Lavender Honey Panna Cotta Recipe

Introduction

Lavender Honey Panna Cotta is a delicate and creamy Italian dessert infused with the floral notes of lavender and the natural sweetness of honey. It’s a refreshing treat that’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet moment of indulgence at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons (or 1 packet) gelatin
• 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
• 1/4 cup honey
• For the syrup (optional):
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and dried lavender buds. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is steaming, but do not let it boil.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to soften.
3. Step 3: Remove the cream mixture from the heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin and honey until fully dissolved.
4. Step 4: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds.
5. Step 5: Pour the strained mixture into ramekins or molds. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
6. Step 6: If making the syrup, combine water, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in rose water and orange blossom water if using. Let cool.
7. Step 7: To serve, unmold the panna cotta onto plates and drizzle with additional honey or the prepared syrup. Optionally, garnish with fresh lavender sprigs.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, high-quality honey for a richer flavor that complements the lavender.
• If you don’t have dried lavender buds, you can substitute with a small amount of lavender extract—use sparingly to avoid bitterness.
• For a vegan version, replace gelatin with agar-agar and use coconut milk instead of cream and milk.
• The optional syrup adds a bright, floral contrast; adjust the floral waters to suit your taste or omit them for a simpler syrup.

Storage

Store the panna cotta in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the syrup separate and add just before serving. Reheat the syrup gently if desired, but do not heat the panna cotta as it can melt.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the panna cotta ahead of time?

Yes, panna cotta benefits from resting in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, which helps it set firmly and develop flavors fully.

How can I tell if the panna cotta is properly set?

The panna cotta should be firm to the touch yet still have a slight wobble. If it’s too soft, it may need more chilling time.

Lavender Honey Panna Cotta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 89 reviews

This elegant Lavender Honey Panna Cotta is a creamy, fragrant Italian dessert featuring delicate lavender buds infused in rich cream and milk, sweetened with honey. Served chilled with an optional floral syrup, this panna cotta offers a smooth, subtly floral flavor perfect for a refined finish to any meal.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons (or 1 packet) gelatin
• 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
• 1/4 cup honey

Optional Syrup

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
• 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat the Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and dried lavender buds. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it is steaming, taking care not to let it reach a boil to preserve the delicate lavender flavor.
2. Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes until the gelatin softens and absorbs the water.
3. Combine the Ingredients: Remove the cream mixture from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved, then add the honey and mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Strain the Mixture: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to remove the lavender buds, ensuring a silky smooth texture.
5. Pour into Molds: Divide the strained panna cotta mixture evenly among ramekins or molds. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight until the panna cotta is fully set and firm.
6. Serve: Carefully unmold the panna cotta onto serving plates. Drizzle additional honey over the top and optionally garnish with fresh lavender sprigs for a beautiful presentation. Serve chilled with the optional floral syrup if desired.

Notes

• Do not boil the cream mixture to avoid bitterness and loss of lavender flavor.
• Blooming the gelatin properly is essential for a smooth, firm set.
• The optional syrup with lemon juice and floral waters adds a fragrant, sweet contrast to the creamy panna cotta.
• For easy unmolding, dip the molds briefly in warm water before inverting onto plates.
• You can substitute dried lavender with culinary lavender essential oil but use sparingly due to potency.

Keywords: Lavender Honey Panna Cotta, Italian Dessert, Creamy Panna Cotta, Floral Dessert, Gelatin Dessert, Chilled Dessert