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
Scale
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.
