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Silky Lavender Honey Panna Cotta with Fresh Strawberry Coulis

silky lavender honey panna cotta - featured image

A delicate and creamy panna cotta infused with culinary lavender and sweetened with honey, paired with a fresh and vibrant strawberry coulis. This easy dessert is perfect for special occasions or a quick treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
  • 2 cups heavy cream (480 ml)
  • 1/3 cup honey (113 g)
  • 1 tablespoon culinary lavender buds (dried, food-grade; optional but highly recommended)
  • 2 ½ teaspoons gelatin powder (about one packet, unflavored)
  • 3 tablespoons cold water (45 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries (about 450 g), hulled and quartered
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bloom the gelatin: Sprinkle 2 ½ teaspoons of gelatin over 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it softens and absorbs the water.
  2. Infuse lavender: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup whole milk, 2 cups heavy cream, 1/3 cup honey, and 1 tablespoon culinary lavender buds. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it just starts to simmer (around 180°F/82°C). Do not boil.
  3. Steep and strain: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the lavender steep for 10 minutes. Then strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds, pressing gently to extract flavor.
  4. Add gelatin: Return the strained cream mixture to low heat. Whisk in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved (about 1-2 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  5. Pour and chill: Pour the mixture evenly into 6 ramekins or glasses. Let cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
  6. Prepare strawberry coulis: While panna cotta chills, combine 1 pint hulled and quartered strawberries, 2 tablespoons sugar (optional), and 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice in a blender. Pulse until smooth but still slightly textured. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
  7. Serve: Spoon fresh strawberry coulis over the set panna cotta right before serving. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or edible flowers if desired.

Notes

Bloom gelatin properly in cold water before use to avoid lumps. Heat cream mixture gently to avoid boiling which can affect texture. Strain lavender buds for smooth texture. Chill panna cotta at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. Use fresh ripe strawberries for best coulis flavor. For a firmer set, add an extra ½ teaspoon gelatin. Dairy-free and vegan adaptations available using coconut milk/cream and agar-agar.

Nutrition

Keywords: panna cotta, lavender, honey, strawberry coulis, dessert, easy dessert, creamy dessert, floral dessert, gluten-free dessert