Passion Fruit Panna Cotta

Indulging in a dessert that is both luxurious and light can sometimes seem like an impossible task. However, our Passion Fruit Panna Cotta recipe defies the odds, offering a creamy, velvety treat that is low in calories and bursting with tropical flavors.

Perfect for summer gatherings, a family treat or a sophisticated dinner party dessert, this panna cotta is a show-stopper. In this post, we’ll guide you through how to make passion fruit panna cotta, exploring different ways to customize it and highlighting the health benefits of its key ingredients.

The Star of the Show: Passion Fruit

Passion fruit is the hero of this recipe, lending its vibrant, tart flavor to both the panna cotta and the accompanying sauce. With its high vitamin C content and rich antioxidant properties, passion fruit not only enhances the taste but also offers nutritional benefits.

The combination of passion fruit and panna cotta creates a balanced dessert that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly light. This makes it perfect for those mindful of their calorie intake: One serving clocks in under 100 calories (92 to be exact!).

On a Nutrisystem plan? You can count each serving as three Extras.

How to Make Passion Fruit Panna Cotta

Creating this elegant dessert at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a brief overview of the steps involved:

1. Prepare the Gelatin Mixture: Start by pouring one-percent milk into a saucepan and sprinkling it with a pouch of unflavored gelatin. Let it sit for about three minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom.
2. Heat and Sweeten: Heat the milk mixture over medium heat, add some honey and stir until it’s fully incorporated. Once the mixture is steaming, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
3. Incorporate the Yogurt and Vanilla: In a separate bowl, mix nonfat plain Greek yogurt with vanilla extract. Combine this with the cooled gelatin mixture.
4. Add Passion Fruit Pulp: Stir in half of the passion fruit pulp into the mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
5. Refrigerate: Pour the mixture into eight jars or ramekins and refrigerate for at least four hours, allowing the panna cotta to set.

Creating the Passion Fruit Sauce

The tangy passion fruit sauce adds a beautiful contrast to the creamy panna cotta. To make the sauce:

1. Combine the remaining passion fruit pulp with water and white sugar in a small saucepan.
2. Heat the mixture until the sugar has dissolved, then remove it from the heat and chill until serving time.

Serving Suggestions

When it’s time to serve, you can either pour the passion fruit sauce directly onto the panna cotta in jars or unmold the panna cotta for a more dramatic presentation.

To unmold, simply fill a dish with an inch or two of hot water and place the jars in it for 20 to 30 seconds. Place a serving dish on top of each jar and flip it over, allowing the panna cotta to gently slide out. Drizzle the chilled passion fruit sauce on top and enjoy!

Customization Ideas

While this recipe for panna cotta with passion fruit is delightful on its own, there are several ways you can customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Coconut Milk Variation: For a dairy-free version, substitute the one-percent milk with coconut milk to make a coconut panna cotta with passion fruit. This will add a subtle coconut flavor, complementing the tropical taste of the passion fruit.
• Mango and Passion Fruit Panna Cotta: Add a layer of pureed mango to the panna cotta before refrigerating for a vibrant and colorful twist.
• Honey Alternatives: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.
• Garnishes: Top the panna cotta with fresh mint leaves, coconut flakes or even a sprinkle of chia seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
• Use Passion Fruit Curd: Swap the passion fruit sauce with our Passion Fruit Curd recipe!

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

This dessert is not only delicious but also packs some health benefits:

• Greek Yogurt: Rich in protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt supports digestive health and provides a creamy texture without the added fat.
• Passion Fruit: High in vitamin C, passion fruit boosts the immune system and provides antioxidants that combat free radicals.
• Honey: A natural sweetener with antibacterial properties, honey adds sweetness without the need for refined sugars.

Final Thoughts

Passion Fruit Panna Cotta is a delightful dessert that marries creamy and tart flavors in a way that feels indulgent yet remains light and refreshing. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated end to a dinner party or a special treat for your family, this recipe is sure to impress.

With its easy preparation and customizable options, it’s a versatile dessert that can cater to various tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy the tropical taste of passion fruit in every bite, and savor the delightful contrast of creamy panna cotta and tangy fruit sauce.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start creating this culinary masterpiece. Your taste buds will thank you!