There’s something irresistibly luxurious about Lavender Honey Panna Cotta, a dessert that whispers elegance with every spoonful. Its delicate floral notes, balanced with the mellow sweetness of honey, make it the kind of treat that feels right at home at both intimate dinners and grand celebrations. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to create the perfect silky set, infused with lavender’s calming perfume and a creaminess that feels like a warm embrace.
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Table of Contents
Lavender Honey Panna Cotta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup honey (preferably wildflower or lavender honey)
- 1 tsp culinary-grade dried lavender buds
- 2 ½ tsp powdered gelatin
- 3 tbsp cold water
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: ~280 per serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it bloom for 5–7 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, honey, and lavender buds. Heat over medium until steaming but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and steep for 5 minutes for stronger lavender flavor.
- Strain the mixture to remove lavender buds and return the warm cream mixture to the pot.
- Add the bloomed gelatin and whisk until completely dissolved.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour into ramekins or glasses and chill for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
- Serve with a drizzle of honey, edible flowers, or fresh berries.
Substitutions & Dietary Swaps
For a lighter version, swap whole milk with almond milk or oat milk. To make this Lavender Honey Panna Cotta vegetarian, use agar-agar instead of gelatin (use 1 tsp powdered agar dissolved in warmed liquid, simmer for 1 minute). For a less floral profile, reduce lavender to ½ teaspoon.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Do not boil the cream, overheating reduces smoothness.
- Bloom the gelatin properly to avoid grainy texture.
- Strain the lavender for a cleaner, elegant flavor.
- Chill the serving glasses before pouring in the mixture for a clean set.
- Use high-quality honey; its flavor defines the final result.
Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating
This dessert is perfect for entertaining because you can make it up to 3 days ahead. Cover each serving tightly to prevent fridge odors from transferring. Do not freeze, as freezing breaks the silky texture. Since this is a chilled dessert, reheating is not applicable.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Too firm: Reduce gelatin by ½ tsp next time.
- Too soft: Add an extra ¼–½ tsp gelatin.
- Seized or curdled cream: Heat gently and avoid boiling.
- Overpowering lavender flavor: Steep lavender for less time.
- Air bubbles on top: Gently tap ramekins before chilling.
Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions
Lavender pairs beautifully with bright fruits like berries, stone fruit, and citrus. Add a textured contrast by topping your Lavender Honey Panna Cotta with toasted pistachios or a shortbread cookie.
Pairing Recipes From Our Website
Lavender Honey Panna Cotta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it bloom for 5–7 minutes.
- In a saucepan, heat the cream, milk, honey, and lavender buds until steaming (do not boil).
- Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes for deeper lavender flavor.
- Strain the mixture to remove lavender buds and return liquid to the saucepan.
- Add the bloomed gelatin and whisk until fully dissolved.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour into ramekins or glasses. Refrigerate at least 4 hours until set.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Yes! use twice the amount of fresh lavender, but strain carefully.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use full-fat coconut milk and agar-agar instead of gelatin.
3. How do I unmold panna cotta cleanly?
Dip the mold briefly in warm water, then invert onto a plate.
4. Is this safe for kids?
Absolutely! the lavender level is gentle and calming.
5. Can I adjust the sweetness?
Yes! add up to 2 additional tablespoons of honey if desired.
6. Why didn’t my panna cotta set?
Most likely insufficient gelatin or not fully dissolved.
7. How long does it keep?
Up to 3 days refrigerated in airtight containers.
Conclusion & Call to Action
This Lavender Honey Panna Cotta captures elegance with minimal effort, perfect for dinner parties, celebrations, or quiet nights in. If you loved this recipe, explore more floral-infused desserts on our site and share your photos with us!