Name: Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 4 ounces soft goat cheese (room temperature); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 envelope unflavored gelatin (about 2 1/4 teaspoons); 3 tablespoons cold water; 1 cup fresh blackberries; 1 tablespoon honey; Fresh mint or extra blackberries

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If you’re looking for an elegant yet approachable dessert that will make your next dinner party unforgettable, Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta is your secret weapon. This stunning no-bake treat is impossibly creamy, beautifully balanced between sweet and tangy, and topped with a vibrant splash of honey-sweetened blackberries. Each silky spoonful is a glorious celebration of summer flavors, gently softened with vanilla and brightened by the lightest touch of citrusy goat cheese. It’s the kind of dessert that looks and tastes every bit as special as it sounds—but comes together with far less fuss than you’d ever expect.

Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient has a starring role, working in harmony to create a dessert that’s greater than the sum of its parts. You don’t need a stocked pantry or fancy equipment—just a handful of fresh, quality staples.

Heavy cream: The foundation of panna cotta, heavy cream delivers richness and that classic, ultra-smooth texture.
Whole milk: Balances out the cream, keeping the dessert luxurious without becoming too dense.
Granulated sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten both the panna cotta base and the blackberry topping.
Soft goat cheese (room temperature): Adds a wonderfully tangy, creamy note that makes this panna cotta truly unique.
Vanilla extract: Infuses both aroma and a sweet, mellow undertone.
Unflavored gelatin: The essential setting agent for that signature panna cotta wobble.
Cold water: Used to bloom the gelatin for the perfect set—don’t skip this step!
Fresh blackberries: Bursting with color and flavor, blackberries make the perfect topping to offset the creamy base.
Honey: Naturally sweetens the berries for a quick, irresistible compote.
Fresh mint or extra blackberries for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, pretty finish to your showstopping dessert.

How to Make Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over three tablespoons of cold water. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes. This “blooming” step is crucial—hydrating the gelatin ensures it will dissolve evenly into the creamy base, guaranteeing the signature silky texture of Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta.

Step 2: Heat the Dairy Mixture

Combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar in a saucepan set over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is hot to the touch—just before simmering, but not quite boiling. This melts the sugar and sets the foundation for the panna cotta’s creamy flavor profile.

Step 3: Dissolve the Gelatin

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved, making sure there are no lumps or unmelted granules. Even distribution of the gelatin is key to getting that perfectly set, gently jiggly panna cotta.

Step 4: Whisk in the Goat Cheese and Vanilla

Add the soft goat cheese and vanilla extract to the warm cream mixture. Whisk until everything is smooth and completely blended—no lumps allowed! For the silkiest result, you can press the mixture through a fine mesh sieve at this point, ensuring your Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta is lusciously smooth.

Step 5: Pour and Set

Carefully pour the panna cotta base into 4 to 6 small ramekins or glasses, dividing it as evenly as possible. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then cover each dish and refrigerate for at least four hours. During this time, the gelatin works its magic, transforming the creamy mixture into a perfectly set yet delicate dessert.

Step 6: Prepare the Blackberry Topping

Right before you’re ready to serve, mash the fresh blackberries with the honey in a bowl to create a rustic, juicy compote. The honey brings out the brightness of the berries and creates a burst of color and flavor for your Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta.

Step 7: Top and Garnish

Spoon the blackberry mixture generously over each chilled panna cotta. For a polished finish, add a few extra whole berries or sprigs of fresh mint. Serve immediately and watch as your guests swoon over every bite.

How to Serve Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta

Garnishes

For a dazzling finish, sprigs of fresh mint and a few extra blackberries turn Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta into a restaurant-worthy dessert. Edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar are also lovely touches if you’re feeling especially creative.

Side Dishes

This sophisticated dessert shines brightest when paired with subtle, simple sides. A crisp almond biscotti or a buttery shortbread cookie offers a satisfying crunch and a subtle counterpoint to the panna cotta’s creamy decadence.

Creative Ways to Present

To really impress, try layering the panna cotta in clear glasses, alternating creamy layers with blackberry compote. You can also unmold your Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta for a classic presentation—simply dip the ramekins in warm water for a few seconds before inverting onto chilled plates and topping with berries.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta tightly with plastic wrap or lids and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll maintain their stellar texture and flavor for up to 2 days, although the berry topping may begin to release some extra juice over time.

Freezing

While panna cotta can technically be frozen, it’s at its best when served fresh from the fridge. Freezing may change the texture slightly, making the cream less silky and more grainy. If you do need to freeze, wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Always add the blackberry topping just before serving rather than freezing it together with the dessert.

Reheating

Panna cotta is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you find your Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta is a bit too cold or firm straight from the fridge, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving for the best mouthfeel.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat milk or cream?

For the creamiest result, stick with the full-fat cream and whole milk called for in the Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta recipe. Using low-fat dairy will make the dessert less rich and may prevent it from setting properly.

Is there an alternative to goat cheese if I want a milder flavor?

If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, try using a mild cream cheese or mascarpone. The result will be a little less tangy, but still wonderfully creamy and delicious.

Can I make this panna cotta ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta is even better when made in advance. Just assemble up to a day ahead, cover, and keep chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

How can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?

The base recipe is already vegetarian since it doesn’t contain any animal rennet. However, always double-check that your gelatin is certified vegetarian or use a plant-based alternative like agar-agar, keeping in mind that it may set a bit firmer.

What if my panna cotta isn’t setting?

If your Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta is too soft, it may be due to under-bloomed gelatin or not enough chilling time. Make sure to bloom the gelatin properly and allow at least 4 hours for setting, or slightly increase the gelatin for a firmer set next time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about sharing a Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta with people you love. Each creamy, berry-topped spoonful is a celebration of flavor and a testament to how effortlessly special homemade desserts can be. Go ahead—treat yourself and delight your guests with this unforgettable creation!

Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the luxurious blend of sweet blackberries and creamy goat cheese with this delightful Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta recipe. A smooth, velvety dessert that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Panna Cotta:

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 ounces soft goat cheese (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 envelope unflavored gelatin (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
3 tablespoons cold water

For the Blackberry Topping:

1 cup fresh blackberries
1 tablespoon honey

For Garnish (optional):

Fresh mint or extra blackberries

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Instructions

Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over the cold water and let it bloom for 5–10 minutes.
Prepare the Panna Cotta Mixture: In a saucepan, heat the cream, milk, and sugar until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat, add the bloomed gelatin, and stir until dissolved. Whisk in the goat cheese and vanilla extract until smooth.
Chill and Set: Pour the mixture into ramekins or glasses, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
Make the Blackberry Topping: Mash blackberries with honey to create a compote. Spoon over each panna cotta before serving.