Strawberry panna cotta recipe with Greek yogurt (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Makos

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This strawberry panna cotta recipe with yogurt is a healthier alternative to the famous Italian classic dessert!

The vanilla bean extract gives it its characteristic aroma which pairs perfectly with the simple strawberry sauce.

Strawberry panna cotta recipe with Greek yogurt (1)
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  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Variations
  • Storage
  • FAQ
  • 📖 Recipe

If someone told me to imagine a light, no-bake dessert for the hotsummer days, fresh strawberries and yogurt would certainly come to mind. This delicate dessert has both of these ingredients, plus a light creamy texture which is the result of the minimum amount of gelatin.

Gelatin is required in order for the cream to thicken and to be able to stand gloriously on its own while still remaining creamy and velvety, almost fragile, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

If you're searching for another yogurt dessert without gelatin, then you'll love this easy recipe foryogurt parfaits with honey and fruits.

Make this panna cotta dessert during strawberry season using fresh strawberries, and the other time of the year using frozen fruit or store-bought strawberry puree.

Ingredients

For the panna cotta mixture you'll need the following simple ingredients:

  • Greek yogurt (preferably room temperature)
  • Heavy cream (35% fat)
  • Powdered gelatin + a bit of whole milk
  • Honey
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract or vanilla pod
Strawberry panna cotta recipe with Greek yogurt (2)

For the strawberry sauce you'll need:

  • Fresh strawberries (or frozen)
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch

The creaminess of the Greek yogurt, the aroma of the vanilla, the flowery taste of the honey and the freshness of the strawberries build a refreshing dessert, lower in fat than the traditional version like thisvanilla panna cottafrom An Italian in my Kitchen.

However I don't like to compare the two desserts, because the traditional recipe is made with heavy cream, which means that it is a different dessert.

For very special occasions the traditional panna cotta will always be more favorable. But for everyday occasions and for all the times I want to indulge myself without the guilt, this yogurt panna cotta with the strawberry sauce is perfect.

Instructions

Step 1:Sprinkle gelatin over the cold milk (or water) and let it bloom. With this procedure gelatin dissolves easier when it is added to the cream.

Step 2:In a small saucepan, heat the cream with the sugar, until the sugar is melted, and then add the gelatin. Stir until the gelatin is melted.

Step 3:Mix the Greek yogurt with the honey and the vanilla, and then add the cream. Stir well and divide the cream mixture into molds. Optionally, you can pass the cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, in order to catch any lumps.

Step 4:Add the fruit and the sugar to a saucepan and heat until is starts to bubble. In the meantime mix the cornstarch with the cold water. Cook the fruit until it looks jammy and if you want it thicker, start adding the cornstarch mixture until it reaches the desired consistency.

Tip:if you want to preserve all the fresh strawberry flavor, cook the strawberries in a wide pan because you want their excess water to evaporate quickly without cooking them for too long.

Strawberry panna cotta recipe with Greek yogurt (3)

Variations

The most common variationis to use another fruit for the sauce. This sauce can be made with fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, cherries, or a mix. Mango is also a nice option.

Another thing you can dois to flavor the panna cotta differently. Add orange, lemon or lime zest to the cream when you heat it in the pot. Alternatively add a stick of cinnamon, or a couple tablespoons of coffee beans (before adding the cream to the yogurt, pass it through a sieve to catch the beans).

In thiscoffee panna cottarecipe from Pretty Simple Sweet, brewed coffee is added for stronger flavor.

A third variationis to use milk instead of cream. This will make the panna cotta even lighter, but I personally prefer the taste with the cream.

​Why use Greek yogurt for this recipe

Greek yogurt is thicker than your regular yogurt something that will help the panna cotta become more creamy.

Storage

This panna cotta is the perfect make-ahead dessert because it can be stored in the fridge for 3 - 4 days.

Before storing it rap the molds with plastic wrap, and unmold the dessert just before serving.

Strawberry panna cotta recipe with Greek yogurt (4)

FAQ

Does Greek yogurt have gelatin?

No, plain Greek yogurt doesn't have gelatin. It is thicker than regular yogurt because it is strained and has less moisture. This also means that it is richer in protein.

Can you put gelatin in yogurt?Every panna cotta needs some gelatin to set (though I've read some older recipes that set with the addition of egg whites).

The best way to incorporate the gelatin into the yogurt is to mix it with a liquid (like milk or water), warm it for the gelatin to dissolve and then mix it with the yogurt.

Nutritional

This strawberry panna cotta recipe has less fat, less calories and more protein than your traditional recipe because a large amount of cream is replaced by Greek yogurt.

