Coconut and Passion Fruit Panna Cottas

Introduction

Coconut and Passion Fruit Panna Cottas are a delightful fusion of tropical flavors, offering a creamy, silky dessert with the bright, tangy essence of passion fruit and the rich, smooth texture of coconut. This easy-to-make yet impressive dessert brings together the best of both fruits, creating a refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a light finish to a meal or a stand-alone indulgence, these panna cottas are sure to impress with their luscious texture and vibrant flavors.

I remember the first time I made these for a summer dinner party. The vibrant yellow hue of the passion fruit paired with the creamy coconut was a feast for the eyes, and the flavor combination was a hit with everyone. What’s great about these panna cottas is how easy they are to make, yet they feel so elegant and sophisticated. You can garnish them with extra passion fruit pulp, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or even a few fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch.

These panna cottas are surprisingly simple to prepare, with just a few ingredients needed to create that perfect creamy texture. Whether you’re serving them as an impressive dessert for guests or treating yourself to a tropical indulgence, these coconut and passion fruit panna cottas are sure to be a memorable and delicious experience!

Perfect for:

Summer dinners
Tropical-themed parties
Dinner parties
Special occasions
Coconut and passion fruit lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Coconut and Passion Fruit Panna Cottas are bound to become your new favorite dessert:

Tropical Flavors: The combination of sweet coconut and tangy passion fruit creates a vibrant and refreshing flavor profile that transports you to a tropical paradise.
Smooth, Silky Texture: The panna cotta’s creamy consistency is rich and luxurious, making every bite melt in your mouth.
No-Bake: This is a no-bake dessert, requiring minimal preparation and time in the fridge to set.
Easy to Customize: You can adjust the sweetness or add other fruits or garnishes to suit your taste.
Elegant Presentation: The panna cotta’s delicate and smooth texture makes it a sophisticated treat that’s visually appealing.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 4-5 hours (including chilling time)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 3-4 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 280-320 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Coconut and Passion Fruit Panna Cottas:

For the Coconut Panna Cotta:

1 ½ cups coconut milk (full-fat)
1 cup heavy cream
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 packet (1 tablespoon) unflavored gelatin
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Passion Fruit Topping:

4-5 passion fruits (or ½ cup passion fruit pulp)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to balance sweetness)

Ingredient Highlights

Coconut Milk: Provides the signature creamy richness, giving the panna cotta a tropical flavor and smooth texture.
Heavy Cream: Ensures a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel, making the panna cotta even more indulgent.
Gelatin: Helps set the panna cotta, giving it the firm yet creamy texture.
Passion Fruit: Adds a tangy, aromatic punch that contrasts beautifully with the coconut’s creaminess.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Sweetens the passion fruit topping naturally.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Coconut and Passion Fruit Panna Cottas:

Prepare the Coconut Panna Cotta:

Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, add 3 tablespoons of cold water. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom (absorb the water).
Heat the Coconut Milk and Cream: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is heated, but not boiling.
Dissolve the Gelatin: Once the coconut milk and cream are warm, remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Pour into Molds: Pour the coconut mixture into small serving glasses or ramekins, dividing it evenly. Let the panna cotta cool to room temperature, then transfer to the fridge to chill for 3-4 hours, or until fully set.

Prepare the Passion Fruit Topping:

Extract Passion Fruit Pulp: Cut the passion fruits in half and scoop out the pulp. If you prefer a smoother topping, you can strain out the seeds, but leaving them adds texture and visual appeal.
Sweeten the Passion Fruit: In a small saucepan, combine the passion fruit pulp, honey or maple syrup, and lemon juice (if using). Heat gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until well combined. Allow it to cool before topping the panna cotta.

Serve and Garnish:

Top the Panna Cottas: Once the coconut panna cotta has set, spoon the passion fruit topping over each serving. You can garnish with extra passion fruit pulp or fresh mint leaves if desired.
Serve Chilled: Serve immediately, or keep in the fridge until ready to serve.

How to Serve

With Fresh Fruit: Serve with a few extra slices of tropical fruits like kiwi, mango, or pineapple to complement the flavors.
For a Special Occasion: These panna cottas make a beautiful, elegant addition to dinner parties or celebrations.
As a Light Dessert: Perfect for a light and refreshing dessert after a heavy meal.
With a Cup of Tea: Pair with a fragrant tea, like green tea or chamomile, to enhance the tropical flavors.
On a Dessert Table: These panna cottas are an excellent choice for a dessert table at a summer gathering or party.

Additional Tips

Make sure the coconut milk is full-fat for the creamiest texture.
Use fresh passion fruits for the best flavor.
If you don’t have ramekins, you can use small glass jars or cups.
Add a bit of zest from lime or lemon to the coconut panna cotta mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
For a vegan version, use coconut cream and agar-agar instead of gelatin.

Recipe Variations

Mango Coconut Panna Cottas
Pineapple Coconut Panna Cottas
Coconut and Papaya Panna Cottas
Lemon Coconut Panna Cottas
Berry Coconut Panna Cottas
Coconut and Guava Panna Cottas
Passion Fruit and Mango Panna Cottas
Vegan Coconut and Passion Fruit Panna Cottas
Coconut Panna Cottas with Chocolate Drizzle
Coconut and Lime Panna Cottas

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Panna cotta can be frozen for up to 1 month. Ensure it’s wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, cover them tightly to prevent drying out.

Special Equipment

Small serving glasses or ramekins
Small saucepan
Spoon or ladle for topping

FAQ Section

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, panna cotta can be made a day or two ahead and kept in the fridge.
Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin? Yes, agar-agar is a great plant-based alternative to gelatin.
How do I make this dessert vegan? Use coconut cream and agar-agar in place of the gelatin and heavy cream.
Can I substitute the passion fruit with another fruit? Yes, you can try other tropical fruits like mango or papaya for a different twist.
Can I make this in a larger size? Yes, you can scale up the recipe and use a larger dish, but adjust the chilling time as necessary.

Conclusion

Coconut and Passion Fruit Panna Cottas offer a blissful combination of creamy coconut and tangy passion fruit, creating a refreshing and elegant dessert. The silky smooth coconut cream balances perfectly with the vibrant, tropical flavor of passion fruit, making each bite a little taste of paradise.

Whether you’re serving them at a special gathering or simply treating yourself to something indulgent, these panna cottas are a stunning yet easy-to-make dessert. Their tropical flavors will transport you to a warm, sunlit beach with every spoonful.

I’d love to see how your Coconut and Passion Fruit Panna Cottas turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your tropical creations. Enjoy the blissful flavors!