Coconut Panna Cotta Recipe

If you're craving a coconut panna cotta that melts in your mouth, you're in the right place. This dessert combines creamy coconut milk with a silky texture that feels like a tropical vacation on a spoon. Perfect for any occasion, this coconut panna cotta is surprisingly simple to make and requires just a handful of ingredients. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or treating yourself after a long day, this recipe delivers every time. The best part? You can prep it ahead and let it chill while you handle everything else.

A Dessert That Brings the Tropics Home

Panna cotta has been loved for generations in Italy, but adding coconut takes it to a whole new level. The coconut panna cotta brings an exotic twist to the classic recipe, making it lighter and dairy-free if you want it to be. It pairs beautifully with fresh mango, passion fruit coulis, or even a drizzle of caramel. This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, but honestly, it tastes amazing year-round. The creamy texture and tropical flavor make it a crowd favorite that never disappoints. Plus, it's one of those recipes that looks fancy but is actually super easy to pull off.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Results
• FAQ
• Time to Make Your Own Tropical Treat
• Related
• Pairing
• Coconut Panna Cotta

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Coconut milk
• Coconut cream
• Sugar
• Gelatin powder (or agar-agar for a vegan version)
• Water
• Vanilla extract

Optional Toppings

• Fresh mango slices
• Passion fruit pulp
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Berry coulis
• Mint leaves

Substitutions

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

1. Pour 3 tablespoons of cold water into a small bowl
2. Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the water
3. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes spongy
4. This step ensures your coconut panna cotta sets perfectly without lumps

Step 2: Heat the Coconut Mixture

1. In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, coconut cream, and sugar
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer ; don't let it boil
4. Remove from heat once the sugar dissolves completely
5. Add vanilla extract and stir well

Step 3: Combine and Mix

1. Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm coconut mixture
2. Stir continuously for 2 minutes until the gelatin dissolves completely
3. Make sure there are no gelatin clumps remaining
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve for an extra-smooth texture

Step 4: Pour and Chill

1. Pour the mixture into serving glasses, ramekins, or molds
2. Let them cool at room temperature for 15 minutes
3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours
4. For best results, let your coconut panna cotta chill overnight
5. Serve cold with your favorite toppings

Expert Cooking Tips

Getting your panna cotta just right comes down to a few key techniques. First, never let the coconut mixture boil ; high heat can affect the gelatin's setting power and create a grainy texture. Instead, keep it at a gentle simmer and remove it from heat as soon as the sugar dissolves.

Temperature matters: Make sure your coconut mixture is warm (not hot) when you add the gelatin. If it's too hot, it can break down the gelatin. If it's too cool, the gelatin won't dissolve properly.

Gelatin tips:

• Always bloom gelatin in cold water first
• Stir thoroughly when adding it to the warm mixture
• If using agar-agar, bring the mixture to a boil for 2 minutes
• One packet of gelatin equals about 2 ¼ teaspoons

Texture perfection:

• For a firmer panna cotta, add an extra ½ teaspoon of gelatin
• For a softer, more delicate texture, reduce gelatin by ½ teaspoon
• Strain the mixture before pouring to remove any skin that forms on top

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Not blooming the gelatin properly (leads to lumps)
• Overheating the mixture (can cause separation)
• Not chilling long enough (results in a runny texture)
• Using low-fat coconut milk (won't be as creamy)

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

This coconut panna cotta is incredibly versatile and welcomes creative twists. Here are some ways to make it your own.

Flavor variations:

• Add 1 tablespoon of lime zest for a refreshing citrus kick
• Mix in 2 tablespoons of espresso for a coffee-coconut fusion
• Stir in ¼ cup of chocolate chips while the mixture is warm
• Add a pinch of cardamom for an aromatic touch

Vegan version:

Replace gelatin with 1 teaspoon of agar-agar powder. Bring the coconut mixture to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat. The setting time remains the same, but the texture will be slightly firmer.

Keto-friendly option:

Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or allulose. The texture stays smooth, and you keep all that tropical flavor without the carbs.

Layered panna cotta:

• Pour half the mixture and let it set for 2 hours
• Add a layer of fruit puree or chocolate
• Pour the remaining mixture on top
• Chill for another 4 hours

Dairy-infused version: Mix 1 cup of coconut milk with 1 cup of heavy cream for a richer, more traditional texture that still has that tropical vibe.

Equipment Recommendations

• Medium saucepan ; Essential for heating the coconut mixture evenly
• Fine-mesh strainer ; Removes any lumps for a silky-smooth coconut panna cotta
• Ramekins or serving glasses ; 4-ounce portions work perfectly
• Whisk ; Helps dissolve the gelatin thoroughly
• Measuring cups and spoons ; Accuracy matters for the right texture
• Plastic wrap ; Prevents a skin from forming while chilling

Budget-friendly alternatives: If you don't have ramekins, use small mason jars or coffee cups. They work just as well and look charming when serving.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator storage:

Your coconut panna cotta stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days when covered properly. Always use plastic wrap or airtight lids to prevent it from absorbing other flavors. The texture stays perfect throughout the storage period.

Make-ahead magic:

• Prepare up to 3 days in advance
• Add toppings right before serving to keep them fresh
• Keep unmolded panna cotta covered in the fridge

Freezing instructions:

While you can technically freeze panna cotta, the texture changes slightly after thawing. If you must freeze it, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a gentle stir before serving.

Unmolding tips:

• Dip the bottom of the mold in warm water for 10 seconds
• Run a thin knife around the edges
• Place a plate on top and flip quickly
• The coconut panna cotta should slide out smoothly

FAQ

Time to Make Your Own Tropical Treat

Now that you know how to make coconut panna cotta, it's time to get in the kitchen and create this stunning dessert. The creamy texture and tropical flavor make it perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to elegant celebrations. This recipe proves that impressive desserts don't need to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you'll have a restaurant-quality coconut panna cotta that looks and tastes amazing.

Once you try this recipe, you'll want to make it again and again. Experiment with different toppings, try the variations, and make it your own. Don't forget to check out our Mango Panna Cotta Recipe for another tropical twist, or cool down with our refreshing Coconut Mojito Recipe that pairs perfectly with this dessert. If you loved this coconut panna cotta, share your results and let us know what toppings you used!

This tropical dessert is my go-to when I want something impressive without the stress! 🥥 ; Ashley

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Pairing

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