There’s an undeniable charm in the silky smoothness of a well-made panna cotta, and when infused with pandan and coconut, it transforms into a tropical paradise on your plate. The vibrant green hue of pandan powder gives this dessert a delightful surprise, while the rich flavor of coconut milk adds a creamy depth that keeps you coming back for more.
I discovered this Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta during a quest to break free from the monotonous fast-food cycle that had snuck into my routine. One taste of this refreshing dessert, and I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create an elegant treat that impresses guests and satisfies your sweet tooth.
Join me as I guide you through this easy-to-follow recipe that not only brings a slice of sunshine to your table but also offers a delicious way to celebrate the beauty of homemade desserts. Get ready to indulge in a tropical escape!
Why is Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta special?
Uniquely Tropical: This panna cotta combines pandan and coconut for a refreshing twist on a classic dessert.
Effortless Elegance: With minimal prep time, you can whip up a dish that looks and tastes gourmet.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for gatherings, this dessert will impress guests and become a conversation starter.
Versatile Serving: Enjoy it chilled with shredded coconut or fresh pandan leaves for an extra touch of flair.
Simplicity: The straightforward steps make this recipe ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a delicious homemade treat.
Dive into more delightful recipes with our easy panna cotta ideas to complement your dessert repertoire!
Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta Ingredients
Create this luscious dessert with these simple, yet delightful ingredients!
For the Base
- 350 g whole milk – This forms the creamy foundation of your panna cotta.
- 45 g granulated sugar – Sweetens the mixture and balances the flavors.
- 100 g coconut milk – Adds a rich, tropical flavor to the panna cotta.
- 150 g heavy cream – Ensures a luxuriously creamy texture.
For Gelling
- 10 g gelatin sheets – Essential for achieving the perfect set, providing stability to your dessert.
For Flavor
- 10 g pandan powder – Infuses a unique, sweet flavor and vibrant green color.
For Garnish
- shredded coconut – Use this as a delightful topping to enhance the coconut flavor in your Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta.
How to Make Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta
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Combine whole milk and granulated sugar in a saucepan. Heat over low, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely. Turn off the heat and set aside.
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Mix 55g of warm milk from step one with pandan powder in a small bowl until it’s smooth and lump-free. This vibrant mixture adds a beautiful color and aroma! Pour this into the saucepan, stirring to blend everything harmoniously.
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Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for 5–10 minutes until they soften, ensuring they dissolve well in the heat later.
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Heat the milk mixture gently until it reaches around 50°C (122°F). This is crucial for melting the gelatin without cooking the mixture. Remove from heat immediately.
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Dissolve the softened gelatin by squeezing out excess water and stirring it into the warm milk mixture until completely melted. Then, add coconut milk and heavy cream, mixing gently until smooth.
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Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to ensure a silky texture, free of any lumps. Pour this luscious blend into molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set firm.
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Garnish the panna cotta with shredded coconut or fresh pandan leaves just before serving, adding a delightful finishing touch to your tropical dessert.
Optional: Add a drizzle of honey for added sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delightful dessert and make it your own!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with coconut cream and almond milk for a luscious dairy-free version.
- Sugar Substitute: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of granulated sugar for a natural sweetener that adds a hint of warmth.
- Flavor Boost: Infuse the milk mixture with vanilla bean or a dash of cardamom for an aromatic twist that complements the coconut beautifully.
- Matcha Twist: Mix in 5g of matcha powder with the pandan for a delightful green tea flavor and a stunning color contrast.
- Pudding Cups: Pour the mixture into small cups instead of molds for easy serving. Top with seasonal fruit for a fresh touch.
- Choco-Coconut: Incorporate cocoa powder into the milk mixture for a chocolatey panna cotta that pairs beautifully with the coconut.
- Citrus Kiss: Add a splash of lime or lemon juice to the coconut milk for a zesty kick that brightens the dessert.
- Nutty Texture: Top with toasted almond slices or crushed pistachios for an unexpected crunch that enhances the overall experience.
Embrace these variations to surprise your taste buds and make every panna cotta a unique adventure!
How to Store and Freeze Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta
Fridge: Store any leftover Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep it fresh and creamy!
Freezer: If you need to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: Thaw the panna cotta in the fridge overnight, and serve chilled. Avoid reheating, as it may compromise the creamy texture.
Garnish: Keep garnishes separate until just before serving to maintain their freshness and crunch!
Expert Tips for Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta
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Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use a kitchen scale for the best results, especially with gelatin. Precision is key in achieving the perfect consistency of your Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta.
