Panna cotta is a beloved Italian dessert known for its creamy texture and delicate flavors. Traditionally made with heavy cream, sugar, and gelatin, it’s a dessert that can be indulgent but not always the healthiest choice. However, by swapping out some of the ingredients for lighter, more wholesome alternatives, you can enjoy this classic treat without compromising on taste. Enter Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce – a lighter version of the traditional panna cotta that’s just as delicious, but with a healthier twist. Greek yogurt replaces much of the heavy cream, making this dessert not only lower in fat but also packed with protein. The addition of blueberry sauce provides a burst of sweetness and antioxidants, making each spoonful as nourishing as it is satisfying.
PrintGreek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce
🫐✨ A refreshing, creamy indulgence! This Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce combines the richness of Greek yogurt with the burst of fresh blueberry sweetness. 🍇💖 A light, elegant dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing, perfect for warm evenings or special celebrations. The silky texture and fruity topping will leave you craving more! 😋
#PannaCottaPerfection #GreekYogurtGoodness #BlueberryMagic #SweetAndCreamy #LightDesserts #HealthyTreats #SummerDesserts #FruityGoodness #ElegantDesserts #FoodieDelights 🫐💫🍴
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
Panna Cotta:
- 1 ¼ cups / 300 ml milk (your choice, almond milk used)
- 1 scant tablespoon OR 1 envelope OR 3 ½ sheets unflavored gelatin (e.g., Great Lakes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup / 4 oz / 113 gr raw organic honey (e.g., Eco Bee Farms)
- 2 cups / 15 oz / 425 gr plain Greek yogurt
Blueberry Sauce:
- 1 cup / 5 oz / 145 gr fresh blueberries
- 2 teaspoons raw organic honey (e.g., Eco Bee Farms)
- ½ teaspoon arrowroot powder
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- In a small bowl, pour ¼ cup of milk and sprinkle the gelatin on top. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the gelatin becomes moist.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the remaining 1 cup of milk to a gentle simmer. Add vanilla extract and honey, stirring to combine.
- Add the gelatin and milk mixture to the saucepan and whisk vigorously until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Greek yogurt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Divide the mixture into 6 glasses, bowls, or ramekins and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, or until firm.
- To make the blueberry sauce, combine blueberries and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the blueberries soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix arrowroot powder with water and add to the blueberry mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Spoon the blueberry sauce over the chilled panna cotta and serve.
Notes
- Gelatin: If you’re new to using gelatin, don’t worry! It’s a simple process. Make sure to let the gelatin bloom (soften) in a small amount of liquid before adding it to the warm milk mixture. This ensures smooth consistency without any lumps.
- Alternative Sweeteners: You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey if you prefer. Adjust the sweetness to your taste.
- Non-Dairy Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or another plant-based alternative, and use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk.
- Thickening the Sauce: Arrowroot powder is a great natural thickening agent, but if you don’t have it, cornstarch will work as a substitute. Just make sure to dissolve it in a little water before adding it to the blueberry mixture.
- Chill Time: Be sure to give the panna cotta enough time to set in the refrigerator. The longer it chills, the firmer the texture. Aim for at least 3 hours, but 4 hours is ideal.
- Experiment with Flavors: While the blueberry sauce is delightful, you can experiment with other fruits. Try raspberry, strawberry, or even a mixed berry compote for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
The beauty of Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta lies in its simplicity. With only a few ingredients and a foolproof method, you can create a sophisticated dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, serving it at a brunch, or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this panna cotta is a versatile treat that fits any occasion. It’s a dessert that can be prepared in advance, allowing you to focus on other things while it chills and sets in the refrigerator.
To make this Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta, start by preparing the gelatin mixture. You’ll combine a small amount of milk with unflavored gelatin and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom. Meanwhile, heat the rest of the milk in a saucepan along with vanilla extract and raw organic honey, which will lend a natural sweetness to the dessert. Once the gelatin has dissolved, whisk it into the milk mixture and then stir in the Greek yogurt. This step results in a creamy base that’s both smooth and rich in flavor.
The next step is to divide the mixture into individual serving glasses or bowls, and refrigerate for a few hours to allow the panna cotta to set. The result is a velvety, slightly tangy dessert that’s just as satisfying as its traditional counterpart but much lighter and healthier. While the panna cotta is chilling, you can prepare the blueberry sauce. Fresh blueberries are gently simmered with a bit of honey until they soften and release their juices, creating a vibrant, naturally sweet sauce. Arrowroot powder is added to thicken the sauce, resulting in a glossy, smooth topping for the panna cotta.
