Lavender panna cotta is an impressive dessert that is easier to make than you think.
Disclosure: The culinary lavender I used in this recipe was provided to me at no cost by Olivenation. All opinions are my own. Links to the lavender are affiliate links. I only recommend products I choose from companies I trust. Thanks for supporting the companies that support Salt & Lavender!
As I approach my 100th post on this blog, I figured I really should make something with lavender in it. I mean hello, it's right in my blog's name. I was pleased when I browsed Olivenation's site and saw that they had culinary lavender available as it's not something I've seen in my regular grocery stores.
It took me a couple of attempts to get this recipe right. The first time was tasty, but the lavender flavor wasn't coming through strong enough, so I went back to the drawing board. This time = success.
You've probably noticed that this blog's focus isn't usually on desserts. That's because I'm no baker. I didn't realize panna cotta was so easy to make. Let's just say that if I can get it right, anyone can.
You may also like my Lavender Lemonade Popsicles.
I decided to use Greek yogurt in this recipe. I love the way it tastes, and I like the bit of tanginess it adds to the dessert. Vanilla makes the dessert even more fragrant and rich tasting.
You can put panna cotta into molds and then take them out and plate them, but I found that to be a bit of a pain.
It's much easier to put them into nice looking containers and just eat them out of there with a spoon. Many people use stemless wine glasses for their panna cotta.
Need some good culinary lavender? Buy it here.
Questions? Feel free to ask!
Lavender Panna Cotta
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon gelatin
- 1 1/4 cups heavy/whipping cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (I used 2% fat)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 teaspoons lavender water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Lavender water:
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the lavender water by adding 2 tablespoons boiling water to the lavender. Let steep for 15 minutes and then use a fine sieve (or even a paper tea filer) to strain it. You should be left with 2 teaspoons of liquid. Set lavender water aside.
- Add gelatin and water to a small bowl to soften the powder. Set aside.
- Add cream and sugar to a small saucepan on medium heat. Heat until the cream starts to bubble around the edges (about 5 minutes, it shouldn't be boiling). Whisk until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the gelatin mixture until it's dissolved.
- Whisk in the yogurt, salt, lavender water, vanilla, and optional food coloring (6 drops blue, 6 drops red).
- Pour into glasses or molds. Chill for at least 3 hours. If you're going to chill it overnight, cover each container.
Notes
- Adapted from The Kitchn.
Rohini Banerjee says
Could you please tell me if the gelatin can be substituted with agar powder and the proportions? I'd absolutely love to try this and wouldn't want to miss out just because we are vegetarians. I could almost taste and smell it from your gorgeous pictures! Also, I have very good quality lavender extract at hand and no lavender flowers.
Natasha says
Hello! I have no idea, unfortunately. 🙁 I really can't say without testing, and I have never used agar powder before. I'd hate to guess wrong and have you waste your lovely lavender extract. Perhaps find a recipe for regular vegetarian panna cotta and then tweak it using the lavender extract?
Elaine says
Very keen to try this, but ou suggest 1tbsp of gelatin - what would the equivalent be in gelatin sheets?
Natasha says
Hi Elaine!! I just did a little research, and a typical gelatin sheet seems to equal one teaspoon. So, if yours are a typical size, it would be 3 sheets (3 teaspoons in a tablespoon).
Yang says
I love that gorgeous lavender color! I will be trying this out later after work today. Thanks for sharing this recipe, Natasha! I will also be making some for my friends soon.
Natasha says
Thank you ❤️❤️
Paolo says
a 100% italian dessert based on greek yoghurt and you call it american cuisine?
nice blog anyway, pics are eyecatching
Natasha says
Haha good point. I think my logic was that when I was researching methods to make it, I used an American website (The Kitchn).
Cindy Rodriguez says
I adore lavender. I have a ton of it growing in my neighborhood, and it's always reminding me how much I would like to back with some, but I haven't yet. I'll check out Olivenation. This recipe looks absolutely amazing, so creamy. Thanks for sharing.
