Raspberry Panna Cotta Hearts

Name: Raspberry Panna Cotta Hearts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin; 3 tablespoons cold water; 1 cup fresh raspberries; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making Raspberry Panna Cotta Hearts for special occasions. These delicate, creamy desserts are not just visually stunning but also pack a punch with their tart raspberry flavor. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving a lingering sweetness that pairs beautifully with the fresh raspberry sauce. I love how simple they are to prepare, making them perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. Once you master this recipe, you'll find yourself wanting to share these elegant treats with everyone you know.

Created by

Lydia Spencer

Last updated on 2026-01-10T01:31:16.596Z

Making Raspberry Panna Cotta Hearts was a delightful challenge for me. The combination of creamy panna cotta with the tartness of fresh raspberries made every spoonful a tantalizing experience. I took extra care to infuse the cream with vanilla, which complemented the raspberry flavor beautifully. I learned that letting the panna cotta chill for several hours is essential for achieving the perfect texture and shape.

During my experimentation, I discovered that adding a touch of lemon juice to the raspberry sauce elevates its flavor significantly. It cuts through the sweetness and enhances the overall experience. The heart shape gives it that romantic touch, making it perfect for Valentine's Day or anniversaries. Trust me, once you serve these, they will become the star of your dessert lineup!

        Why You'll Love These Raspberry Panna Cotta Hearts
        Elegant heart shape perfect for special occasions
Rich and creamy texture paired with fresh raspberry sauce
Balanced sweetness with a hint of tartness for a delightful contrast

      

Creating the Perfect Panna Cotta

To achieve a velvety texture in your Raspberry Panna Cotta, it's crucial to heat the cream mixture just right. You want it hot enough to dissolve the sugar and gelatin but not boiling. A gentle simmer is ideal, as boiling can cause the cream to separate, affecting the final consistency. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it—once you see gentle bubbles around the edges, you’re ready to add the gelatin.

Proper blooming of gelatin is paramount for a successful panna cotta. If the gelatin isn't allowed to bloom fully in the cold water, it won't dissolve properly when added to the hot cream mixture. Make sure to give it about 5 minutes for the gelatin to absorb the water. Look for it to swell and become somewhat gel-like, which indicates that it’s ready to be incorporated.

Perfecting the Raspberry Sauce

When making the raspberry sauce, opt for fresh, ripe raspberries to capture their vibrant flavor. If you can't find fresh ones, you can substitute with frozen raspberries. Just remember to thaw them in advance and drain any excess liquid before cooking. This sauce can be adjusted to your liking; if you prefer it sweeter, increase the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that the tartness is a delightful contrast to the creamy panna cotta.

To achieve a thicker consistency in your raspberry sauce, allow it to cook longer—around 8-10 minutes. Stir it frequently to prevent sticking, and watch for it to reduce and become glossy. If you find it too thick, feel free to add a splash of water to loosen it up. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, continue simmering until it reaches your desired thickness.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a lovely and creamy dessert:

For the Panna Cotta

2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
3 tablespoons cold water

For the Raspberry Sauce

1 cup fresh raspberries
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Make sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor!

Instructions

Here’s how to bring this delicate dessert to life:

Prepare the Gelatin

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it blooms.

Heat the Cream Mixture

In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.

Add Gelatin

Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

Pour into Molds

Carefully pour the cream mixture into heart-shaped molds. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.

Make Raspberry Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the raspberries break down and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool.

Unmold and Serve

Once panna cotta has set, carefully run a knife around the edges. Invert onto a plate and drizzle with raspberry sauce before serving.

Enjoy this refreshing and elegant dessert with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For best results, allow the panna cotta to set overnight. This will enhance the flavor and texture.

Make-Ahead Tips

Raspberry Panna Cotta Hearts are an excellent candidate for make-ahead desserts. You can prepare the panna cotta up to two days in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld and ensures a perfectly set dessert. Just remember to make the raspberry sauce on the day of serving for the freshest taste. It takes mere minutes and is best served slightly warm over the chilled panna cotta.

If you’re planning on serving these beauties at a party, consider preparing the panna cotta the night before. Just be sure to leave ample time for it to chill and set thoroughly. Keep an eye on them in the fridge; sunlight can sometimes create condensation that may affect the appearance of your panna cotta.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For an elegant touch, consider garnishing each panna cotta with additional fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint just before serving. This not only enhances the visual appeal but adds freshness to the dessert. You can also drizzle some extra raspberry sauce over the top or alongside on the plate for a striking presentation that invites indulging.

While raspberry is a classic pairing, you can experiment with other flavors. For instance, substituting half of the cream with coconut milk gives a tropical twist. Alternatively, infuse the heavy cream with a few sprigs of rosemary or lavender during heating for a subtle herbal note. These variations can elevate your panna cotta experience and cater to different palates.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different fruit for the sauce?

Absolutely! You can use strawberries, blueberries, or even a mix of berries.

→ How do I know when the panna cotta is set?

It should be firm to the touch but still jiggle slightly in the center. If it feels liquidy, it needs more chilling time.

→ Can I make panna cotta ahead of time?

Yes, panna cotta is a great make-ahead dessert. Just store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or coconut cream, but the texture and flavor will vary.