
I don’t eat dessert too often, but when I do, I’m really not a fan of rich desserts, especially after a big meal. Instead, I prefer a fresh, light dessert to finish off a day of eating. This Panna Cotta is really easy to make and best of all, can be made ahead so serving this special dessert requires no effort at all. Perfect when entertaining a crowd.
Health benefits
The many health benefits of coconut I’ve written about here. Gelatin is made from the bone and connective tissue of animals that has been dried and turned into a powder. I have written about the many health benefits of gelatin in this post about bone broth. As I’ve always stated, eating whole food sources of any nutrient is best, so consuming bone broth regularly is the most nutrient dense way to consume gelatin. But for a tasty treat, making a batch of jelly, gummies or a panna cotta is a delicious way to include additional gelatin in your diet.
Because gelatin is derived from animals, it’s essential to know you are consuming the best quality product with the least chemical loading. I’ve tried loads of different brands of gelatin and Changing Habits Organic Gelatin Powder has absolutely no flavour, is easy to work with and produces failsafe results each and every time. One bag has lasted me the year of making desserts, jelly and gummies.
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit many specific dietary requirements.
Coconut Panna Cotta with Balsamic Strawberries

Ingredients
Pana Cotta
- 540 ml canned coconut milk (2 x 270g cans) I prefer the Ayam brand (produces the best flavour and the cans are BPA free)
- 2 tsp grass-fed or organic gelatin *my preferred source above
- 85 g rice malt syrup or maple syrup (¼ cup)
- 1 tsp vanilla -powder, extract or essence
Balsamic Strawberries
- 400 g strawberries -hulled and halved
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp rice malt syrup or maple syrup
Method
- Place the coconut milk in a medium sized pot.
- Sprinkle over the gelatin and let it rest for 5 minutes (the gelatin will moisten and go crinkly).
- Pop on a low heat and warm for 3 or 4 minutes, stirring continually to dissolve the gelatin. Take care not to overheat it. It should only warm to body temperature (so you can easily stick your finger in it without burning). Once the gelatin is dissolved, stir in the sweetener and vanilla until combined.
- Grease 4-6 small ramekins with coconut oil and divide the coconut milk mix between them. Pop in the fridge for about 4 hours to set. If you don’t want to invert it, you can serve it after approx. 1 hour.
- An hour before you serve your pannacotta, combine the balsamic and sweetener and mix through your strawberries to marinade.
- You can serve the pannacotta in the dish it is set in. Or, to invert your panna cotta from the mould, sit in a bowl of hot water for 3 seconds, run a knife just around the rim of the mould and invert onto a serving plate.
- I've also served this in one large glass bowl (like you would a trifle) for a big crowd.
- Top with berries and a few mint leaves and serve immediately.
Store
- Covered in the fridge.
Deb dunt says
Georgia, what could I use instead of the coconut milk?
Georgia Harding says
You could use regular full-fat milk or a nut milk Deb G x
Deb dunt says
Thanks Georgia.
Katie says
Georgia this is such a lovely recipe and so easy to make! I didn’t have strawberries to hand so used passionfruit on top instead and the combo was perfect. The kids loved it – thank you!
Georgia Harding says
I adore passionfruit too Katie- you have actually inspired me to make it tomorrow as I have heaps of amazing passionfruit in the fridge Gx
Leah says
Yum!! After a dry-run for a dinner party, I reduced the amount of Balsamic Vinegar. My guests loved it.
Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Georgia Harding says
Thrilled Leah – thanks for the feedback G x
Deb dunt says
Hi again Georgia. Could I use pouring cream or thickened cream instead of full fat milk as you suggested a few weeks back?
Georgia Harding says
Sure, it would be delicious G x
Helen Fraser says
Hi,
Just wondering as I will be time poor on Christmas day if any of this can be made ahead & if so how far is best? ie days/hours?
Georgia Harding says
Definitely – up to 3 days ahead for the Panna Cotta and the strawberries are best prepped soon before serving. Enjoy G x
Kylie says
Thankyou Georgia for this quick and easy recipe. Made it tonight with half cream and half milk – was divine. I will try with coconut milk next time and passionfruit. Thankyou for sharing such lovely, delicious recipes that work every time!
Georgia Harding says
Thanks Kylie for taking the time to write feedback and you’re very welcome. Thrilled you enjoyed it, it is such a great easy dessert, I love making it too G x
akashocd says
wow this recipe is really delicious I tried and everyone in my family liked it
Georgia Harding says
So thrilled they all enjoyed it – Thanks so much for taking the time to post feedback and rate the recipe too G x
Kristeena says
A delicious & simple dessert to make. Thank you so much for your wonderful recipes Georgia, I have a lot of food intolerances & am so glad I stumbled onto your website…it has become my go-to place for all my recipes now, & I really appreciate all the different variations you offer on each recipe. As far as I’m concerned no other site compares…I only wish I had found you earlier!
Georgia Harding says
Oh wow, thank you Kristeena, I’m thrilled you find my site helpful. I really appreciate your feedback, it’s nice to know I’m on the right track.
This is a personal favourite, like you said very easy to make and delicious. Have a fabulous festive season, G x
Rachel says
Hello Georgia
I have been coming back to your website and recipes for a couple of years now and feel very grateful for your no nonsense recipes which are realistic and mostly work well.
My 7 1/2 year is extremely picky and has been since he started solids. He seems to have a rather sensitive palate and same with different textures. As a result, he is somewhat restricted in his likes and we have had many a battle over meal times.
Today I tried this recipe as I know he likes coconut milk and simple dishes. This recipe was a winner and is so easy and enjoyable to make. I am going to try and matcha/raspberry version next! Also, great on a hot summer day!
Regards
Rachel
Georgia Harding says
Thanks so much Rachel, thrilled you and your family enjoyed the panna cotta and the other recipes you’ve tried. Have a fabulous festive season and cheers for rating the recipe too G x