Name: Coconut Passion Fruit Panna Cotta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 500 g coconut milk; 80 g granulated sugar; Pinch of fine sea salt; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Zest of 1 lime; 2 teaspoons powdered gelatine (8 grams); 2 tablespoons cold water (30 ml); 3-4 passion fruit; 150 g fresh strawberries

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 62 reviews

Let me share one of my absolute favorite indulgences—the Coconut Passion Fruit Panna Cotta Recipe. This luscious dessert blends the tropical creaminess of coconut milk with the bright, tangy burst of passion fruit, creating a silky panna cotta that feels both refreshing and decadently smooth. Whether you’re craving a light but elegant treat after dinner or simply want to impress friends with a show-stopping dessert, this recipe is a total winner that’s surprisingly simple to whip up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black speckled saucepan filled with a creamy white sauce that has small black specks mixed in. A metal whisk is resting inside the saucepan with some sauce clinging to it. There is also a small clump of solid white material floating on the surface near the whisk. The saucepan sits on a rough off-white cloth with frayed edges, placed on a white marbled surface. The photo is taken from above, capturing the scene with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Coconut Passion Fruit Panna Cotta Recipe lies in a few straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role. From the rich coconut milk that gives it that creamy texture to the zingy lime zest lighting it up with freshness, every component is essential and easy to find in your pantry or local market.

Coconut milk (500 g): The creamy base that makes this panna cotta so luxuriously smooth and tropical.
Granulated sugar (80 g): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of passion fruit.
Fine sea salt (a pinch): Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Provides a warm aromatic note that deepens the flavor complexity.
Lime zest (zest of 1 lime): Brightens the dish with a citrusy punch and subtle fragrance.
Powdered gelatine (2 teaspoons / 8 grams): The magic agent that sets the panna cotta into a perfect silky texture.
Cold water (2 tablespoons / 30 ml): Used to bloom the gelatine gently before mixing it in.
Passion fruit (3-4 fruits): Offers a tangy, exotic topping that gives each bite a refreshing contrast.
Fresh strawberries (150 g): Macerated in sugar, they add a juicy burst of sweetness and beautiful color to the presentation.

How to Make Coconut Passion Fruit Panna Cotta Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatine

Begin by pouring the cold water into a small bowl and sprinkling the powdered gelatine on top. This allows the gelatine to absorb the water fully and swell, ensuring it dissolves smoothly without lumps later. Patience here pays off with the perfect silky set.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ramekins

Lightly grease your ramekins with coconut oil to ensure an easy release later. Place them on a tray or small baking sheet to keep things tidy and make transferring to the fridge a breeze.

Step 3: Heat the Coconut Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sugar, sea salt, and lime zest. Warm the mixture gently over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Take care not to let it boil, as you want to preserve the delicate flavors and creaminess. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Incorporate the Gelatine

Add the bloomed gelatine to the warm coconut mixture and whisk vigorously until it dissolves completely. If you spot any bits of gelatine that haven’t melted, return the pan to very low heat, stirring constantly to avoid overheating.

Step 5: Strain and Chill

For the silkiest texture, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve directly into your prepared ramekins. This step removes zest pieces and any gelatin clumps, ensuring a flawlessly smooth panna cotta. Place the ramekins in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 5 hours—overnight is best for full setting and flavor melding.

Step 6: Unmold for Presentation

When you’re ready to serve, dip each ramekin halfway into a bowl of hot water for about 10 to 15 seconds to loosen the panna cotta. Then invert onto a plate and give a gentle shake to release it. If it’s stubborn, repeat the warming or slide a small knife gently around the edges.

How to Serve Coconut Passion Fruit Panna Cotta Recipe

Three white plates with brown speckled edges each hold a round white panna cotta dessert topped with red sliced strawberries and bright yellow passion fruit sauce with black seeds, some sauce spilling onto the plate. One plate shows a spoon resting beside the panna cotta, another plate has a spoon with a scoop of the dessert and sauce on it. Above the plates is a small white bowl with more passion fruit sauce and a spoon inside. All dishes sit on a dark surface, changed to a white marbled texture for the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The tangy passion fruit seeds and pulp make a perfect topping that cuts through the creamy coconut base with vivid tropical flavor and juicy texture. Adding macerated strawberries sprinkled with a touch of sugar introduces another layer of sweetness and color contrast.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with light sides like fresh tropical fruit salads or crisp mint leaves for a refreshing finish. For a special occasion, serve alongside a small scoop of citrus sorbet to amplify the bright, zingy notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Coconut Passion Fruit Panna Cotta Recipe in clear glass cups or pretty stemmed glasses to show off the creamy layers topped with vibrant fruit. You could also spoon the panna cotta into edible coconut shells or small bowls lined with tropical leaves for a wow-worthy presentation that feels like a mini tropical escape.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover panna cotta covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s tightly sealed to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors and keep its delicate flavor intact.

Freezing

Freezing panna cotta is generally not recommended because the texture can change after thawing and become grainy or waterlogged. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days stored chilled.

Reheating

This dessert is designed to be served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary or ideal. Just take it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to gently soften the edges if you prefer it less firm.

FAQs

Can I use agar agar instead of gelatine?

Absolutely! Agar agar is a great vegetarian alternative. Use about 1 teaspoon of agar powder and dissolve it according to the package instructions. Keep in mind agar sets firmer and faster, so adjust chilling time accordingly.

Is canned coconut milk okay to use?

Yes, canned coconut milk works perfectly as long as it’s full-fat for that rich creaminess. Avoid coconut milk beverages or light versions as they won’t give the panna cotta the right texture.

Can I prepare this dessert a day in advance?

Definitely! In fact, making the Coconut Passion Fruit Panna Cotta Recipe a day ahead gives it time to set fully and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and covered until serving.

How do I know when the gelatine is fully dissolved?

Once the gelatine has bloomed in cold water and is added to the warm coconut mixture, whisk continuously until you see no more grainy particles. A smooth, slightly thickened liquid means it’s ready.

What if I don’t have passion fruit?

No worries! You can swap in other tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or even a berry coulis. Just make sure to balance sweetness and acidity to complement the creamy coconut base.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this dreamy Coconut Passion Fruit Panna Cotta Recipe at home. It’s like a little tropical vacation in every spoonful, guaranteed to delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you. Give it a go and let this silky dessert become your new favorite indulgence!