Honey Lavender Panna Cotta (Printer-friendly)

A silky Italian dessert with honey and lavender. Perfectly chilled and ideal for spring celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 cups heavy cream
02 - 1 cup whole milk

→ Sweeteners & Flavorings

03 - 1/4 cup honey, plus extra for drizzling
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender buds
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Gelatin

06 - 2 1/4 teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin
07 - 3 tablespoons cold water

→ Garnish

08 - Fresh berries such as blueberries or raspberries
09 - Edible flowers or additional lavender buds

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine heavy cream, whole milk, and lavender buds in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat until just steaming; avoid boiling. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 10 minutes.
02 - Sprinkle powdered gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Allow to sit for 5 minutes until the gelatin absorbs the liquid and becomes swollen.
03 - Strain the cream mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove lavender buds. Return the liquid to the saucepan. Stir in honey and vanilla extract, heating gently until the honey fully dissolves and mixture is hot but not boiling.
04 - Remove from heat. Add the bloomed gelatin and whisk thoroughly until completely dissolved.
05 - Pour the mixture evenly into six ramekins or small glasses. Let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
06 - Unmold onto plates if desired, or serve directly in glasses. Drizzle with extra honey and garnish with berries and edible flowers.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The secret is letting the lavender steep just long enough for perfume without bitterness.
  • This panna cotta sets perfectly every time and always sparks conversation at the table.
02 -
  • Once, I forgot to strain the lavender and the result was bitter—don&apost skip that sieve.
  • Bloomed gelatin blends best with the hot mixture; if you rush this step, you get lumps.
03 -
  • Allow the mixture to cool slightly before chilling to prevent condensation.
  • The secret to unmolding easily is dipping the ramekins briefly in warm water.
Go Back