Name: Easy Strawberry Panna Cotta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon unflavored powdered gelatin; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; ¼ cup honey or maple syrup; 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract; Pinch of kosher salt; 10 to 12 strawberries, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

If you’re craving a dessert that’s effortlessly elegant and bursting with fresh flavor, you’re going to adore this Easy Strawberry Panna Cotta Recipe. It’s one of those silky, creamy treats that feels fancy but comes together with surprisingly little fuss. I absolutely love how this panna cotta melts in your mouth while the sweet, macerated strawberries add just the right pop of freshness. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again — it’s that good!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh strawberries for a naturally sweet dessert.
No Baking Required: You’ll just mix, chill, and enjoy—perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
Perfect Texture: Creamy, silky panna cotta with a gentle wobble every time.
Customizable Sweetness: You control how sweet it gets by choosing honey or maple syrup.

The image shows a smooth, round white panna cotta dessert sitting on a textured white plate, topped with a few slices of bright red strawberries and a light pink syrup drizzled over it. Around the panna cotta on the plate, there are more strawberry slices and syrup spots. A silver spoon holding a scoop of the creamy panna cotta is placed resting on the plate, curving towards the bottom left. The background features a white marbled surface with part of a soft, white cloth with thin dark stripes on the right side. In the back, there is a blurry white plate with more strawberry slices and a spoon with some panna cotta. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you dive in, let’s talk about the ingredients. They come together to create that rich, creamy panna cotta base with a natural sweetness and a hit of vanilla. Using quality heavy cream and whole milk really makes a difference—I never skip the vanilla extract because it lifts the flavor beautifully.

Water: Just a splash to bloom the gelatin, an essential step for smooth panna cotta.
Unflavored powdered gelatin: This magic ingredient sets the cream into that lovely jiggle you want, so don’t skip or substitute it.
Heavy cream: Gives the panna cotta its rich, luscious texture. Full-fat is key here.
Whole milk: Lightens the cream just enough without sacrificing creaminess.
Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that add subtle depth—I’ve tried both and love them equally!
Vanilla extract: Just a little to bring out that warm, comforting flavor in every bite.
Kosher salt: A pinch to balance all the sweetness and enhance flavors.
Strawberries: Thinly sliced and sweetened to top the panna cotta, adding freshness and a bit of zing.
Additional honey or maple syrup: To macerate with the strawberries, helping those flavors shine.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Easy Strawberry Panna Cotta Recipe is how adaptable it is! I often switch things up depending on the season or what’s in my pantry, so feel free to make it your own.

Fruit Variations: I’ve swapped out strawberries for raspberries or even mango chunks—just make sure to macerate the fruit so they stay juicy and flavorful.
Sweetener Options: Maple syrup gives a deeper, richer sweetness, while honey keeps it light and floral; sometimes I use agave for a milder flavor.
Dairy-Free Version: I’ve tried coconut cream and almond milk as alternatives, just be sure to use agar-agar instead of gelatin to set it properly.
Flavor Boosters: Adding a splash of lemon zest or a bit of fresh mint to the fruit topping adds a lovely, unexpected twist.

How to Make Easy Strawberry Panna Cotta Recipe

Step 1: Bloom Your Gelatin

This might sound intimidating if you haven’t worked with gelatin before, but it’s really simple. Sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice it swell up and become jelly-like; this step ensures your panna cotta sets smoothly without lumps. Patience here is key — don’t rush it!

Step 2: Heat Cream, Milk, and Sweetener

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and honey (or maple syrup). Warm it gently until it’s hot but not boiling—when you start to see steam and tiny bubbles at the edges, that’s your cue. Stir occasionally so the sweetener dissolves evenly. Avoid boiling to keep that silky mouthfeel.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Gelatin

Take your bloomed gelatin and stir it thoroughly into the warm cream mixture. It will melt quickly and blend seamlessly, so keep stirring until it’s fully dissolved. Then, add the pinch of kosher salt and vanilla extract, stirring to distribute evenly. This is where your panna cotta earns its signature flavor!

