orange Panna Cotta recipe is a silky, creamy Italian dessert infused with the zesty and vibrant flavors of fresh blood oranges. Topped with a tangy raspberry coulis, it’s a refreshing yet indulgent treat perfect for any occasion. The recipe uses gelatin to set the panna cotta, combines whipping cream, milk, and Greek yogurt for richness, and features a bright citrus and berry pairing.
Ingredients
Panna Cotta
- 1 packet gelatin (unflavored, about 2 teaspoons)
- 3 tablespoons water (cold)
- 1 ½ cups whipping cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon blood orange zest
- 1 ½ cups Greek yogurt (full fat preferred)
- ½ cup blood orange juice (freshly juiced)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Raspberry Coulis
- 1 ½ cups raspberries
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin: Sprinkle the gelatin over 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften and bloom while you prepare the cream mixture.
- Heat Cream Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the whipping cream, whole milk, sugar, and blood orange zest. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved and smooth.
- Add Yogurt and Juice: Stir in the Greek yogurt, blood orange juice, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Make sure the mixture is smooth without lumps.
- Pour and Chill: Pour the panna cotta mixture into six serving glasses or ramekins. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firmly set.
- Make Raspberry Coulis: In a blender or food processor, puree the raspberries with sugar and lemon juice until smooth. If desired, strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds for a silky texture.
- Serve: Spoon the raspberry coulis over the set panna cotta just before serving to add a fresh, tangy contrast to the creamy dessert.
Notes
- Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved to avoid lumps in the panna cotta.
- Use freshly squeezed blood orange juice for the best flavor.
- For a smoother coulis, strain out raspberry seeds after blending.
- You can prepare the panna cotta a day ahead and refrigerate overnight.
- This dessert is best served chilled.
