Valentines Day Strawberry Panna

There is something undeniably magical about a dessert that looks as beautiful as it tastes, and this Valentine's Day Strawberry Panna Cotta is exactly that. Born from the sun-kissed kitchens of Italy, panna cotta—meaning "cooked cream"—is one of the most elegant yet effortless desserts in the world. With its silky, vanilla-infused body and a crown of vibrant homemade strawberry sauce, this recipe transforms just a handful of simple ingredients into something truly worthy of celebration. Whether you are planning a romantic dinner for two or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this dessert sets the perfect mood.

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What makes this panna cotta so special is the balance between richness and lightness. The heavy cream provides that characteristic velvety texture, while the bloomed gelatin gives the dessert its signature gentle wobble—firm enough to hold its shape, yet soft enough to melt on the tongue. The strawberry sauce, cooked briefly with a touch of lemon juice to brighten its natural sweetness, adds a tangy contrast that makes every spoonful a harmonious experience. Serve it in elegant glasses for a stunning presentation, and finish with a few sliced fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a pop of colour that says romance without saying a word.

Ingredients

• For the Panna Cotta:
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp (7 g) powdered gelatin
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• For the Strawberry Sauce:
• 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• For Garnish (Optional):
• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Mint leaves

Instructions

Step 1 – Bloom the Gelatin

In a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the whole milk and let it bloom for 5 minutes. This step ensures the gelatin dissolves evenly and the panna cotta sets with a smooth, silky texture.

Step 2 – Heat the Cream

In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves and the cream is hot but not boiling.

Step 3 – Add the Gelatin

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin mixture and whisk thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved and no lumps remain.

Step 4 – Add Vanilla

Add the vanilla extract to the cream mixture and mix well to combine, infusing the cream with its warm, aromatic flavour.

Step 5 – Set the Panna Cotta

Pour the mixture evenly into 4 serving glasses or ramekins. Allow them to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.

Step 6 – Make the Strawberry Sauce

Combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices.

Step 7 – Finish the Sauce

Mash the cooked strawberries slightly with a spoon, then allow the sauce to cool. For a smoother consistency, blend the sauce until you reach your desired texture.

Step 8 – Assemble

Once the panna cotta has fully set, spoon the cooled strawberry sauce generously over each serving.

Step 9 – Garnish and Serve

If desired, garnish each glass with sliced fresh strawberries and a few mint leaves for an elegant, festive finish.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Achte darauf, die Gelatine vollständig in der Milch aufblühen zu lassen, bevor du sie in die heiße Sahne einrührst – dieser Schritt ist entscheidend für eine gleichmäßig glatte Konsistenz. Die Sahnemischung sollte heiß, aber niemals kochend sein, da zu hohe Temperaturen die Gelierkraft der Gelatine schwächen können. Beim Abfüllen in die Gläser oder Förmchen empfiehlt es sich, die Mischung durch ein feines Sieb zu gießen, um eventuelle Klümpchen aufzufangen. Die Panna Cotta kann bis zu zwei Tage im Voraus zubereitet und abgedeckt im Kühlschrank aufbewahrt werden – die Erdbeer-Sauce hingegen am besten frisch zubereiten oder separat bis zum Servieren lagern.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Dieses Rezept lässt sich wunderbar variieren. Anstelle von frischen Erdbeeren kann die Sauce auch mit Himbeeren oder einer Mischung aus verschiedenen Beeren zubereitet werden, was dem Dessert eine leicht herbere Note verleiht. Wer eine leichtere Version bevorzugt, kann die Sahne durch Halbfettsahne (Half-and-Half) ersetzen, wobei die Panna Cotta dann etwas weniger cremig ausfällt. Für eine intensivere Vanillenote lässt sich anstelle von Vanilleextrakt das Mark einer echten Vanilleschote verwenden – einfach zusammen mit der Sahne erhitzen und anschließend herausnehmen. Die Sauce kann nach Geschmack glatt püriert oder stückig belassen werden.

Serviervorschläge

Die Panna Cotta wird am besten direkt aus dem Kühlschrank serviert, in eleganten Gläsern oder klassischen Förmchen, großzügig mit der Erdbeer-Sauce übergossen. Frische Erdbeerscheiben und ein paar Minzblätter verleihen dem Dessert eine farbenfrohe, festliche Note, die besonders am Valentinstag beeindruckt. Als Getränkebegleitung empfiehlt sich ein prickelnder Rosé-Sekt, dessen fruchtige Frische die Cremigkeit der Panna Cotta wunderbar ergänzt. Für ein vollständiges romantisches Menü lässt sich dieses Dessert hervorragend nach einem leichten Pasta-Gericht oder einem klassischen Risotto servieren.

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This Valentine's Day Strawberry Panna Cotta is more than just a dessert—it is a love letter written in cream and berries. With its minimal preparation, beautiful presentation, and crowd-pleasing flavour, it proves that romance does not require complexity, only care. Whether you are sharing it across a candlelit table or surprising someone special with a treat they will never forget, this recipe is guaranteed to make the moment sweeter. Keep it in your repertoire well beyond February, because a dessert this good deserves to be celebrated all year long.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best way to bloom gelatin?

Sprinkle gelatin over cold milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb moisture before heating to ensure smooth incorporation.

→ Can other berries be used instead of strawberries?

Yes, raspberries or mixed berries can replace strawberries, offering a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

→ How do you achieve a smooth strawberry sauce?

Cook the berries with sugar and lemon juice until soft, then mash lightly or blend until smooth for a fine consistency.

→ What alternative can be used for heavy cream to lighten the dish?

Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream to create a lighter version with less richness.

→ How long should the mixture chill before serving?

Allow the mixture to set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours until fully firm for the best texture.

→ What garnishes complement this dish?

Fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves add color, freshness, and a pleasant aroma to the creamy base.