Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Sweet Berry Compote

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both impressive and easy to make, panna cotta is a great option. Buttermilk panna cotta offers a tangy twist on the classic recipe, and when paired with a sweet berry compote, it becomes a delicious combination of creamy and fruity flavors. Whether you’re hosting guests or just want something special for yourself, this dessert checks all the boxes.

This blog post will guide you through the process of making buttermilk panna cotta from scratch, explain a few important techniques, and give you tips for serving it with a berry compote that adds just the right amount of sweetness.

What is Panna Cotta?

Panna cotta, which means “cooked cream” in Italian, is a simple dessert made from a mixture of cream, sugar, and gelatin. The mixture is heated until it just starts to steam, then chilled to set into a smooth, custard-like texture. It’s rich without being too heavy, and can be flavored in many ways.

By adding buttermilk, we bring a slight tang to the dessert, balancing out the richness of the cream. Buttermilk also gives it a lighter feel without making it less satisfying.

Why Gelatin is Key

Gelatin is what helps the panna cotta hold its shape once it cools. It provides structure but doesn’t make the dessert feel stiff. You only need a small amount for the right texture, but it’s important to handle the gelatin properly to ensure smooth results.

Before adding gelatin to the cream mixture, it needs to be bloomed. This simply means allowing it to soak in water for a few minutes so that it dissolves evenly. If you skip this step or don’t give the gelatin enough time to bloom, you might end up with lumps in your panna cotta, and no one wants that.

How to Make Buttermilk Panna Cotta

Here’s a step-by-step guide for making the panna cotta. It’s an easy process, but following these steps will help you get the best results.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the gelatin: Start by blooming the gelatin. Sprinkle it over 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. During this time, the gelatin will absorb the water and swell up, making it ready to dissolve in the warm cream mixture.
2. Heat the cream mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, buttermilk, and sugar. Place the pan over medium heat, stirring frequently. You don’t want to boil the mixture; just heat it until steam starts to rise from the surface. This should take around 5-7 minutes. If the mixture gets too hot, it could affect how well the gelatin sets later.
3. Add gelatin and vanilla: Once the cream mixture is hot, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin and vanilla extract. Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved by stirring for a minute or two. If you still see small lumps of gelatin, keep stirring until everything is smooth.
4. Pour into ramekins: Now, divide the mixture evenly among 4 to 6 ramekins or small cups. You can use any container that’s heatproof and will let the panna cotta set in the fridge. Cover each ramekin with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming on top of the panna cotta.
5. Chill until set: Refrigerate the panna cotta for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have the time. It needs this time to set properly. Once chilled, the texture should be firm enough to hold its shape but still delicate.

Making the Sweet Berry Compote

The berry compote is what brings the whole dessert together. It adds a sweet and tart contrast to the creamy panna cotta and gives it a burst of color and flavor. You can use fresh or frozen berries for this recipe, so it works year-round.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the berries, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The sugar will help break down the berries and create a syrupy consistency, while the lemon adds brightness to the compote.
2. Cook the compote: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes. As the berries start to break down, you’ll notice the sauce thickening. Some berries will soften and lose their shape, but others may stay whole, giving the compote a nice mix of textures.
3. Cool the compote: Once the berries are cooked to your liking, remove the pan from the heat and let the compote cool. It will thicken further as it cools, making it easier to spoon over the panna cotta when it’s time to serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

After the panna cotta has fully set, it’s time to serve. You can either serve it directly in the ramekins or unmold it onto a plate. If you’re serving it on a plate, run a small knife around the edge of the panna cotta to loosen it, then gently invert it onto the plate. You might need to give it a slight shake to release it from the ramekin.

Spoon the berry compote over the top, letting it drip down the sides of the panna cotta. You can also garnish the dish with a few fresh berries or a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

One of the reasons this recipe works so well is the balance of flavors and textures. The panna cotta itself is smooth and creamy, while the berry compote adds a bright, fruity contrast. The tanginess from the buttermilk complements the sweetness of the compote, creating a dessert that isn’t too rich or too sweet.

Another benefit is that it’s a make-ahead dessert, perfect for entertaining. You can prepare both the panna cotta and compote in advance, then assemble everything just before serving. This makes it a stress-free option when you have guests over or when you want a special treat with minimal last-minute work.

Variations You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered this basic buttermilk panna cotta recipe, you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

1. Different Flavors: While vanilla is a classic choice, you can experiment with other flavors. Try adding a splash of almond extract or rosewater to the cream mixture for a unique twist. You could also infuse the cream with coffee or tea for a different taste.
2. Fruit Compote Options: Don’t feel limited to just berries. You can make a compote from almost any fruit. Stone fruits like peaches and cherries work particularly well, as do tropical fruits like mango and pineapple. Adjust the sugar and lemon juice based on the sweetness of the fruit you’re using.
3. Toppings: In addition to compote, panna cotta pairs well with a variety of toppings. Consider adding a drizzle of honey, caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra texture.
4. Layered Panna Cotta: If you’re feeling creative, you can layer different flavors of panna cotta in the same ramekin. For example, you could make one layer with vanilla and another with a fruit puree. Just be sure to let each layer set before adding the next.

Common Questions About Panna Cotta

1. Can I make panna cotta without gelatin?
Gelatin is what gives panna cotta its texture, so it’s a key ingredient in this recipe. However, there are vegetarian alternatives like agar-agar, which can be used as a substitute. Be aware that agar-agar sets more firmly than gelatin, so you may need to experiment with the amount to get the right texture.

2. How long does panna cotta last in the fridge?
Panna cotta can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a convenient make-ahead dessert. Keep it covered with plastic wrap to prevent any odors from being absorbed from the fridge.

3. What if my panna cotta doesn’t set?
If your panna cotta doesn’t set, it’s likely that the gelatin wasn’t dissolved properly or the mixture didn’t get warm enough to activate the gelatin. Next time, make sure to bloom the gelatin and stir it into the warm cream mixture until fully dissolved.

Final Thoughts

Buttermilk panna cotta with berry compote is a simple yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and tangy flavor, paired with the sweetness of fresh berries, it’s sure to be a hit. The best part? It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, so you can enjoy a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

Fluffy and Tangy Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Sweet Berry Compote

Print Recipe

Silky smooth buttermilk panna cotta gets a tangy twist and is served with a vibrant berry compote for a light, creamy, and flavorful dessert.

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Ingredients

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1. For the Panna Cotta:

   • 2 cups heavy cream
   • 1 cup buttermilk
   • 1/3 cup sugar
   • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
   • 2 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin

   For the Berry Compote:

   • 2 cups mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
   • 2 tablespoons sugar
   • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
   • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Bloom the gelatin by sprinkling over 2 tablespoons of cold water and letting sit for 5 minutes.
2. Heat the cream, buttermilk, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until steam starts to rise from the surface. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in the bloomed gelatin and vanilla extract until fully dissolved.
4. Divide the mixture evenly into 4-6 ramekins. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
5. Make the berry compote by combining all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until berries start to break down. Remove from heat and let cool.
6. To serve, run a knife around the edges of the ramekins and invert onto plates. Top with berry compote.

Notes

The panna cotta itself comes together very quickly but needs several hours to chill and set in the fridge before serving. The berry compote can be made in just 5 minutes right before serving.

• Author: Lindsey Chastain
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: dessert

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