How to Make Lavender White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Blackberry Coulis

Ready for a dessert that’s as elegant as it is easy?

Imagine delicate, creamy panna cotta infused with the calming aroma of lavender and the rich sweetness of white chocolate. Topped with a vibrant blackberry coulis, this dessert isn’t just delicious – it’s a showstopper that will impress everyone. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make!

Why You’ll Love It

• The creamy, smooth texture of panna cotta is simply irresistible.
• The delicate floral notes of lavender perfectly complement the sweet white chocolate.
• It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
• The vibrant blackberry coulis adds a burst of tartness and visual appeal.
• Perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, or a treat yourself moment.
• It can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy hosts.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets this lavender and white chocolate panna cotta apart is the careful balance of flavors. The lavender isn’t overpowering; instead, it provides a subtle floral backdrop that enhances the richness of the white chocolate. The addition of the fresh blackberry coulis creates a contrast in taste and color, elevating the dessert to another level. This isn’t just any panna cotta; it’s a taste of pure sophistication.

Ingredient List

• 2 cups heavy cream: The foundation for our rich and creamy texture.
• 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds the right consistency.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For the perfect sweetness.
• 1/4 cup dried lavender flowers: The secret to that unique floral note.
• 6 oz white chocolate, finely chopped: For that decadent flavor.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 tbsp gelatin powder: Helps set the panna cotta.
• 3 tbsp cold water: For blooming the gelatin.
• 2 cups fresh blackberries: For a lovely tart coulis.
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar: For the coulis.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds a touch of acidity to the coulis.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes a thick gel.
2. Infuse the Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and dried lavender flowers. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let it steep for 30 minutes to infuse the lavender flavor.
3. Strain the Cream: Strain the cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lavender flowers. Return the cream to the saucepan.
4. Melt the Chocolate: Add the finely chopped white chocolate to the warm cream. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Add Gelatin: Gently melt the bloomed gelatin over low heat. Make sure it does not boil. Once melted, add it to the warm white chocolate mixture. Stir until well combined.
6. Pour into Glasses: Pour the panna cotta mixture into individual serving glasses or ramekins. Let them cool to room temperature.
7. Chill: Cover the glasses with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the panna cotta is completely set.
8. Make the Coulis: While the panna cotta chills, prepare the blackberry coulis. In a small saucepan, combine the fresh blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries have broken down and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 10-15 minutes.
9. Blend the Coulis: Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Blend the blackberry mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds, if desired.
10. Serve: Once the panna cotta is set, top each serving with a generous spoonful of the blackberry coulis. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Optional Toppings/Variations

Feeling fancy? Add a sprinkle of lavender sugar for an extra touch of elegance. For a textural contrast, you can add a few toasted chopped almonds on top. Another yummy addition would be a few fresh blackberries.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Boil: When heating the cream, avoid boiling as this can affect the texture of the panna cotta.
• Steep Properly: Allow the lavender to steep for the full 30 minutes to ensure maximum flavor infusion.
• Strain Thoroughly: Make sure to strain the cream and the coulis well to remove any solids for the smoothest textures.
• Chill Completely: Ensure the panna cotta is completely chilled and set before adding the coulis. It will need at least 4 hours.
• Work Quickly: Once you melt the gelatin, add it to the cream mixture immediately to prevent it from setting prematurely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use agar agar instead of gelatin? Yes, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of agar agar powder but note that the texture might differ slightly. You’ll need to dissolve the agar agar in the milk, bring to a boil, simmer for a few minutes, then continue with the recipe.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! Panna cotta is ideal for making in advance. Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. Add the coulis right before serving.
• Can I substitute with another berry for the coulis? Of course! Raspberries or blueberries would also work wonderfully. You can adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your chosen berry.
• Can I use lavender essential oil instead of dried flowers? It’s not recommended as essential oils can be very potent and might not be food-grade. Stick with dried lavender for the best and safest results.
• Can I reduce the amount of sugar? Yes, but be cautious as sugar helps with setting the panna cotta. You can reduce it slightly, but too little could prevent it from setting.

Variations and Customization Options

Want to experiment? Try swapping the white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile. For a vegan version, use coconut cream and agar agar. Add a pinch of sea salt to the blackberry coulis to enhance the flavor. You can also play around with different floral infusions such as rose or chamomile.

Serving Suggestions

This Lavender and White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Blackberry Coulis is perfect for elegant dinner parties or a simple yet sophisticated dessert. Serve in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers of creamy panna cotta and vibrant coulis. Garnish with a few fresh blackberries or a sprig of lavender for an extra touch of elegance.

Conclusion

This Lavender and White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Blackberry Coulis is a delightful dessert that combines elegance and ease. The delicate floral notes, creamy texture, and burst of berry flavor make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So why not try it out and treat yourself and your loved ones to this heavenly dessert? Don’t forget to share your photos and tag us! Subscribe to our newsletter for more amazing recipes.

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