If you have a craving for a dessert that feels both elegant and refreshingly bright, you’re in for a treat with this Blood Orange Panna Cotta with Raspberries Recipe. It’s the perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and sweet, showcasing the vibrant flavors of blood orange and juicy raspberries in a silky panna cotta base. This dessert doesn’t just taste divine; it’s a feast for the eyes too, making it a wonderfully impressive yet surprisingly simple dish to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first joyful step. Each one plays a critical role— from the creamy texture brought by whipping cream and Greek yogurt, to the zesty brightness of blood orange zest and juice, and finally the fresh raspberries that add a natural sweetness and pop of color. These simple, wholesome components come together beautifully to create a show-stopping dessert.
- Gelatin (1 packet / about 2 teaspoons): This is your magic ingredient to achieve that perfectly delicate, jiggle-worthy panna cotta texture.
- Cold water (3 tablespoons): Used to bloom the gelatin, ensuring it dissolves smoothly without lumps.
- Whipping cream (1 ½ cups): Adds rich, smooth creaminess that defines panna cotta’s luscious body.
- Whole milk (½ cup): Lightens the cream slightly, giving balance and silkiness.
- Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens gently without overpowering the natural fruit flavors.
- Blood orange zest (1 tablespoon): Packs a fragrant, citrusy punch essential for that signature taste and vibrancy.
- Full-fat Greek yogurt (1 ½ cups): Brings tanginess and a lovely creamy density, enriching the panna cotta.
- Fresh blood orange juice (½ cup): Infuses the panna cotta with bright, tart flavor and gorgeous color.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Raspberries (1 ½ cups): Sweet and tart, these are the perfect fresh topping to complement the panna cotta.
- Sugar for raspberries (¼ cup): Helps macerate the berries to create a luscious, syrupy topping.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the raspberry topping, balancing sweetness with a hint of acidity.
How to Make Blood Orange Panna Cotta with Raspberries Recipe
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
Begin by sprinkling the gelatin over the cold water in a small bowl, letting it rest for about 5 minutes to soften. This blooming stage is crucial—it ensures a smooth panna cotta without any graininess.
Step 2: Heat Cream Mixture
In a saucepan, combine the whipping cream, whole milk, sugar, and blood orange zest. Gently warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling. This step infuses the cream with the fresh citrus oils from the zest, adding a fragrant undertone to your panna cotta.
Step 3: Add Gelatin and Flavor
Remove the warm cream mixture from heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved. Then, stir in the Greek yogurt, fresh blood orange juice, and vanilla extract. The yogurt adds creaminess and a subtle tang, while the juice brightens the flavor and adds that beautiful reddish hue.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Pour the mixture into your serving glasses or molds. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, until set with a tender wobble. Patience here rewards you with that signature silky panna cotta texture you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Prepare Raspberry Topping
While your panna cotta chills, toss the fresh raspberries with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Let them macerate for at least 30 minutes so they release their natural juices and become wonderfully syrupy and sweet-tart—an exquisite contrast to the creamy base.
How to Serve Blood Orange Panna Cotta with Raspberries Recipe
Garnishes
For a visually stunning and flavorful finish, spoon the luscious macerated raspberries right on top of each panna cotta. Add a few fresh mint leaves or a thin slice of blood orange zest for an elegant touch that also brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing accompaniments such as a crisp salad or a glass of chilled sparkling wine, which complements the panna cotta’s creamy citrus notes without weighing you down after the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Blood Orange Panna Cotta with Raspberries Recipe in clear glass jars or elegant stemmed glasses to showcase its beautiful layers and vibrant color. You can also create individual panna cotta bites using silicone molds for a fun, party-friendly presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled and set, panna cotta stays fresh covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the raspberry topping separate until ready to serve to maintain its bright texture and flavor.
Freezing
Because panna cotta’s delicate creamy texture can be altered, freezing is not ideal. It may become grainy or watery upon thawing, so enjoy this dessert fresh for the best experience.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled and is not designed for reheating. Keep it cool to preserve the silky panna cotta consistency and lively blood orange and raspberry flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other citrus fruits instead of blood orange?
Absolutely! While blood orange gives a unique color and flavor, you can substitute with regular oranges, mandarins, or even grapefruit, though the taste and hue will vary slightly.
Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt in this recipe?
Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a mild tang that balances the sweetness—it’s highly recommended. However, you can experiment with mascarpone or crème fraîche for a richer twist.
Can this dessert be made vegan?
Traditional panna cotta relies on dairy and gelatin, but you could try using coconut cream and agar agar as a vegan alternative; just note the flavor and texture will differ from the classic Blood Orange Panna Cotta with Raspberries Recipe.
How do I know when the panna cotta is set perfectly?
It should have a slight wobble when gently shaken but hold its shape. Over-chilling won’t harm it, but under-chilled panna cotta can be too soft and runny.
Can I prepare the raspberry topping in advance?
Yes! Preparing the raspberry topping a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and add it right before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Blood Orange Panna Cotta with Raspberries Recipe that lights up any table, whether a casual dinner or a festive celebration. Its perfect harmony of creamy texture and vibrant citrus flavor paired with sweet-tart raspberries is guaranteed to impress your guests and delight your taste buds. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your favorite go-to desserts!
Print
Blood Orange Panna Cotta with Raspberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Blood Orange Panna Cotta recipe offers a creamy, citrus-infused Italian dessert that’s both elegant and refreshing. Made with gelatin, whipping cream, Greek yogurt, and vibrant blood orange juice and zest, it’s complemented by a sweet and tangy raspberry sauce to balance the flavors perfectly. Ideal for a sophisticated dinner party or a special occasion dessert, it combines a smooth texture with bright, fresh fruit notes.
Ingredients
Panna Cotta Base
- 1 packet gelatin (unflavored, about 2 teaspoons)
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 ½ cups whipping cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon blood orange zest
- 1 ½ cups full-fat Greek yogurt
- ½ cup fresh blood orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Raspberry Sauce
- 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 and let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften and bloom.
- Heat Cream Mixture: In a saucepan, combine the whipping cream, whole milk, sugar, and blood orange zest. Gently heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Remove the cream mixture from heat. Add the bloomed gelatin and stir thoroughly until it is fully dissolved into the warm liquid.
- Add Yogurt and Juice: Allow the mixture to cool slightly before whisking in the Greek yogurt, blood orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour into Molds: Divide the panna cotta mixture evenly among six serving glasses or molds. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set firmly.
- Prepare Raspberry Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and create a smooth sauce, about 5-7 minutes.
- Strain Sauce: Optional: Pass the raspberry sauce through a fine sieve to remove seeds for a smoother texture. Let cool to room temperature.
- Serve: Once the panna cotta is set, spoon the raspberry sauce over each serving. Garnish with additional blood orange zest or fresh raspberries if desired and serve chilled.
Notes
- Be sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Blooming the gelatin properly is crucial to avoid lumps in the panna cotta.
- Fresh blood orange juice will give the best color and flavor, but if unavailable, substitute with fresh navel orange juice for a milder taste.
- For a vegan version, replace gelatin with agar-agar powder and use coconut cream instead of dairy cream and milk.
- Allow enough refrigeration time for panna cotta to fully set, typically 4-6 hours or overnight.
