Honey Lavender Panna Cotta (Printable Version)

Delicate Italian panna cotta infused with honey and lavender, garnished with berries. Elegant and gently floral treat.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 (1 envelope)
07 - 3 tablespoons cold water

→ Garnish

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

# Directions:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and dried lavender buds. Heat gently over medium heat until the mixture is just steaming, ensuring it does not boil. Remove from heat, cover, and allow lavender to steep for 10 minutes.
02 - While the cream steeps, sprinkle unflavored gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes to hydrate and bloom.
03 - Strain the cream mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove lavender buds. Return the strained liquid to the saucepan. Add honey and vanilla extract, heating gently until honey fully dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
04 - Remove mixture from heat. Add bloomed gelatin and whisk continuously until fully dissolved and incorporated.
05 - Pour the prepared mixture evenly into six ramekins or small glasses. Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover each and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or until fully set.
06 - To serve, unmold onto dessert plates if desired, or offer directly in glassware. Drizzle with additional honey and garnish with fresh berries and edible flowers or extra lavender buds.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The subtle sweetness and floral notes make every spoonful feel like a secret garden treat.
  • It's surprisingly simple, yet consistently impresses at gatherings and never fails to spark conversation.
02 -
  • If you boil the cream, your panna cotta can taste scorched and will lack the delicate texture you crave.
  • Steeping lavender for longer than fifteen minutes turned my first attempt bitter; ten is the sweet spot for aroma without astringency.
03 -
  • Letting the cream mixture cool before adding gelatin avoids graininess—never rush this step.
  • A tiny pinch of salt, whisked in with honey, balances sweetness and brings depth to the floral notes.
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