Mango Panna Cotta

This creamy and silky-smooth mango panna cotta is a perfect make-ahead dessert for a hot summer season. It tastes so refreshing with a bright fresh mango flavor. Composed of 3 layers (vanilla panna cotta, mango panna cotta, and mango topping), you can enjoy different flavors and textures on every bite!

📌 What Is Panna Cotta?

Panna cotta is a traditional Italian dessert that is a sweetened milk & cream thickened with gelatin. It is basically a milk/cream pudding, but what's so unique about this dessert comes down to the heavy cream and vanilla - The generous amount of cream is added to the dessert to create a luxurious creamy texture. It is often made with natural vanilla beans. The wonderful aroma infused in the cream makes this dessert taste more exceptional. It's almost like creme brulee in no-bake style. 

📌 Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Silky smooth treat: I've gotta say I'm not a big fan of firm panna cotta. Or for any pudding or jello. That is why I made sure to create a perfectly velvety texture that melts in a mouth. 
• So mango!: You'll love this one if you love mango. It's filled with fresh mango flavor with different textures: fresh mango chunks, mango sauce, and mango panna cotta. It is a perfect dessert to enjoy during the mango season. It is also a great source of natural vitamin C!
• 3 Layers: This mango panna cotta is composed of 3 layers: smooth vanilla panna cotta, mango panna cotta, and melty mango topping. Not only do they look eye-catching, but they also create the beautiful harmony of all flavors and textures that are slightly different on each bite.
• Make it in advance: One of the great things about this dessert is that you can make it ahead and serve it later. Enjoy it for any special occasion, such as a dinner party, tea party, or weekend treat for your family.
• Simple ingredients: You only need seven simple ingredients you can get at any grocery store.

📌 Tips For The Ingredients

• Gelatin: Use gelatin powder or sheets, whichever you like. (Check the instructions below to see how to use them.)
• Whole Milk: Use regular whole-fat milk.
• Lemon: Lemon juice adds refreshing tartness to the mango flavor. We also add lemon peel to the panna cotta base to add a slight fruity note.
• Vanilla beans: The sweet, exotic aroma goes so well with the mango. I like Madagascar vanilla beans. Use vanilla extract as an alternative.
• Granulated sugar: Just enough amount is added to keep it taste refreshing. 
• Heavy cream: Use regular heavy cream or heavy whipping cream. 
• Fresh mango: We use it to make mango panna cotta and mango topping. Check below for tips on choosing the right mangoes.

What type of mangoes should I use?

You can use any choice of mango, but ensure they are ripe since they have a richer and sweeter flavor with a juicer texture. Ripe mangoes should feel soft when touching the skins, just like ripe avocado. 

The strength of gelatin

"Bloom" refers to the strength of gelatin. The lower the amount is, the softer the panna cotta gets, and the opposite happens when using gelatin with a higher bloom. For this recipe, I used gelatin sheets with 230 "blooms." Knox gelatin powder is another option - The bloom is also about 230, so I use it whenever I can not get the sheets.

Adjust the amount accordingly when using the gelatin with an overly different bloom. In case it's not listed on the box, I suggest making it with the same amount and seeing if you like the firmness. 

📌 8 Steps To Make Mango Panna Cotta

Vanilla Panna Cotta Base

1. Hydrate gelatin beforehand:
   • When using gelatin sheets: Soak them in icy cold water for about 10 minutes. 
   • When using gelatin powder: Follow the package instructions to see how much water you should add to hydrate it in advance. Often, you'll need to sprinkle gelatin powder in 4 - 5 times more amounts of icy cold water, mix well, and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
2. Heat milk, lemon peel, and vanilla beans in a medium-sized saucepan at medium heat until you see a lot of steam coming from the pot. Remove from the heat. *Do not boil it.

3. Add sugar and the hydrated gelatin to the hot milk mixture. Mix well. Ensure that the gelatin is dissolved completely to set the panna cotta properly.
4. Strain it and add cold heavy cream. Mix until evenly incorporated.

5. Set aside 120 g | 4.2 oz (½ US cup) of the panna cotta base to make mango panna cotta and pour the rest into glasses. Chill them in the fridge for 6 - 8 hours until set completely.

Fresh Mango Purée

We are using this pureed mango for both the mango panna cotta and the topping.

6. Cut fresh mangoes into small chunks. Puree the mango, sugar, and lemon juice with a hand blender (or use a small juicer or food processor) until very smooth.

Mango Panna Cotta

7. Combine 120 g | 4.2 oz (½ US cup) of the mango puree and the same amount of panna cotta base we set aside earlier. Pour it into glasses. The vanilla panna cotta gets firm enough to pour the mango panna cotta on top in about 1 - 2 hours. Check the consistency before pouring it. Chill the glasses back into the fridge. * Heat the vanilla panna cotta base in the microwave or a water bath a little bit if it thickens too much before using it.

Fresh Mango Topping

8. Cut fresh mangoes into cubes. Mix it with the remaining mango puree. Pour it on top of the set mango panna cotta.

The mango sauce adds a glossy look and melty texture!

Garnishing

As an option, garnish them with fresh mint and enjoy with a drizzle of honey!

📌 Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store mango panna cotta, and what's the shelf-life? 

Wrap the top of the glasses with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend consuming it within that day for the best taste.

Can I make the double batches or more? 

Yes! Make the double batch or more as you like, and follow the exact steps and tips as directed. 

Can I use this recipe to make only the vanilla panna cotta? 

Yes! The vanilla panna cotta itself tastes amazing.

Can I try this recipe with a different fruit?

Yes, you can! Use other fruits to make various kinds of panna cotta, such as raspberry, kiwi, and strawberry panna cotta. Adjust the amount of ingredients as you like.

📌 VIDEO: Mango Panna Cotta

Watch the video tutorial to learn how to make it visually and have a deeper understanding of each step!

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📌 More No Bake Dessert Recipes

Try other delicious, no-bake desserts you can make with simple steps!

• Souffle Pancakes
• Crepes
• No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake (Coming next week!)
• Churros
• Raspberry Mousse
• Strawberry Mousse

📌 Printable Recipe

💬 If you loved this recipe, please share your feedback on this post! I always love hearing how you enjoyed it with your friends and family.