This vegan panna cotta is a silky, creamy Italian dessert made entirely from plant-based ingredients and infused with flecks of vanilla. Serve drizzled with our berry coulis and additional fresh berries for the perfect elegant holiday dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Agar agar powder: This is the main thickening agent in this vegan panna cotta and replaces the traditional gelatin. Unfortunately, it’s a unique ingredient that cannot be substituted with another ingredient (agar agar flakes won’t work – sorry!).
- Vegan heavy cream Mimics the rich, creamy texture of dairy-based heavy cream and adds the perfect thickness to the panna cotta. Thankfully, several brands of vegan heavy cream are now available in mainstream grocery stores, so use the version you like or have access to!
- Sugar: Plain, granulated sugar sweetens this Italian dessert without altering the color or overpowering the flavor. Opt for organic sugar to ensure your dessert is vegan.
- Vanilla: We love the more intense flavor and specks of vanilla that vanilla paste adds, but feel free to use vanilla extract!
for the berry topping (coulis)
- Berries: Use your favorite berries, fresh or frozen.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar enhances the sweetness in the berries without affecting the color or flavor of the coulis.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the coulis into a puree-like consistency that’s easier to pour. It also contributes to its glossy appearance, which elevates the overall dessert!
- Lemon juice: Balances the sweetness in the berries with some acidity. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best!
- Vanilla: Enhances the vanilla flavor in the panna cotta.
How to Make Vegan Panna Cotta
- Prep the ramekins. Spray 5 ramekins with cooking spray, then use a paper towel to wipe out most of the oil, leaving just a light residue behind. Set aside.
- Rehydrate the agar agar powder. In a small bowl, whisk together the agar agar and water. Set aside.
- Bring the heavy cream and sugar to a boil. Add the heavy cream and sugar to a medium saucepan and set over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking every so often.
- Whisk in the agar agar. Once the cream and sugar mixture reaches a boil, whisk in the agar agar. Continue boiling for 3 minutes, watching to ensure it doesn’t spill over, stirring constantly.
- Whisk in the vanilla and salt. Remove the saucepan from the heat, then whisk in the vanilla and salt.
- Pour into ramekins and set overnight. Pour the panna cotta mixture evenly between the prepped ramekins and let cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Transfer to the refrigerator to set overnight, at least 6 hours.
- Serve. Invert the panna cotta onto serving plates or serve directly in the ramekins. Top with berry topping and enjoy!
Find the full printable recipe here: Vegan Vanilla Panna Cotta