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Soak Gelatin Properly: Don’t skip soaking the gelatin sheets adequately. Properly hydrated sheets dissolve better and ensure a smooth final product.
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Temperature Matters: Keep an eye on the milk mixture’s temperature; too hot can cook the cream, too cold won’t dissolve the gelatin. Aim for around 50°C (122°F).
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Strain for Smoothness: Straining the mixture is essential. It removes any lumps or undissolved gelatin, ensuring your panna cotta has that silky finish we all love.
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Chill Long Enough: While the minimum setting time is 4 hours, for the best flavor and texture, chill overnight. This will enhance the overall experience of your dessert.
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Garnish Creatively: Get playful with garnishes like fruit or edible flowers to take your Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta to the next level visually and flavor-wise!
What to Serve with Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta?
Indulge in a full meal experience that balances fresh, vibrant flavors with creamy delights.
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Tropical Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of mango, pineapple, and kiwi provides a sweet contrast to the panna cotta’s richness. This colorful salad brightens your dessert table beautifully.
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Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats echo the coconut flavor, bringing texture and a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly for a harmonious dessert duo.
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Matcha Green Tea: A warm, slightly bitter green tea balances the sweetness of the panna cotta, adding depth and creating a sophisticated finish to the meal.
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Passion Fruit Sauce: Drizzle this zesty sauce on top for an invigorating tartness that beautifully enhances the tropical notes of the panna cotta.
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Almond Biscotti: The crunch of these nutty cookies adds a delightful bite alongside the smooth panna cotta, great for dipping and savoring with coffee or tea.
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Chilled Mint Lemonade: A refreshing drink that cleanses the palate and brightens the dessert experience, offering a burst of citrusy flavor to complement the coconut and pandan.
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Chocolate Mousse: For those who crave extra indulgence, this rich dessert contrasting with the panna cotta’s lightness will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Make Ahead Options
These delicious Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time during the week! You can prepare the entire panna cotta mixture up to 24 hours ahead by following the initial steps and refrigerating the mixture in the molds. This way, the panna cotta has time to set slowly and evenly, ensuring delightful creaminess. To maintain the quality, keep it covered in the fridge to prevent any absorption of odors. When ready to serve, simply garnish with shredded coconut or fresh pandan leaves and enjoy your effortlessly elegant dessert just as delicious as if it were freshly made!
Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta Recipe FAQs
What type of pandan powder should I use?
Absolutely! Make sure you’re using pure pandan powder, which is derived from the leaves. It’s naturally green and packed with that charming pandan flavor. Avoid products that may contain artificial colors or flavors, as they won’t give you the same delightful experience.
How do I know when my panna cotta is set?
The panna cotta should be firm to the touch but still have a slight jiggle when you move the mold. This usually takes at least 4 hours to set properly in the refrigerator, but for the best results, I recommend letting it chill overnight. This not only improves texture but also melds the flavors beautifully.
Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Very! For a dairy-free or vegan version of your Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk or any preferred non-dairy milk. Use agar-agar instead of gelatin; follow the package instructions to ensure the right setting. Mix it with coconut cream and pandan powder just like you would with the original ingredients, and enjoy the tropical delight worry-free!
How should I store leftovers?
After enjoying your delightful dessert, store any remaining Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to avoid any off-flavors or smells from other foods. If you love leftovers, consider freezing the panna cotta for longer-term storage.
Can I freeze Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta?
Absolutely! You can freeze your panna cotta for up to 2 months. Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remember, don’t try to reheat it as it may change that luxurious creamy texture you adore.
What should I do if my panna cotta doesn’t set properly?
If your panna cotta doesn’t seem to be setting, it might be due to insufficient gelatin or incorrect temperatures when combining the ingredients. Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved in the warm milk and that you’re using the correct amount. If you find it hasn’t set, you could gently reheat the mixture, add a little more gelatin, and let it cool again before pouring into molds to set. It might take a little more time, but your effort will be worthwhile!
Delightfully Creamy Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta to Swoon Over
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine whole milk and granulated sugar in a saucepan. Heat over low, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Mix 55g of warm milk from step one with pandan powder in a small bowl until it's smooth. Pour this into the saucepan, stirring to blend everything harmoniously.
- Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for 5-10 minutes until they soften.
- Heat the milk mixture gently until it reaches around 50°C (122°F). Remove from heat immediately.
- Dissolve the softened gelatin by squeezing out excess water and stirring it into the warm milk mixture until completely melted. Then, add coconut milk and heavy cream, mixing gently until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to ensure a silky texture. Pour this blend into molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set firm.
- Garnish the panna cotta with shredded coconut or fresh pandan leaves just before serving.