Save Celebrate love with this exquisite Valentines Day Strawberry Panna Cotta. This silky, creamy Italian dessert features a delicate vanilla-infused cream topped with a vibrant, homemade strawberry sauce. It is an elegant and romantic choice for a special occasion, offering a sophisticated finish to your dinner that is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Save Italian for "cooked cream," panna cotta is a timeless classic that relies on simple, high-quality ingredients. By infusing the cream with vanilla and pairing it with fresh strawberries, you create a dessert that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether it is for Valentine's Day or any romantic evening, this dish is sure to impress.
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
To ensure a perfectly smooth dessert, make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved before adding the vanilla. Avoid boiling the cream mixture, as high heat can weaken the thickening power of the gelatin and alter the creamy flavor.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily substitute raspberries or mixed berries for the strawberries for a different flavor profile. For those looking for a lighter version, half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream, though the dessert will be slightly less rich.
Serviervorschläge
Present this dessert in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful contrast between the white cream and the red sauce. For a truly festive touch, pair the panna cotta with a chilled glass of sparkling rosé.
Save This Valentines Day Strawberry Panna Cotta is more than just a dessert; it is a celebration of simple elegance. With its 310 calories per serving and gluten-free ingredients, it is a delightful treat that fits beautifully into a romantic evening. Enjoy the smooth, vanilla-scented cream and the fresh burst of strawberries with someone special.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I bloom gelatin properly?
Sprinkle gelatin evenly over cold milk and let it absorb moisture for about 5 minutes until it swells. This ensures smooth dissolution when heated.
- → Can I use a different fruit for the sauce?
Yes, raspberries or mixed berries work well. Adjust sugar and lemon juice to balance sweetness and acidity.
- → What is the best way to achieve a smooth sauce?
After cooking the strawberries with sugar and lemon juice, blend the mixture until desired consistency for a silky finish.
- → How long should the dessert chill before serving?
Refrigerate at least 4 hours or until fully set to achieve a firm yet creamy texture.
- → Can I substitute heavy cream for a lighter option?
Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream creates a lighter texture but may reduce richness slightly.