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.
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!
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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.
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.
Remove the orange zest with a spider or hand strainer.
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.
Add the heavy cream and stir.
Mix in the orange extract.
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.
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.
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.
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.
4. Pour over panna cotta
Pour the liquid slowly over the orange pieces on top of the panna cotta dishes.
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!