Raspberry Panna Cotta Hearts

Name: Raspberry Panna Cotta Hearts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 400 ml heavy cream; 100 ml whole milk; 100 g granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 sheets gelatin; Pinch of salt; 250 g fresh raspberries; 50 g sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making Raspberry Panna Cotta Hearts, especially for special occasions or as a delightful treat to share with loved ones. The creamy texture combined with the vibrant raspberry flavor is simply irresistible. In just a little over an hour, you can impress your friends and family with this beautiful dessert. Trust me, once you master the technique, you'll be looking for every opportunity to make these elegant little hearts. They not only taste divine but also look stunning on any dessert table.

Created by

Isla Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-07T10:55:11.104Z

When I first tried making panna cotta, I was surprised by how simple it was to create such an elegant dessert. The key is to let the gelatin bloom properly, ensuring a silky texture without any lumps. I've experimented with various flavors, but raspberry remains my favorite. I love the tartness it brings, counterbalancing the creaminess perfectly!

One of my favorite tricks is to infuse the cream with vanilla before adding the gelatin. It adds a lovely depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet raspberry puree. Another tip is to chill the panna cotta for just the right amount of time—too short and it won't set, too long and the texture can become too firm. Finding the right balance is essential for the perfect panna cotta!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Delicate raspberry flavor combined with creamy panna cotta
Beautiful heart shape perfect for special occasions
Simple to prepare yet a stunning dessert display

      

Understanding Panna Cotta

Panna cotta, which translates to 'cooked cream,' relies on the precise balance of cream, sugar, and gelatin to achieve its signature smooth texture. The heavy cream forms the base, imparting richness, while the milk helps achieve a lighter mouthfeel. When selecting your cream, aim for a heavy cream with at least 36% fat, as this will provide the best flavor and texture. If you want to experiment, you can substitute part of the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version without losing the creamy essence.

The gelatin plays a crucial role in setting the panna cotta. It's essential to soak the gelatin sheets in cold water until softened, which usually takes around 5 minutes. This step not only ensures even dissolution in the hot mixture but also prevents a grainy texture, which can occur if gelatin is added directly to a hot liquid. Always squeeze out excess water before mixing it in; excess water can alter the intended consistency.

Perfecting the Raspberry Sauce

The raspberry sauce is a simple, yet vital component that adds flavor and visual appeal to your panna cotta hearts. When cooking the raspberries, keep the heat low; this ensures they break down gently without burning. Expect the mixture to bubble lightly as it thickens, usually within 5 to 10 minutes. A fine strainer is best used for removing seeds; this will yield a smooth sauce that complements the creamy panna cotta beautifully.

For variations, feel free to incorporate other berries like strawberries or blueberries into the sauce. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose; if using tart raspberries, you might need more sugar. Adding a touch of balsamic vinegar can also enhance the sauce's complexity, offering a nice contrast to the panna cotta's richness.

Serving and Storing Tips

To serve, gently dip the molds in warm water for a few seconds to loosen the panna cotta. This careful step prevents tearing and gives the dessert a pristine heart shape when inverted on the plate. Drizzling the fresh raspberry sauce just before serving not only ensures that the panna cotta marvels guests but also maintains that gorgeous, glossy appearance. You can even garnish with mint leaves or additional raspberries for an elegant touch.

If you're planning to prepare this dessert ahead of time, panna cotta can easily be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Once the panna cotta is set, keep it covered with plastic wrap to prevent absorption of odors. The raspberry sauce can also be made a day ahead; store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir or a brief warm-up before serving for the best consistency.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

For the Panna Cotta

400 ml heavy cream
100 ml whole milk
100 g granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 sheets gelatin
Pinch of salt

For the Raspberry Sauce

250 g fresh raspberries
50 g sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Raspberry Panna Cotta Hearts:

Prepare the Gelatin

Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for about 5 minutes until softened. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.

Add Gelatin and Vanilla

Remove the saucepan from heat. Squeeze excess water from the gelatin and add it to the hot cream mixture, stirring until fully dissolved. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour and Chill

Carefully pour the panna cotta mixture into heart-shaped molds. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.

Make the Raspberry Sauce

In a separate saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over low heat until the raspberries break down and the mixture becomes syrupy. Strain the sauce to remove the seeds.

Serve

Once the panna cotta has set, dip the molds briefly in warm water, then invert onto plates. Drizzle with raspberry sauce before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Raspberry Panna Cotta Hearts!

Pro Tips

For a decorative touch, you can garnish the panna cotta with fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint before serving.

Ingredient Insights

Choosing high-quality ingredients is crucial in making Raspberry Panna Cotta Hearts. Opt for fresh, ripe raspberries rather than frozen ones, as they offer a more vibrant flavor and better texture. If raspberries are out of season, consider using frozen ones, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to retain consistency in your sauce.

Granulated sugar is typically used for sweetness, but for a richer flavor, try substituting some of it with honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the overall sweetness, so taste as you go and adjust accordingly.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your panna cotta doesn't set properly, the likely culprits are insufficient gelatin or improper mixing. Ensure you follow the soaking instructions strictly. If you're in doubt about the strength of your gelatin, consider testing a small batch with only milk and gelatin first to judge its gelling ability before adding the richer cream.

On the other hand, if the panna cotta seems too firm, it may have been over-mixed after adding the gelatin, resulting in excessive air incorporation. A soft, spoonable texture is what you want, as it should melt luxuriously in your mouth when served.

Variations and Customizations

The great thing about panna cotta is its versatility. For a unique twist, try infusing flavors into the cream, such as espresso or citrus zest. Adding a couple of teaspoons of espresso powder to the warm mixture gives it a delightful coffee flavor, while citrus zest can brighten up the overall dish without overpowering the raspberry.

For a more gourmet touch, consider layering the raspberry sauce with panna cotta in clear cups for a visually appealing presentation. This not only enhances the look of the dish but also allows guests to enjoy the combination of flavors in every spoonful.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits for the sauce?

Absolutely! Strawberries, blueberries, or even passion fruit work beautifully.

→ Is it possible to make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the panna cotta a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

→ What if I don't have gelatin sheets?

You can use powdered gelatin as a substitute—follow package instructions for the correct amount.

→ How long do they last in the fridge?

The panna cotta is best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored covered in the refrigerator.