There is something absolutely magical about the Litchi Rose Panna Cotta Recipe that makes it a standout dessert for everything from elegant dinner parties to cozy summer nights. This recipe combines the silky smoothness of panna cotta with the fragrant bloom of rose water and the subtle sweetness of litchi purée, creating a delicate, floral treat that tastes as beautiful as it looks. Each spoonful offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, perfectly balancing creamy, fruity, and floral notes, making it one of those desserts you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Litchi Rose Panna Cotta Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s both luscious and refreshingly light. Every ingredient plays a vital role, from the rich cream to the aromatic rose water, ensuring each bite delivers pure delight.
- Heavy Cream: 1 1/2 cups for that trademark creamy texture and richness.
- Whole Milk: 1/2 cup to lighten the cream slightly and add a gentle dairy flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup to balance the tartness of the litchi purée and add sweetness.
- Rose Water: 1 teaspoon, a little goes a long way to infuse floral notes that elevate the dessert.
- Canned Litchi Purée: 1/2 cup, the star ingredient for natural sweetness and tropical flavor.
- Unflavored Gelatin: 1 1/2 teaspoons for that perfect set and delicate jiggle.
- Cold Water: 2 tablespoons to bloom the gelatin properly, ensuring smooth panna cotta.
- Rose Petals (optional): For garnish, adding a touch of elegance and color.
- Fresh Litchi (optional): To crown your panna cotta with freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make Litchi Rose Panna Cotta Recipe
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
Begin by sprinkling the unflavored gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes spongy. This crucial step ensures the gelatin dissolves evenly in your cream mixture, giving the perfect silky texture every time.
Step 2: Heat the Cream Mixture
In a saucepan set over medium heat, gently combine heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves completely but be careful not to let the mixture boil. The goal here is to heat it just enough to melt the sugar and infuse warmth into the cream base.
Step 3: Incorporate Gelatin and Flavors
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add your bloomed gelatin, stirring until it is fully dissolved. Then, add the rose water and canned litchi purée to the hot cream mixture, whisking gently until everything is smoothly blended. This mixture should be beautifully fragrant and silky.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Pour the mixture evenly into small glasses, ramekins, or molds of your choice. Allow it to cool slightly at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours, or until the panna cotta is fully set and holds its shape with a gentle wobble.
How to Serve Litchi Rose Panna Cotta Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation makes this dessert extra special—top each panna cotta with fresh litchi fruit to echo the purée’s flavor and scatter edible rose petals for a visual flourish. If you have litchi syrup, a light drizzle adds a glossy, sweet finish that instantly impresses guests.
Side Dishes
Pair the Litchi Rose Panna Cotta Recipe with light, complementary treats such as almond biscotti or crisp pistachio cookies. These add texture contrasts and nutty notes that bring out the floral and fruity nuances of the panna cotta beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning impact, serve the panna cotta in clear glasses layered with fresh berries or a fragrant rose petal jelly. Another idea is to use delicate white chocolate shards as a crown to infuse crunchy elegance that pairs effortlessly with the creamy dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra panna cotta, simply cover the containers with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will maintain its texture and flavor for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy schedules or last-minute entertaining.
Freezing
Freezing panna cotta is not typically recommended as it can compromise the delicate texture, resulting in graininess once thawed. To keep your Litchi Rose Panna Cotta Recipe at its best, stick to refrigeration to preserve that creamy, smooth bite.
Reheating
Since panna cotta is best served chilled, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Instead, allow refrigerated panna cotta to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving, letting the flavors open up and the texture soften slightly for the perfect spoonful.
FAQs
Can I use fresh litchi instead of canned purée?
Yes, you can blend fresh litchi to create your own purée if you prefer a fresher taste. Just be sure to strain out any fibrous pieces for a smooth panna cotta base.
How much rose water should I add if I want a stronger flavor?
Rose water is potent, so start with 1 teaspoon as the recipe suggests, but feel free to increase to 1 1/2 teaspoons if you love pronounced floral notes. Be cautious because too much can overwhelm the delicate balance.
Is there a vegan alternative for gelatin in this recipe?
Absolutely! Agar-agar powder is a great plant-based substitute that sets panna cotta well. Adjust usage according to the package instructions since it sets differently than gelatin.
Can I make this dessert without dairy?
Yes, swapping heavy cream and milk for coconut cream or almond milk works nicely. The flavor will be slightly different but still rich and creamy with a lovely tropical twist.
How long does it take for panna cotta to set?
Typically, chilling for at least 4 hours is needed for the panna cotta to set properly. Overnight chilling often gives the best texture and is recommended if time allows.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Litchi Rose Panna Cotta Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts for impressing friends or simply indulging yourself. It’s the perfect blend of floral and fruity flavors with a luxuriously creamy texture that feels both elegant and approachable. Give it a whirl and watch everyone’s eyes light up with each heavenly bite!
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Litchi Rose Panna Cotta Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Litchi Rose Panna Cotta is a delicate, no-bake dessert that blends the floral notes of rose water with the sweet, tropical flavor of litchi purée. Silky and smooth, this elegant panna cotta is perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions, offering a refreshing and aromatic treat.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon rose water
- 1/2 cup canned litchi (lychee) purée
Gelatin Mixture
- 1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Garnish (Optional)
- Rose petals
- Fresh litchi (lychee)
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom and soften.
- Heat Cream Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup whole milk, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Dissolve Gelatin & Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until it completely dissolves. Then add 1 teaspoon rose water and 1/2 cup canned litchi purée, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Pour & Chill: Pour the panna cotta mixture into small serving glasses, ramekins, or molds. Allow it to cool slightly at room temperature before transferring them to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
- Garnish & Serve: Before serving, garnish each panna cotta with fresh litchi fruits, edible rose petals, or an optional drizzle of litchi syrup for added sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of rose water according to your preference; it has a strong flavor so a little is sufficient.
- For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the mixture before pouring it into molds or serving cups.
- This panna cotta is ideal for elegant occasions, especially during the summer when its floral and fruity notes are most refreshing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion (Indian-French Inspired)
