Mango Panna Cotta Recipe: A Silky, Tropical, and Elegant Dessert Delight
Mango Panna Cotta is a show-stopping dessert that combines the creamy elegance of Italian panna cotta with the vibrant flavor of ripe mangoes. With its smooth, custard-like texture and sweet, tropical notes, this no-bake treat is perfect for warm days or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. The layered presentation—cool cream base topped with mango puree—adds a beautiful visual appeal to complement its delicious taste.
Whether served in glasses, jars, or unmolded onto a plate, Mango Panna Cotta feels fancy without being fussy. It’s a dessert that offers a balance of richness and fruity brightness, making it refreshing yet indulgent. Best of all, it can be made ahead, making it an ideal choice for dinner parties, holidays, or just a quiet evening treat at home.
Why You’ll Love It
Mango Panna Cotta is creamy, tropical, and perfectly sweet with a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It looks elegant but is incredibly easy to make. Each spoonful is a contrast of rich cream and fresh mango flavor, making it a favorite among both fruit and dessert lovers. It’s also versatile—make it in individual servings or a larger mold, and garnish it however you like.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Cream Layer:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For the Mango Layer:
- 1 cup mango puree (fresh or canned)
- 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, based on mango sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh mango slices
- Mint leaves
- Coconut flakes
Instructions
1. Bloom the Gelatin for Cream Layer
In a small bowl, sprinkle 1 ½ teaspoons of gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to bloom.
2. Make the Cream Mixture
In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Add vanilla extract.
3. Pour and Chill the Cream Layer
Pour the cream mixture into serving glasses or ramekins, filling halfway. Let cool slightly, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
4. Prepare the Mango Layer
Bloom the remaining 1 teaspoon of gelatin in 1 tablespoon of cold water. In a small saucepan, heat mango puree, citrus juice, and sugar (if using) until warm. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.
5. Assemble and Chill Again
Pour the mango layer over the chilled cream layer. Return to the refrigerator and chill for another 2 hours, or until fully set.
Variations
- Coconut Panna Cotta: Replace half the cream with coconut milk for added tropical flavor.
- Spiced Mango: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the mango layer for warmth.
- Vegan Version: Use agar-agar instead of gelatin and substitute with coconut cream and almond milk.
- Layered Panna Cotta: Alternate cream and mango layers for a stunning visual effect.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving glasses or ramekins
- Small strainer (optional for mango puree)
- Spoon or ladle
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 20g
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Do Not Freeze: Panna cotta may separate when frozen and thawed.
- Make Ahead: Ideal to prepare a day in advance for best texture and flavor.
My Cooking Experience
With over 4 years in the kitchen, I’ve tried my hand at many panna cotta recipes, but Mango Panna Cotta remains a favorite. Its simplicity, versatility, and elegance always surprise people when they find out how easy it is to make. The key is using ripe, flavorful mangoes and allowing each layer to fully chill before adding the next. It’s a go-to when I want something impressive without turning on the oven.
Conclusion
Mango Panna Cotta is a silky, tropical dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is to serve. With just a few ingredients and some chill time, you can create a dish that tastes gourmet and looks stunning. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this panna cotta is a must-try for mango lovers and dessert fans alike.
Mango Panna Cotta
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, sprinkle 1 ½ teaspoons of gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to bloom.
- In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Add vanilla extract.
- Pour the cream mixture into serving glasses or ramekins, filling halfway. Let cool slightly, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Bloom the remaining 1 teaspoon of gelatin in 1 tablespoon of cold water. In a small saucepan, heat mango puree, citrus juice, and sugar (if using) until warm. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.
- Pour the mango layer over the chilled cream layer. Return to the refrigerator and chill for another 2 hours, or until fully set.
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Do Not Freeze: Panna cotta may separate when frozen and thawed.
- Make Ahead: Ideal to prepare a day in advance for best texture and flavor.