Also, because of the yogurt, each serving will give you about12 grams of protein! You can even eat this after gym!!!

Strawberry panna cotta recipe with Greek yogurt (5)

Because yogurt tastes a bit tart, some sugar and honey is used to balance it out. If you’re extra careful about your calorie intake, you can substitute sugar with your favoritesweetenerwith minor changes in flavor.

Real yogurt has live culture with living bacteriacalledprobiotics. These probiotics help us maintain healthy levels of good bacteria in our intestines, support ourimmune system, and they're also very useful for anyone suffering from bloating,gas or flatulence problems.

Probiotics also help to restore the good bacteria population in our guts after a course of antibiotics. Since they can be killed in high temperatures, we must be extra careful and not overheat them when we use yogurt in our cooking. This recipe isideal for this, because only the cream is gently heated and then added to the yogurt.

Notes

  • Make sure you choose a real Greek, live yogurt! Real yogurt has no sugar, no added flavors and no gelatin!
  • For easier serving, serve this panna cotta inside dessert cups or serving glasses without unmolding it!
  • This is the perfect dessert after a meal like thishealthier baked chicken and rice.
  • If you're feeling bold, add a tablespoon or two of balsamic vinegar to the strawberry sauce, because balsamic vinegar and strawberries is a classic combination.

📖 Recipe

Strawberry panna cotta recipe with Greek yogurt (6)

Strawberry panna cotta recipe with Greek yogurt

Makos

This strawberry panna cotta recipe with yogurt is a healthier alternative to the famous Italian classic dessert! The vanilla bean extract gives it its characteristic aroma which pairs perfectly with the simple strawberry sauce.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Sweet

Cuisine gluten-free, Italian, Mediterranean

Servings 5

Calories 425 kcal

Ingredients

For the yogurt panna cotta

  • 2 tablespoons cold milk (or cold water)
  • 2 teaspoons (10 grams) unflavored gelatin in granules
  • 1 cup (250 grams) milk cream
  • ½ cup (100 grams) sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (65 grams) honey
  • 2 cups (500 grams) unflavored Greek yogurt
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the strawberry sauce

  • 1 cup strawberries, chopped
  • cup (66 grams) sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  • Lightly oil 5 molds/ramekins 6oz (180ml) capacity or 7 molds/ramekins 5oz (150ml) capacity (you can also serve the panna cotta in glasses - no need to oil them in this case)

  • Bloom the gelatin: In a small bowl pour 2 tablespoons of the cold milk, add the gelatin, stir it to combine and let it bloom.

  • Make the Panna Cotta: Transfer the milk cream and the sugar to a small pot and heat over medium heat until the mixture is steamy and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat, add the bloomed gelatin and stir until dissolved.

    Transfer the yogurt, the honey and the vanilla to a bowl and mix well. Gradually add the milk mixture while mixing with a whisk or a spatula.

  • Fill the molds: When everything is combined, divide the mixture into the ramekins and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or until firm to the touch.

  • Make the sauce: Transfer the strawberries and the sugar to a saucepan and heat until the sugar is melted and the strawberries release their juices.

    Transfer the cornstarch and the cold water to a small bowl and mix well. When the berries start to boil, add 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce is glossy.

    If you want the sauce thicker add the rest of the corn flour and stir again for 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the sauce cool.

  • Serve: If you choose to unmold the panna cotta, run a knife through the edge of the molds and heat them for a couple of seconds by dipping them half-way for 10 seconds into hot water. Invert onto plates and help them unmold with the knife.

    Top with the strawberry sauce and serve.

Notes

You can use a mix of red fruits instead of strawberries.

If you use 5oz (150 ml) capacity ramekins the calories per serving are 304.

Nutrition

Calories: 425kcal

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Strawberry panna cotta recipe with Greek yogurt (10)

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Comments

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  1. jenna

    Can I use a loaf pan?

    Reply

    • Makos

      I believe you can... Just dip it briefly in a pan with hot water for easy unmolding 🙂

      Reply

  2. Jane lasseter

    Hi do you know how many calories are in the Panna cotta receipt please?

    Reply

    • Makos

      Hi Jane,
      It's about 229 calories per serving

      Reply

  3. Sheri

    How long would these stay good in refrigerator? My husband wouldn’t eat so just me

    Reply

    • Makos

      Hi Sheri,
      They will be good for 4-5 days 🙂

      Reply

  4. Anastasios

    Strawberry panna cotta recipe with Greek yogurt (17)
    Loved the yogurt touch, more protein less fat!