Once the panna cotta has set and the blueberry sauce is ready, spoon the sauce over the top of each serving and enjoy! The Greek yogurt provides a creamy, tangy base, while the blueberry sauce adds a burst of sweetness and freshness. This dessert is a perfect balance of flavors, with the richness of the panna cotta complemented by the fruity, slightly tart blueberry sauce.
Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce is not only a healthier alternative to traditional panna cotta, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can experiment with different fruit toppings, such as strawberries, raspberries, or even a mix of berries, depending on what’s in season. The recipe can also be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs. For example, if you’re following a dairy-free diet, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt, and use almond milk instead of regular milk. The dessert is also naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities.
What’s more, this panna cotta is a great make-ahead dessert. It can be prepared a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and the dessert to chill to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing dessert for a summer gathering or a healthier treat to end a hearty meal, this Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce is sure to impress.
The light and creamy texture of the panna cotta combined with the sweet, fruity blueberry sauce creates a dessert that feels indulgent without being overly rich. It’s the kind of treat that leaves you feeling satisfied, not stuffed, making it the perfect way to end a meal. The balance of tangy yogurt and sweet fruit is not only delicious but also nourishing, thanks to the antioxidants in the blueberries and the protein-packed Greek yogurt.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both healthy and decadent, look no further than Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. The best part is that it’s versatile enough to be customized to your tastes, whether you prefer it with a different fruit sauce or want to try adding a hint of citrus to the panna cotta for an extra layer of flavor.
This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal dinner parties. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. The beauty of Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce is that it’s a healthy treat that doesn’t compromise on flavor. So go ahead and indulge in this delicious, lighter version of a classic dessert. You won’t regret it!
Ingredients:
Panna Cotta:
- 1 ¼ cups / 300 ml milk (your choice, almond milk used)
- 1 scant tablespoon OR 1 envelope OR 3 ½ sheets unflavored gelatin (e.g., Great Lakes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup / 4 oz / 113 gr raw organic honey (e.g., Eco Bee Farms)
- 2 cups / 15 oz / 425 gr plain Greek yogurt
Blueberry Sauce:
- 1 cup / 5 oz / 145 gr fresh blueberries
- 2 teaspoons raw organic honey (e.g., Eco Bee Farms)
- ½ teaspoon arrowroot powder
- 2 tablespoons water
Directions:
- In a small bowl, pour ¼ cup of milk and sprinkle the gelatin on top. Let it sit for 10 minutes until the gelatin becomes moist.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the remaining 1 cup of milk to a gentle simmer. Add vanilla extract and honey, stirring to combine.
- Add the gelatin and milk mixture to the saucepan and whisk vigorously until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Greek yogurt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Divide the mixture into 6 glasses, bowls, or ramekins and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, or until firm.
- To make the blueberry sauce, combine blueberries and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the blueberries soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix arrowroot powder with water and add to the blueberry mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Spoon the blueberry sauce over the chilled panna cotta and serve.
This Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce is a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors, and it’s a healthy dessert that can be enjoyed anytime. Whether you’re serving it to guests or treating yourself, it’s a simple yet sophisticated dessert that’s sure to be a favorite!
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish: For extra visual appeal, you can garnish the panna cotta with a few fresh mint leaves, a sprinkle of chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Brunch or Dessert: This panna cotta is versatile enough to be served both as a light brunch treat or as an elegant dinner party dessert. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Prosecco, for a refreshing complement.
- Picnics and Potlucks: Since this dessert can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days, it’s ideal for picnics, potlucks, or barbecues. Simply transport it in individual jars or glasses, and top with fresh sauce just before serving.
- Add a Crunch: If you’re looking for a bit of texture contrast, serve the panna cotta with a side of granola or crumble some cookies on top. The crunch will balance out the smoothness of the panna cotta.
- For a Fancy Touch: For a more sophisticated presentation, serve the panna cotta in elegant glassware, such as wine glasses or dessert cups. Layer the blueberry sauce at the bottom of the glass before adding the panna cotta for a beautiful effect when the dessert is served.
By following these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be sure to impress guests and enjoy a healthier yet indulgent dessert!