Mango Panna Cotta Recipe

Silky Smooth Mango Panna Cotta Recipe: A Tropical Dream Dessert

Cool and creamy, this dreamy mango panna cotta recipe brings a burst of tropical sweetness to your dessert table.

Summer’s golden fruit transforms a classic Italian dessert into a silky, luscious treat that melts on your tongue.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of smooth custard and vibrant mango flavor.

The delicate texture and bright color make this dessert a showstopper at any gathering.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create an elegant dessert that looks like it came from a professional kitchen.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness in this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Smooth and Flavorful Panna Cotta

  • Always sprinkle gelatin evenly over water and let it sit undisturbed to ensure smooth, lump-free dissolving.
  • Use wine glasses or mason jars tilted in a muffin tin to create beautiful layered effects while setting each panna cotta layer.
  • Choose sweet, fragrant mangoes that are slightly soft when pressed for the most intense and natural flavor in your puree.
  • Push mango puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any fibrous bits, creating a silky-smooth texture in your dessert.
  • Let panna cotta sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and achieve a luxurious, creamy consistency.

Fun Mango Panna Cotta Twists

  • Tropical Passion Fruit Panna Cotta: Replace mango puree with passion fruit pulp for a tangy, vibrant dessert with a bright tropical flavor profile.
  • Coconut Vegan Edition: Swap dairy cream with coconut milk and use agar-agar instead of gelatin to create a plant-based, dairy-free version that's creamy and rich.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Blend: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and incorporate mixed berry puree for a lighter, diabetic-friendly dessert option.
  • Spiced Cardamom Fusion: Add ground cardamom to the cream layer and use almond milk for a warm, aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired panna cotta with subtle nutty undertones.

Mango Panna Cotta Serving Inspiration

  • Tropical Fruit Garnish: Top with fresh mango cubes, passion fruit seeds, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for extra texture and vibrant flavor.
  • Elegant Dessert Plating: Serve in clear glass cups to showcase beautiful yellow and white layers, creating a stunning visual presentation that impresses guests.
  • Sweet Sauce Drizzle: Add a delicate passion fruit coulis or light caramel sauce around the edges of the panna cotta for an elevated gourmet touch.
  • Refreshing Pairing: Accompany with a chilled tropical cocktail or crisp white wine to complement the creamy, fruity dessert's delightful profile.

Best Ways to Store Mango Panna Cotta

  • Store covered in airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep glasses carefully placed to maintain layer integrity.
  • Not recommended due to gelatin's delicate texture which breaks down when frozen, potentially separating layers.
  • Cover each glass tightly with plastic wrap directly touching dessert surface to prevent moisture and flavor absorption.
  • Let dessert sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften texture and restore original creamy consistency.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of gelatin for this recipe?

Yes, you can use sheet gelatin or powdered gelatin. Just follow the package instructions for blooming and dissolving. Both work well in creating a smooth panna cotta texture.

  • Is it necessary to tilt the glasses while setting the layers?

Tilting helps create an angled layer effect, making the dessert more visually appealing. If you prefer a straight layer, you can set the glasses upright in the refrigerator.

  • Can I substitute fresh mango with canned mango puree?

Absolutely! Canned mango puree works great if fresh mangoes are not available. Just ensure it’s pure mango puree without added sugars for the best flavor.

Mango Panna Cotta Why It’s a Silky Delight

  • A stunning two-layer treat that looks like a professional pastry chef crafted it right in your kitchen.
  • Requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, making it perfect for beginners wanting to impress family and friends.
  • Easily adaptable with different fruit purees or garnishes, allowing creative twists on a classic dessert that suits various tastes and occasions.
  • Chilled, smooth, and light dessert that provides a cool, sweet escape during warm weather gatherings or after hearty meals.