Natasha says
Thanks, Cindy! You definitely should - cooking with lavender is just lovely!
Jody Cain says
I bought culinary lavender at a lavender farm/winery in Sonoma County and didn't know what to make with it. Then ar a restaurant in Geyserville I had an absolutely delicious Lavender Panna Cotta for desert, so I was thrilled to find your recipe. I will be trying it soon. Thank you so much!
Natasha says
That's great, Jody! Let me know if you like it 🙂
Krysten (@momnoms) says
I love the idea of this dessert. I have to buy culinary lavender, but I am definitely making this for my friends on Thursday!
Another great recipe!!
Natasha says
I hope you enjoy it!! ????
simonacallas says
I made lavender macarons and lavender cake, but not lavender panna cotta. This dessert looks so wonderful and creamy and so beautiful colored ❤ I noticed you don't have many desserts on your blog and I honestly don't now why, because you are so talented and fine observer and the pictures you take here are gorgeous 🙂
Natasha says
Thanks 🙂 it's because a) I haven't baked much in my life and b) I don't have much of a sweet tooth. I'd rather spend my calories on salty food. ? but thank you. And I would like to eventually add more desserts. We will see!
Isabel says
I just love this idea! Have to give it a try soon.
X Isabel
Natasha says
Great! Thanks 🙂
Kate @ Babaganosh.org says
Oooh, this sounds awesome. I love lavender desserts and drinks and LOVE panna cotta (although I have never tried to make it). I might have to trust you and attempt it.
Natasha says
You can doo it!! I swear it's super simple 🙂
Joleen @ Joleen Cuisine says
Beautiful!! Lovely recipe and as always, the photography is amazing! 🙂 So perfect for the spring, too.
Natasha says
Thanks Joleen! ?
Julie says
This looks so delicious! & your pictures are gorgeous! Can't wait to try this recipe out.
http://juliefylife.blogspot.com
Natasha says
Thanks Julie!! Let me know if you end up making it 🙂
Amber says
Not gonna lie; I'm kinda losing my mind over this recipe! It's so beautiful, I love lavender, and it's a dessert.. It matches everything I love about food haha. Lovely post. I cannot wait to try this. When I make it, I'll be sure to share it to my social media and tag you!
Natasha says
Thank you Amber!! I'm glad it struck a chord with you 😉 I hope it works out and you enjoy it!
Isabel says
I also love cooking with lavender! Such a delicate taste that can bring miracles (or disasters if not careful haha) in your kitchen!
Natasha says
Agreed 🙂 thanks Isabel!!
nicole (thespicetrain.com) says
Gorgeous, just gorgeous!!
Natasha says
Thank you Nicole!!
Allie | In This Kitchen says
Eep, they're gorgeous! Lavender is just dreamy. I was also really excited when I found out you can use greek yogurt in panna cotta, I love it.
Natasha says
Thanks so much, Allie!!
Amber-Lee says
Lavender is my spirit animal and this recipe is everything. Thank you so much for sharing! xo
Natasha says
Aww, thank you!!
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
I right there with ya...so much easier to leave in a pretty dish than to try and get it out of there. The only reasonable way to get panna cotta out of a dish is to insert spoon and put in mouth, lol. These look so creamy and pretty! Love the use of Greek yogurt. I've never baked with lavender before, but I bet it's delicious!
Natasha says
Insert spoon and put in mouth haha I like it. Thanks Dawn 🙂
Vivian | stayaliveandcooking says
I looove panna cotta but have never had any with lavender! Love the idea 🙂 Will pin this for later, I definitely have to try this! So cool, imagine serving this after a dinner.
Natasha says
Thanks Vivian!
Amy l worthyoursalt says
gosh, the colors!! so beautiful, and panna cotta with the fragrance of lavender sounds dreamy. This would be perfect to make for a dinner party.
Natasha says
Thank you Amy 🙂