Black Mulberry Panna Cotta is a rich and creamy Italian dessert, complemented by a luscious black mulberry sauce. The silky-smooth panna cotta pairs perfectly with the naturally sweet and slightly tart mulberry topping, making it an elegant yet easy-to-make treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Luxuriously Creamy – The perfect balance of smooth, rich texture and lightness.
- Simple and Elegant – A restaurant-quality dessert made with minimal ingredients.
- Naturally Sweet and Tart – The black mulberry sauce adds a refreshing contrast.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare in advance for stress-free entertaining.
- Versatile and Customizable – Works with different fruits or flavor variations.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Panna Cotta:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
For the Black Mulberry Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen black mulberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Directions
Prepare the Panna Cotta:
- Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Heat the Cream Mixture: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream, milk, and sugar over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
- Incorporate the Gelatin: Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Add vanilla extract.
- Chill: Pour the mixture into greased ramekins or silicone molds. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
Make the Mulberry Sauce:
- Cook the Mulberries: In a saucepan, heat the mulberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat until the berries soften.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch mixture and simmer until thickened. Let cool.
Serve:
- Unmold and Garnish: Run a knife around the edge of each panna cotta and invert onto a plate. Spoon the mulberry sauce over the top and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut cream and almond milk for a vegan version.
- Different Fruit Sauces – Swap mulberries for raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries.
- Chocolate Panna Cotta – Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Spiced Mulberry Sauce – Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Honey-Sweetened – Replace sugar with honey for a naturally sweetened version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep panna cotta covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may change when thawed.
- Reheating Sauce: Warm the mulberry sauce on low heat if needed before serving.
FAQs
Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin?
Yes! Use 1 teaspoon of agar-agar powder and dissolve it in warm liquid before adding to the cream mixture.
How do I prevent lumps in my panna cotta?
Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved in the warm cream mixture before chilling.
Can I use frozen mulberries?
Yes, thaw them first and drain excess liquid before cooking.
What’s the best way to unmold panna cotta?
Dip the ramekin in warm water for a few seconds before inverting onto a plate.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, adjust the sugar in both the panna cotta and sauce to your preference.
Can I serve this dessert warm?
Panna cotta is best served chilled, but the mulberry sauce can be warmed slightly.
What type of mold should I use?
Use silicone molds or lightly greased ramekins for easy unmolding.
Can I make mini panna cottas for a party?
Yes! Use small shot glasses or mini molds for bite-sized servings.
Does panna cotta need to be covered in the fridge?
Yes, covering helps prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.
Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, but use a thicker milk like coconut or cashew milk for the best texture.
Conclusion
Black Mulberry Panna Cotta is a luxurious yet easy dessert that blends the silky texture of panna cotta with a vibrant mulberry sauce. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this elegant dessert is sure to impress. Try this recipe today for a creamy, fruity indulgence!
