Coconut Passion Fruit Panna Cotta: A Tropical Dessert Recipe

Coconut Passion Fruit Panna Cotta: Prepare to be transported to a tropical paradise with every spoonful of this creamy, dreamy dessert! Imagine the silkiest, most decadent panna cotta infused with the exotic tang of passion fruit and the subtle sweetness of coconut. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.

Panna cotta, meaning “cooked cream” in Italian, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century in the Piedmont region of Italy. While traditionally flavored with vanilla, this version takes a delightful detour, embracing the vibrant flavors of the tropics. The addition of coconut milk and passion fruit puree elevates this classic dessert to new heights, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that is both refreshing and indulgent.

What makes this Coconut Passion Fruit Panna Cotta so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of creamy richness and bright acidity. The smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the panna cotta is beautifully contrasted by the tart, seedy pulp of the passion fruit. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! This elegant dessert requires minimal effort, making it ideal for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself, this panna cotta is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s dive in and create this little slice of tropical heaven!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Panna Cotta:
• 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240ml) full-fat coconut milk (canned, not refrigerated)
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 ½ teaspoons (7g) powdered gelatin
• ¼ cup (60ml) cold water
• For the Passion Fruit Gelee:
• 1 cup (240ml) passion fruit puree (fresh or frozen, strained)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) water
• 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (3g) powdered gelatin
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) cold water
• Optional Garnish:
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Fresh passion fruit seeds
• Edible flowers

Preparing the Panna Cotta Base

1. Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the 2 ½ teaspoons of powdered gelatin over ¼ cup of cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This process, called blooming, allows the gelatin to absorb the water and soften, ensuring it dissolves evenly later. You’ll notice it becomes a thick, slightly rubbery mass. Don’t skip this step! It’s crucial for a smooth, lump-free panna cotta.
2. Combine Cream, Coconut Milk, and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, coconut milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything together until the sugar is mostly dissolved. I like to use a whisk to ensure there are no lumps of sugar clinging to the bottom of the pan.
3. Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. You want to heat the mixture until it’s steaming and the sugar is completely dissolved, but do not let it boil! Boiling can alter the texture of the panna cotta and make it grainy. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. I usually heat it to around 170-180°F (77-82°C) using a candy thermometer, but if you don’t have one, just watch for steam and dissolved sugar.
4. Dissolve the Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm cream mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Make sure there are no visible granules of gelatin remaining. This is important for a smooth, silky texture. If you’re having trouble dissolving the gelatin, you can gently warm the mixture over low heat, but again, avoid boiling.
5. Strain the Mixture (Optional but Recommended): For an extra smooth panna cotta, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl or measuring cup. This will remove any undissolved gelatin or small lumps that may have formed. I find this step makes a noticeable difference in the final texture.

Pouring and Chilling the Panna Cotta

1. Prepare Your Serving Dishes: Lightly grease your serving dishes or ramekins with a neutral oil like coconut oil or cooking spray. This will help the panna cotta release easily when you’re ready to serve it. I usually use small ramekins, but you can also use glasses or even a loaf pan if you prefer.
2. Pour the Panna Cotta Mixture: Carefully pour the panna cotta mixture into the prepared serving dishes, filling them almost to the top. Leave a little room for the passion fruit gelee.
3. Chill the Panna Cotta: Cover the dishes with plastic wrap, pressing it gently onto the surface of the panna cotta to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the panna cotta is completely set. It should be firm to the touch and jiggle slightly when you gently shake the dish.

Preparing the Passion Fruit Gelee

1. Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the 1 teaspoon of powdered gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to bloom. Just like with the panna cotta, blooming the gelatin is essential for a clear and stable gelee.
2. Combine Passion Fruit Puree, Water, and Sugar: In a small saucepan, combine the passion fruit puree, 2 tablespoons of water, and granulated sugar. Whisk together until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
3. Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Heat the mixture until it’s steaming and the sugar is completely dissolved, but again, do not let it boil! Stir frequently to prevent scorching.
4. Dissolve the Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm passion fruit mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Make sure there are no visible granules of gelatin remaining.
5. Cool Slightly: Let the passion fruit gelee cool slightly before pouring it over the panna cotta. This will prevent it from melting the panna cotta. I usually let it cool for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assembling and Chilling the Gelee

1. Pour the Passion Fruit Gelee: Once the panna cotta is set and the passion fruit gelee has cooled slightly, carefully pour the gelee over the top of the panna cotta in each serving dish.
2. Chill the Gelee: Return the dishes to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2-3 hours, or until the passion fruit gelee is completely set. It should be firm to the touch.

Serving and Garnishing

1. Unmold (Optional): If you want to unmold the panna cotta, gently run a thin knife around the edge of the dish to loosen it. Dip the bottom of the dish briefly in warm water (just for a few seconds!) to help release it. Invert the dish onto a serving plate. If it doesn’t release immediately, gently tap the bottom of the dish.
2. Garnish: Garnish the panna cotta with toasted coconut flakes, fresh passion fruit seeds, and edible flowers, if desired. These garnishes add a beautiful visual appeal and enhance the flavor of the dessert.
3. Serve and Enjoy! Serve the Coconut Passion Fruit Panna Cotta chilled and enjoy! The creamy coconut panna cotta paired with the tangy passion fruit gelee is a truly delightful combination.

Conclusion:

This Coconut Passion Fruit Panna Cotta isn’t just a dessert; it’s a mini-vacation for your taste buds! The creamy, dreamy coconut base perfectly complements the tangy, tropical burst of passion fruit, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves a sophisticated yet simple dessert. It’s elegant enough to impress guests at a dinner party, yet easy enough to whip up on a weeknight when you’re craving something special.

But what makes this panna cotta so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance. The richness of the coconut milk is cut through by the bright acidity of the passion fruit, preventing it from being overly sweet or heavy. The silky smooth texture is simply divine, melting in your mouth with each spoonful. And let’s not forget the visual appeal! The vibrant yellow passion fruit pulp swirling through the creamy white panna cotta makes for a stunning presentation.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

This Coconut Passion Fruit Panna Cotta is incredibly versatile. You can serve it chilled straight from the refrigerator, garnished with a few fresh passion fruit seeds for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal. For a more decadent treat, try drizzling a little honey or maple syrup over the top. A sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes adds a delightful crunch and enhances the coconut flavor.

Looking for variations? You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. If you’re not a fan of passion fruit, try using mango, pineapple, or even a berry compote instead. For a vegan version, simply substitute the gelatin with agar-agar powder, following the package instructions for the correct ratio. You can also experiment with different types of milk, such as almond milk or oat milk, for a slightly different flavor profile.

Consider serving this panna cotta in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation, or in a large glass bowl for a more casual gathering. It pairs beautifully with a light and refreshing white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with sparkling water or a tropical fruit juice.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try:

I know there are countless dessert recipes out there, but I truly believe this Coconut Passion Fruit Panna Cotta stands out from the crowd. It’s not only delicious and easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special celebration. And the best part? It’s a relatively healthy dessert option, as it’s made with natural ingredients and is lower in sugar than many other desserts.

The key to a truly exceptional panna cotta lies in the quality of the ingredients. Use the best quality coconut milk you can find, and make sure your passion fruit is ripe and fragrant. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands and varieties until you find the ones you love. And remember, a little bit of passion goes a long way!

So, what are you waiting for? I urge you to give this Coconut Passion Fruit Panna Cotta recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

I’m so excited for you to experience the delightful flavors and textures of this panna cotta. Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below! I’d love to hear what you think and any variations you might have tried. Happy cooking (and eating)!