📝 About This Recipe
Transport your senses to the Italian countryside with this luxuriously smooth, keto-friendly version of the classic 'cooked cream' dessert. We’ve replaced traditional sugar with high-quality stevia to maintain a delicate sweetness that perfectly complements the rich, velvety texture of heavy cream and real vanilla bean. It is an elegant, melt-in-your-mouth experience that proves you don't need carbs to enjoy a sophisticated, five-star finale to your meal.
🥗 Ingredients
Panna Cotta Base
- 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream (full fat, at least 36%)
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (to lighten the density slightly)
- 1/3 cup Powdered Stevia Blend (adjust to taste preference)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons Unflavored Gelatin Powder (roughly 1 standard envelope)
- 3 tablespoons Cold Water (for blooming the gelatin)
- 1 piece Vanilla Bean (split lengthwise and seeds scraped)
- 1 pinch Sea Salt (to enhance the creaminess)
Raspberry Coulis (Sugar-Free)
- 1 cup Fresh Raspberries (frozen also works well)
- 3-5 drops Liquid Stevia Drops (to balance the tartness)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
For Garnish
- 4 sprigs Fresh Mint Leaves (for a pop of color)
- 8 pieces Whole Raspberries (reserved from the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Sliced Almonds (toasted, for a crunch)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Place the 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin powder evenly over the surface. Let it sit (bloom) for 5-10 minutes until it becomes thick and spongy.
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2
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy whipping cream, almond milk, and powdered stevia over medium-low heat.
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3
Using a sharp paring knife, split the vanilla bean lengthwise. Scrape the tiny black seeds into the cream mixture and drop the empty pod in as well for extra flavor infusion.
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4
Heat the cream mixture gently, stirring constantly with a whisk. Watch for small bubbles forming around the edges, but do not let the mixture reach a rolling boil, as this can affect the gelatin's setting power.
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5
Once the cream is hot and the stevia has fully dissolved, remove the pan from the heat. Take out the vanilla bean pod and discard it.
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6
Add the bloomed gelatin into the warm cream. Whisk vigorously for about 1-2 minutes until you are certain the gelatin has completely melted and no translucent streaks remain.
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7
Stir in the pinch of sea salt to brighten the flavor profile.
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8
Lightly grease four 6-ounce ramekins or decorative molds with a tiny bit of neutral oil if you plan to unmold them. If serving in glasses, skip this step.
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9
Divide the mixture evenly among the ramekins. If you see air bubbles on top, gently pop them with a toothpick for a smooth finish.
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10
Allow the ramekins to cool to room temperature on the counter before covering them with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, or ideally overnight, until firm.
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11
While the panna cotta sets, prepare the coulis: Place raspberries and lemon juice in a small blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth.
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12
Press the raspberry puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove the seeds. Stir in the liquid stevia drops, adjusting for desired sweetness.
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13
To serve, if unmolding: Dip the bottom of each ramekin into a bowl of warm water for 5 seconds. Run a thin knife around the edge and invert onto a dessert plate.
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14
Drizzle the raspberry coulis over the panna cotta and garnish with fresh mint, whole berries, and toasted almonds.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always bloom your gelatin in cold liquid first; adding dry gelatin directly to hot liquid causes clumps that won't dissolve. Use a powdered stevia blend (like Stevia/Erythritol) rather than pure stevia extract to ensure the volume and texture remain balanced. If your panna cotta hasn't set after 4 hours, it likely needs more time; patience is the key to that perfect wobble. For an ultra-smooth texture, pour the cream mixture through a fine strainer before filling the ramekins to catch any undissolved gelatin or vanilla pod bits. To make it dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk, though the flavor will change slightly.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a chilled glass of dry Keto-friendly sparkling wine or Prosecco. Serve alongside a shot of dark roast espresso to cut through the richness of the cream. Add a few shavings of 90% dark chocolate on top for a decadent mocha-inspired twist. Top with a few crushed macadamia nuts for an extra dose of healthy fats and texture. Serve in vintage crystal coupes for a high-end dinner party presentation.