Orange Panna Cotta

A creamy panna cotta base infused with orange zest and crowned with fresh oranges and a sweet and tangy gelatin topping

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Image Credit: Sharon Hsu / Sparkle Cakerie

Refreshing, cooling, creamy, and oh so orange! This silky treat is topped with fresh oranges and has lemon zest infused in the cream base for a deliciously rich and vibrant flavor combination.

Advertisement

This is a no-bake dessert you can make a day before (or up to 2 days before), and cleanup is easy. It's perfect for spring and summer parties or if you just want to treat yourself!

Video of the Day

Advertisement

Video: Orange Panna Cotta

Servings/Yield

4 panna cotta cups, or about 2 2/3 cups of filling

Orange Panna Cotta Base

Things You'll Need

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 2 tsp. unflavored powdered gelatin

  • 4 Tbsp. sugar

  • 1 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1 tsp. orange extract

  • 2 to 3 oranges, cut into pieces

  • 1 Tbsp. powdered gelatin

  • 2/3 cup water

  • 2 Tbsp. white sugar

  • 1 tsp. orange extract

1. Cut off zest

Using one of the oranges reserved for the fresh orange topping, remove the zest (the outer layer of the peel) using a sharp knife. Be careful to cut off as little of the white pitch (which is bitter) as possible.

Image Credit: Sharon Hsu / Sparkle Cakerie

Tip

You can use a zester if you have one, but grated zest may be a little harder to strain out than slices of peel.

2. Infuse the milk

Combine the milk and orange zest in a small saucepan. Cook on medium-low heat until the milk simmers. Don't let the milk boil.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Sharon Hsu / Sparkle Cakerie

Remove the orange zest with a spider or hand strainer.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Sharon Hsu / Sparkle Cakerie

3. Add gelatin, cream, and extract

Add the gelatin and sugar to the saucepan, and stir until the gelatin is melted. Don't let the milk boil. You can turn off the heat if you need to.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Image Credit: Sharon Hsu / Sparkle Cakerie

Add the heavy cream and stir.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Sharon Hsu / Sparkle Cakerie

Mix in the orange extract.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Sharon Hsu / Sparkle Cakerie

4. Fill dishes and chill

Pour the panna cotta mixture into four serving dishes, leaving a little less than 1 inch of space at the top for the orange fruits. Chill the dishes in the fridge for at least 2 to 3 hours. The panna cotta needs time to set so the topping won't sink.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Sharon Hsu / Sparkle Cakerie

Things You'll Need

  • 1 Tbsp. powdered gelatin

  • 2/3 cup water

  • 2 to 3 oranges

  • 2 Tbsp. white sugar

  • 1 tsp. orange extract

Fresh Orange Topping

Step 1: Bloom gelatin

Add 2/3 cup water to a measuring cup or bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin powder into water and set aside.

Advertisement

Image Credit: Sharon Hsu / Sparkle Cakerie

2. Cut oranges

Peel the 2 to 3 oranges (reserved from making the panna cotta base) and cut into any shape and size you'd like — I prefer small chunks. Place the pieces on top of your panna cotta (after you make sure it is fully set), distributing them evenly among the dishes.

Image Credit: Sharon Hsu / Sparkle Cakerie

3. Heat sugar and gelatin

Add the gelatin water and sugar to a saucepan, stir, and heat gently until melted. Stir in the orange extract. Let the mixture cool until it is warm, not hot.

Image Credit: Sharon Hsu / Sparkle Cakerie

4. Pour over panna cotta

Pour the liquid slowly over the orange pieces on top of the panna cotta dishes.

Image Credit: Sharon Hsu / Sparkle Cakerie

Tip

If your gelatin mixture has set too much to pour, no worries! Gently heat again to return it to liquid form.

5. Chill and serve

Chill the panna cotta for at least 2 hours or overnight. Enjoy!

Advertisement