Mango Panna Cotta Ingredient Essentials

Main Ingredients:
  • Mango: A sweet, tropical fruit that provides the vibrant flavor and beautiful color for this dessert.
  • Gelatin: A key ingredient that helps set the layers and create the signature smooth, wobbly texture of panna cotta.
  • Milk: Adds richness and helps create a creamy base for the dessert.
  • Cream: Contributes to the luxurious, silky texture of the panna cotta.
Sweeteners:
  • Sugar: Provides the perfect level of sweetness to balance the fruity and creamy elements.
Liquid Components:
  • Water: Used to bloom the gelatin and help it dissolve properly.

Equipment for Mango Dessert Magic

  • Measuring Spoons: Perfect for precise gelatin and sugar measurements.
  • Small Saucepan: Essential for heating and dissolving mango puree and cream mixture.
  • Whisk: Great for stirring gelatin and blending ingredients smoothly.
  • Glass Measuring Cup: Ideal for warm water and measuring liquids accurately.
  • Clear Serving Glasses: Key for creating beautiful layered dessert presentation.
  • Spatula: Helps scrape and transfer mixtures cleanly.
  • Blender or Food Processor: Optional for creating smooth mango puree.

Steps for Creamy Mango Panna Cotta

Step 1: Activate Gelatin

Sprinkle gelatin powder over warm water in a small bowl.

Allow the mixture to sit and soften for about 10 minutes, creating a smooth, jellylike base for your dessert.

Step 2: Prepare Mango Fusion

Gently warm the mango puree in a saucepan.

Add the softened gelatin and stir until completely dissolved, creating a vibrant and silky mango mixture.

Step 3: Create Mango Foundation

Carefully pour the mango mixture into serving glasses, tilting them at an angle for an elegant presentation.

Refrigerate the glasses until the mango layer sets completely, which typically takes around 4 hours.

Step 4: Reactivate Gelatin

Repeat the gelatin blooming process by sprinkling the remaining gelatin powder over warm water.

Let it sit and transform into a soft, transparent gel.

Step 5: Craft Creamy Mixture

In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, and sugar.

Heat the mixture gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.

Add the bloomed gelatin and mix thoroughly to create a smooth, luxurious cream base.

Step 6: Layer and Chill

Gently pour the cream mixture over the set mango layer in the glasses.

Return the desserts to the refrigerator and let them chill for an additional 4 hours until the cream layer is firm and set.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the mango panna cotta from the refrigerator just before serving.

The dessert will have a beautiful two-tone effect with a vibrant mango base and creamy white topping.

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Mango Panna Cotta Recipe

Mango Panna Cotta Recipe


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4.5 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Silky mango panna cotta delivers a tropical Italian dessert dream with creamy textures and ripe fruit essence. Delicate layers of sweetness and smooth custard invite dessert enthusiasts to savor pure culinary pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mango puree
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Stabilizing/Binding Ingredients:

  • 2.5 teaspoons gelatin (divided)
  • 4 tablespoons warm water

Garnish:

  • Fresh mangoes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle gelatin over warm water and allow it to soften for 10 minutes, creating a smooth, uniform base for the mango layer.
  2. Gently heat mango puree and incorporate the bloomed gelatin, stirring until completely dissolved and creating a vibrant, silky mixture.
  3. Carefully pour the mango layer into glasses positioned at an angle, ensuring an elegant slanted presentation, then refrigerate for approximately 4 hours until fully set.
  4. Repeat gelatin blooming process by sprinkling remaining gelatin over warm water and letting it sit for 10 minutes to activate.
  5. Combine milk, cream, and sugar in a saucepan, warming the mixture until sugar dissolves completely and creates a smooth, sweet liquid.
  6. Integrate the bloomed gelatin into the warm cream mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution and a consistent texture.
  7. Gently pour the cream layer over the set mango layer, creating a clean, distinct separation between the two components.
  8. Return the assembled dessert to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 4 hours, allowing the cream layer to set firmly and develop a delicate, creamy consistency.

Notes

  • Choose ripe, sweet mangoes for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in your panna cotta.
  • Tilt glasses while setting each layer to create an elegant diagonal presentation that looks professionally crafted.
  • Strain mango puree through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a silky smooth texture without fiber or pulp.
  • Replace dairy with coconut milk and cream for a delicious vegan version that maintains the creamy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 55 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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