    Reply

Strawberry panna cotta recipe with Greek yogurt (2024)

FAQs

Why is my panna cotta rubbery? ›

The gelatin gets stronger as it sits, so this will be a bit rubbery by days 4 or 5, but you can mitigate this by letting the panna cotta sit at room temperature for about half an hour before serving.

What happens if you put too much gelatin in panna cotta? ›

The reason for the gelatin is obvious — a perfect panna cotta should have just enough that it seems the cream is barely holding together. It quivers when you touch it. When there's too much gelatin, the custard feels stiff and cheesy. Too little and, well, you've got a puddle on the plate when you unmold it.

Is Greek yogurt and strawberries healthy? ›

The combination of Greek yogurt and strawberries offers nutrients, like probiotics and fiber, which can support good digestive health.

Can you set yogurt with gelatine? ›

If you use just enough gelatin so you still have a bit of liquid on top after the yogurt sets, that liquid will make good starter. On the other hand, if the culture sets well, with gelatin mixed in, it will probably set well the next time.

What can go wrong with panna cotta? ›

Some fruits such as pineapple and kiwi contain enzymes that break down the protein in gelatin so it never sets. This problem can be solved by heating the fruit in question first. Gelatin-based desserts go rubbery after a few days. Don't make your panna cotta more than about four days in advance.

Why does my panna cotta have two layers? ›

If you find that your panna cotta separates into two layers, one that's creamy and one that's more gelatin-like — there can be two reasons. First, either your gelatin didn't bloom and dissolve properly when stirred into the cream. Second, the cream mixture boiled after the gelatin was added.

What to do if your panna cotta doesn't set? ›

In her lesson on how to make panna cotta she addresses what do to if your panna cotta doesn't set. One potential problem is the gelatin didn't melt all the way or you boiled the gelatin mixture. When you boil gelatin, it loses its thickening power and won't set up as desired.

Do you cover panna cotta in the fridge? ›

Cover each with plastic and refrigerate until softly set, at least 4 hours, or longer if you'd like a firmer consistency. (The panna cotta's texture will continue to evolve over time; however, after 12 hours of chilling, it will reach its maximum firmness and will not set up any further.)

How to turn out panna cotta? ›

Food styling: Loïc Parisot. To turn out, dip each mould briefly in warm water for 10-15 seconds, making sure it doesn't touch the panna cotta, then use a small flexible knife or similar to pull the panna cotta away from the side in one place.

Which fruits cannot be mixed with yogurt? ›

“Fruits, especially citrus fruits such as strawberries, grapes, oranges, amla, etc, should not be taken with milk or yoghurt. This is because this combination can lead to gastritis and a host of other gut health issues,” she said.

What is the best fruit to eat with Greek yogurt? ›

Bite-sized pieces of fresh fruit: Bananas, pineapple, kiwis, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, mango, and more. Whatever fresh fruit you like will pair well with yogurt. Small frozen fruit: I prefer fresh, but frozen berries are quite good in yogurt.

How to thicken up Greek yogurt? ›

Here are a few ways you can thicken your yogurt.
  1. Strain out whey until desired consistency. ...
  2. Add powdered milk/unflavored gelatin/pectin/tapioca starch to your mixture and ferment like usual. ( ...
  3. Increase the fat content by either adding 1/2 & 1/2 or heavy cream. ...
  4. Use whole fat milk.

Is panna cotta for breakfast? ›

You can make these delicious and healthier Panna Cottas in just a few simple steps. It's like having dessert for breakfast, but with the goodness of Greek yogurt. You can make them ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Serve them as a side with Spiced Vanilla Poached Pears and granola.

What is the thickest Greek yogurt? ›

If you like ultra-thick Greek yogurt, check out fa*ge Total 0%. It has a smooth texture with no lumps and serves up a satisfying base for any parfait. We appreciate that the brand lists out the live cultures on the ingredient list. "This is the thickest Greek yogurt I've ever had.

Why didn't my panna cotta set? ›

Not Setting Properly: If your panna cotta doesn't set properly and remains too runny, it may be due to not using enough gelatin or not allowing it enough time to set.

Why is my pastry cream rubbery? ›

Don't panic when your cooled pastry cream will look rubbery – just give it a good whisk. As the pastry cream cools and sets, it can initially have a rubbery, gummy and slightly curdled appearance as you first start stirring it.

Why is my vegan cake rubbery? ›

The ratio of wet ingredients (fat and vegan milk) to dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder etc.) has to be in perfect balance. If you have too much fat and too little milk and/or flour, you'll get a greasy cake. If you have too much milk and not enough fat, you'll end up with a gummy, dense cake.

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