Honey Lavender Panna Cotta (Print)

Silky Italian dessert with honey and lavender, elegantly topped with berries and edible flowers. Perfect for spring.

# Components:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 cups heavy cream
02 - 1 cup whole milk

→ Sweeteners & Flavorings

03 - 1/4 cup honey, plus extra for drizzling
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender buds
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Gelatin

06 - 2 1/4 teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin
07 - 3 tablespoons cold water

→ Garnish

08 - Fresh berries (such as blueberries or raspberries)
09 - Edible flowers or additional lavender buds

# Directions:

01 - Combine heavy cream, whole milk, and lavender buds in a small saucepan. Heat gently over medium heat until steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat, cover, and allow to steep for 10 minutes.
02 - Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes to hydrate and bloom.
03 - Strain the steeped cream mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove lavender buds. Return the liquid to the saucepan, add honey and vanilla extract, and heat over medium-low until honey fully dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
04 - Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the bloomed gelatin and whisk until completely dissolved and mixture is smooth.
05 - Pour the mixture evenly into six ramekins or small glasses. Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours until fully set.
06 - Unmold onto plates if desired or leave in serving glasses. Drizzle with additional honey and garnish with fresh berries and edible flowers.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The touch of lavender makes every spoonful feel like a secret you only share with someone special&
  • This is the dessert I reach for when I want something easy but exceptional, especially for gluten-free friends&
02 -
  • Once, I let the lavender steep too long and the result was bitter enough to teach me to always set a timer&
  • Straining before adding honey ensures the texture stays silky smooth—missing this step left me with stray floral bits&
03 -
  • Allowing time for the mix to cool before chilling avoids condensation on the surface&
  • Always use pure vanilla extract—not imitation—so the floral notes sing without distraction&
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