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single strawberry basil panna cotta served in a wine glass.

Strawberry Basil Panna Cotta

This Strawberry Basil Panna Cotta is a smooth, creamy Italian dessert made with sweet strawberries, aromatic basil, and a touch of vanilla. It's a simple, no-bake treat that combines fresh, seasonal ingredients for a sophisticated yet easy-to-make dish. Perfect for summer gatherings and celebrations.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
setting 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian / Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb fresh strawberries
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp gelatin
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional
  • Balsamic reduction optional for drizzling

Method
 

Prepare the Strawberry Puree:
  1. Wash and cut strawberries into small cubes.
  2. In a pan, cook strawberries with sugar over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the fruit softens.
  3. Use an immersion blender to blend the strawberries into a smooth puree. Set aside to cool.
Hydrate the Gelatin:
  1. Sprinkle gelatin granules over the milk in a small bowl. Stir lightly and let it sit for 3-4 minutes until it swells.
Heat the Cream:
  1. In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the skin from forming. Heat until tiny bubbles appear at the edges (but do not boil).
  2. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
Combine Gelatin with Strawberry Puree:
  1. Add the hydrated gelatin to the strawberry puree and stir to combine.
  2. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into the warm cream to ensure a smooth texture.
Final Mix and Set:
  1. Stir everything together until well combined.
  2. Pour into individual ramekins or glasses and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is best for the flavors to fully develop).
Serve:
  1. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic reduction just before serving, if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute Greek yogurt for cream for a lighter version of the dessert.
  • If using frozen strawberries, ensure to thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before pureeing.
  • If you'd like to make this dish vegetarian, substitute gelatin with agar-agar (about 1 teaspoon of agar-agar powder).