Valentines Day Strawberry Panna Cotta

Valentine's Day Strawberry Panna Cotta is a silky, creamy Italian dessert featuring vanilla-infused cream topped with a vibrant strawberry sauce—perfect for a romantic celebration. This elegant treat combines a delicate texture with the bright, fresh flavors of seasonal berries.

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While it looks like a masterpiece from a high-end restaurant, this dessert is surprisingly easy to master at home. The key to its success lies in the balance of the smooth, vanilla-scented base and the tangy homemade strawberry coulis.

Ingredients

• For the Panna Cotta:
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp (7 g) powdered gelatin
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• For the Strawberry Sauce:
• 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• For Garnish (Optional):
• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Mint leaves

Instructions

Step 1

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the milk and let it bloom for 5 minutes.

Step 2

In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the cream is hot but not boiling.

Step 3

Remove from heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin and whisk until completely dissolved.

Step 4

Add the vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 5

Pour the mixture evenly into 4 serving glasses or ramekins. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.

Step 6

For the strawberry sauce, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices.

Step 7

Mash slightly, then let cool. For a smoother sauce, blend until desired consistency.

Step 8

Once the panna cotta has set, spoon the strawberry sauce over each serving.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh strawberries and mint leaves if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

When heating the cream, be careful not to let it reach a rolling boil, as excessive heat can prevent the gelatin from setting properly. Always whisk thoroughly to ensure a perfectly smooth, lump-free texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize this dish by substituting raspberries or mixed berries for a different flavor profile. For those looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can be used in place of heavy cream.

Serviervorschläge

For the ultimate romantic experience, pair this dessert with a glass of chilled sparkling rosé. Serve the panna cotta in clear glasses to highlight the beautiful layers of cream and crimson sauce.

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With its delicate sweetness and vibrant fruit topping, this Valentine's Day Strawberry Panna Cotta is sure to impress your loved one. Enjoy this timeless Italian classic as the perfect finale to your special evening.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I properly bloom gelatin for panna cotta?

Sprinkle gelatin evenly over cold milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until softened. This ensures it dissolves smoothly when heated.

→ Can I use alternative fruits for the sauce?

Yes, raspberries or mixed berries make delicious variations and maintain a vibrant, fresh flavor.

→ What is the ideal chilling time for panna cotta?

Chill for at least 4 hours to allow the gelatin to set fully and the cream to develop its silky texture.

→ How can I make the strawberry sauce smoother?

After cooking the strawberries with sugar and lemon, blend the mixture until desired consistency is reached for a smooth texture.

→ Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream reduces richness while keeping creaminess, offering a lighter finish.