If you’re looking to dazzle your friends or simply indulge in a luxurious treat at home, Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta is the show-stopping dessert that your kitchen repertoire needs. It’s a blissful marriage of creamy, tangy goat cheese and luscious blackberries, bundled inside a silky panna cotta—the kind of dish that bridges simple ingredients and memorable flavor. Each spoonful is a balance of rich and refreshing, making it the best kind of sweet ending any season could ask for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta is just how few ingredients go into it, yet each one layers on delightful character. Sourcing good-quality items makes all the difference, as every component truly shines through in the finished dish.
- Heavy cream: Lends a luxurious, smooth base and body for the panna cotta.
- Whole milk: Lightens the mixture just enough to keep things balanced and not overly rich.
- Fresh goat cheese (softened): Brings a tangy, creamy flair that sets this panna cotta apart from the classic.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and balances the tartness of the goat cheese and berries.
- Vanilla extract: Adds beautiful depth and aromatic warmth to the cream.
- Powdered gelatin: The secret to panna cotta’s signature wobble—set but meltingly soft.
- Cold water: Essential for blooming the gelatin, ensuring a smooth, even texture.
- Fresh blackberries: Juicy, vibrant, and just the right amount of tartness for topping.
- Honey (optional): A little drizzle over the top takes sweetness and aroma up a notch.
- Fresh mint leaves (optional): For a bright, herbal pop and a gorgeous visual finish.
How to Make Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
Start by sprinkling the gelatin over cold water in a small bowl, letting it sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is essential—“blooming” the gelatin ensures it dissolves smoothly, so there are no lumps and you end up with a perfectly silky panna cotta.
Step 2: Warm the Creamy Base
While the gelatin works its magic, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Gently heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the liquid is hot but not bubbling—avoid boiling to keep things ultra-smooth.
Step 3: Incorporate Goat Cheese
Take the pan off the heat and immediately add the softened goat cheese. Whisk with gusto until the cheese is fully melted in, giving you a uniquely tangy, creamy base that’s both rich and complex—this is where Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta earns its signature twist.
Step 4: Add Gelatin and Strain
Add in the bloomed gelatin, stirring until it’s completely dissolved into the warm cream mixture. For a texture so smooth it practically glides off the spoon, pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve before pouring it into individual serving glasses or ramekins.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Now patience comes into play! Carefully transfer your prepared panna cotta to the fridge and allow it to set for at least four hours—or overnight if you want to get ahead. The result is a dessert with a perfect wobble that’s absolutely worth the wait.
Step 6: Top and Garnish
Just before serving, crown each panna cotta with a generous tumble of fresh blackberries and, if you like things a bit sweeter, a drizzle of honey. A few mint leaves on top not only look lovely but also add a hint of herbal freshness to each bite.
How to Serve Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta
Garnishes
The pleasing contrast of inky blackberries against the pale panna cotta is absolutely stunning. Give your Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta the finishing touch with a drizzle of golden honey and sprigs of mint for color and fragrance. You can even dust over a bit of powdered sugar for extra finesse—beauty really is in the final flourish!
Side Dishes
This creamy dessert pairs well with crisp almond biscotti or vanilla shortbread cookies, which provide crunch and a complementary flavor profile. For a more decadent affair, serve alongside a scoop of lemon sorbet to cut through the richness and brighten up your dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual ramekins are classic, but you can level up by unmolding the set panna cotta onto a plate for a restaurant-style look. Try layering blackberry compote beneath or above the custard, or even alternating layers in clear glasses for a parfait effect. Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta also shines in mini jars at picnics or dinner parties—just add a ribbon for undeniable charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover each ramekin or dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. The panna cotta texture will remain luscious, and the berry topping can be refreshed just before serving.
Freezing
Technically, panna cotta can be frozen, but the consistency of the gelatin may change upon thawing, sometimes becoming grainy. For best quality, stick to refrigeration, but if you must, freeze tightly wrapped and thaw slowly in the fridge. Add fresh berries only after thawing for best texture.
Reheating
Panna cotta is made to be enjoyed cold, and reheating will disrupt its delicately set structure. If you accidentally left it out a bit too long, just return it to the fridge until chilled—not to worry, it will hold up well when promptly chilled again!
FAQs
Can I make Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta in advance?
Absolutely! This is one of those desserts that’s actually better made ahead of time. Prepare and chill your panna cotta up to 24 hours in advance for set-it-and-forget-it entertaining.
What can I use instead of goat cheese?
If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can use cream cheese for a milder flavor and similar creaminess, or mascarpone for a slightly sweeter, richer result—just keep in mind the signature tang of Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta will be milder.
How do I unmold panna cotta for serving?
Dip the ramekin briefly in warm water, run a thin knife around the edge, and gently invert onto a serving plate. This pops the panna cotta out easily and presents it beautifully for special occasions.
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes! If fresh blackberries aren’t in season, frozen ones work well. Thaw them completely and drain off any extra juice to avoid watering down the topping.
What’s the best way to infuse more blackberry flavor?
For even more blackberry punch in your Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta, make a quick blackberry compote by simmering berries with a touch of sugar until syrupy, then swirl it over the top or layer within the panna cotta before chilling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy dessert at home, Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta is an unforgettable choice. Each batch comes together with ease and endless creativity, so don’t hesitate—give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite sweet indulgence!
Print
Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Refrigerated
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy luxuriousness of Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta, a delightful dessert bursting with fruity flavors and a hint of tangy goat cheese. This elegant no-bake treat is perfect for summer gatherings or a special occasion indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Panna Cotta:
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 oz fresh goat cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tsp powdered gelatin
- 2 tbsp cold water
For Serving:
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1 tbsp honey (optional for extra sweetness)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes to bloom.
- Prepare the Panna Cotta Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and whisk in the softened goat cheese until smooth.
- Add Gelatin and Strain: Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm mixture and stir until completely dissolved. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Chill and Serve: Pour into individual serving glasses or ramekins and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set. Before serving, top with fresh blackberries and a drizzle of honey if desired. Garnish with mint leaves.
Notes
- Use high-quality goat cheese for best flavor.
- You can substitute the blackberries with raspberries or blueberries.
- For a more intense blackberry flavor, consider adding a blackberry compote on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
