Lemon Panna Cotta Recipe (Serving Italian Goodness)

Hello readers, Austin Carter invites you all to Beyond The Bayou Blog where imaginations of unbeatable combinations are usually converted into mouth-watering dishes. Today, As well we are going to do so with our: Lemon Panna Cotta Recipe.

Sometimes I wonder why didn�t anyone tell me panna cotta was so easy to make? Okay, let�s forget about how easy and quick it is to assemble, and why no one told me how tasty it is! Creamy, luscious, and silky texture, yaas! I�ve seen Giada talking about it on Everyday Italian for years.  

But now that I finally know about the basics of this recipe, I have made up my mind to experiment with it today. I�ve had gelatin sheets I brought from Modernist Pantry sitting in my drawer for months never used. So I finally made the leap to put them to use. I have decided to try it with Vanilla Ice Cream drizzled with Praline Sauce.

So, be ready to try this amazing recipe with me and make your family and friends a fan of your cooking skills.

What Is Lemon Panna Cotta?

Lemon Panna Cotta is a luxurious Italian dessert that’s like a creamy, silky pudding infused with the bright and tangy flavors of lemon. It’s made with ingredients like milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, all blended together to create a smooth and velvety texture.

The lemon zest adds a refreshing citrusy kick, making each spoonful burst with flavor. This dessert is typically served chilled and often garnished with fresh berries or a drizzle of fruit compote for added sweetness and visual appeal. It’s a delightful treat that’s perfect for any special occasion or indulgent dessert moment.

Overview: How to Make Lemon Panna Cotta?

Hey there, foodies! Today, I’m sharing my delightful Lemon Panna Cotta recipe, a creamy and citrusy Italian dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

To start, I gather my molds or ramekins and set them aside. Then, I hydrate gelatin in a cup of whole milk while heating up a heavenly mix of heavy cream, vanilla bean (with those fragrant seeds scraped out), sugar, and a pinch of salt over medium heat. I let that vanilla essence infuse into the cream before adding the gelatin-milk mixture, bringing it to a precise 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once off the heat, I strain the velvety mixture and add in the zesty freshness of lemon juice and lemon zest, giving it that vibrant citrus kick. After a good stir, I divide the panna cotta into my waiting ramekins and pop them into the fridge for about 4 hours until they’re beautifully set.

The result? A creamy, dreamy dessert with a burst of lemony goodness in every spoonful. Enjoy!

More Such Lemon Recipes!

• Lemon Velvet Cake
• Lemon Icebox Pie
• Lemon Drop Martini
• Lemon Cupcakes
• Lemon Upside Down Cake

Time For The Tips!

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this dessert has a simple flavor profile, using high-quality milk, cream, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon zest and juice will elevate the taste significantly.
2. Control the Temperature: When heating the cream mixture, be mindful not to let it boil. Keeping it at a gentle simmer ensures a smooth and creamy texture in the finished panna cotta.
3. Hydrate Gelatin Properly: Make sure to hydrate the gelatin in milk according to package instructions. This step ensures that the gelatin dissolves evenly and helps set the panna cotta properly.
4. Strain for Smoothness: After heating the cream mixture, strain it to remove any lumps or impurities. This step results in a silky-smooth texture in the final dessert.
5. Balance Flavors: Adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest according to your taste preference. You can add more or less to achieve the perfect balance of tartness and citrus flavor.
6. Chill Adequately: Allow the panna cotta to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best results. This ensures that it sets properly and maintains its shape when unmolded.

What to Serve with Lemon Panna Cotta?

• Almond Cookies
• Coconut Pecan Cookies 
• Oatmeal Coconut Cookies
• Japanese Milk Bread
• Cranberry Bread

Storing And Managing Leftovers!

1. Optimal Storage: Store the Lemon Panna Cotta in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This helps maintain its creamy texture and prevents it from absorbing other odors.
2. Avoid Freezing: It’s best not to freeze Lemon Panna Cotta as it can affect its texture and may become grainy upon thawing.
3. Serve Chilled: For the best taste and texture, serve the panna cotta chilled directly from the refrigerator. This ensures a creamy and refreshing experience.
4. Garnish Just Before Serving: Add any garnishes, such as fresh berries, mint leaves, or citrus zest, just before serving. This maintains their freshness and enhances the presentation.
5. Portion Control: Consider using individual serving molds or ramekins for portion control and easy serving. This also allows for a more elegant presentation on the plate.
6. Storage Duration: Lemon Panna Cotta is best consumed within 2-3 days of preparation for optimal taste and quality. Avoid keeping it for too long as it may lose its freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)