Step 4: Pour and Chill

Pour the mixture into your serving glasses or ramekins. I like to use small glass jars—it makes everything look extra special. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 to 8 hours, or overnight. I discovered chilling slowly is the secret to achieving that perfect, gentle wobble without being too stiff.

Step 5: Prepare Strawberry Topping and Serve

While the panna cotta is setting, mix your thinly sliced strawberries with a couple tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. Let them hang out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes so the flavors mingle and the fruit releases some of its natural juices—this maceration step is what turns the strawberries from ordinary to absolutely irresistible. Spoon them on top just before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Strawberry Panna Cotta Recipe

Bloom Gelatin Properly: Never skip blooming gelatin in cold water first—it ensures a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
Gentle Heating: Warm your cream mixture slowly to prevent curdling and maintain that silky finish.
Chill Time is Crucial: Patience pays off here—chilling overnight gives you the best set and texture.
Macerate Strawberries: Let the strawberries sit with honey to release their juices and deepen flavor, instead of just tossing them on fresh.

How to Serve Easy Strawberry Panna Cotta Recipe

The image shows three white plates on a white marbled surface. Each plate holds a smooth, creamy white panna cotta dessert with a few drops of light pink syrup on top. The panna cotta is topped and surrounded by fresh red strawberry slices arranged in small clusters. Two plates have silver spoons resting on them, one spoon placed on the left side of the panna cotta and the other on the right. A woman's hand holds a spoon poised over one plate full of strawberry slices. A soft striped cloth is partly visible on the left side near one plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to top the panna cotta with fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar, but sometimes I add a few whole strawberries for visual appeal. It’s simple, elegant, and really highlights the freshness of the fruit topping. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar pairs surprisingly well with the strawberries too!

Side Dishes

This dessert shines on its own, but I sometimes serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or shortbread cookies to add a bit of crunch. It also makes a lovely finish to a fresh spring or summer meal featuring grilled chicken or fish.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to use mini mason jars or shot glasses so guests can grab and go. Layering a little strawberry compote at the bottom before pouring the panna cotta adds a surprise twist. Another fun idea I tried was serving it in edible chocolate cups—totally delightful and impressive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though that rarely happens!), cover them tightly and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. The texture holds up beautifully, so you won’t lose that creamy feel, but I recommend adding fresh strawberry topping right before serving again to keep it vibrant.

Freezing

I generally don’t freeze panna cotta because the texture can become a bit grainy upon thawing. However, if you must, freeze without the fruit topping in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the fridge. Be prepared for a slight change in mouthfeel, but it’s still tasty!

Reheating

Since panna cotta is best served chilled and sets firm, reheating isn’t recommended. If you want a softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating. This little trick brings back the luscious creaminess without melting it completely.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Strawberry Panna Cotta Recipe vegan?

Yes! To make a vegan version, substitute dairy-heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk. Replace gelatin with agar-agar powder, following the package instructions to ensure proper setting. Keep in mind, the texture might be a little different but still delicious.
How long does panna cotta need to chill?

I suggest chilling your panna cotta for at least 6 to 8 hours, ideally overnight. This time allows the dessert to set up perfectly with that signature wobble. Rushing it can cause it to be too soft or runny.
Can I prepare Easy Strawberry Panna Cotta Recipe ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! This dessert is a fantastic make-ahead option. You can prepare and chill the panna cotta up to 2 days in advance and add the strawberry topping right before serving. It helps reduce stress on party day and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
What’s the best way to remove panna cotta from molds?

If you’re using molds, a good trick I found is to briefly dip the bottom of the mold in warm water for a few seconds, then gently invert onto a plate. This loosens the panna cotta without melting it. If you’re serving in glasses, just spoon directly.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Easy Strawberry Panna Cotta Recipe has become a staple in my home, especially when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Its creamy texture paired with fresh, sweet strawberries always gets rave reviews. I really hope you try making it—once you do, it might just become your go-to dessert too! It’s simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious, just like a good friend’s warm kitchen invite.