Lemon Panna Cotta

When summer hits, I always crave something light, creamy, and refreshing. Heavy desserts just don’t cut it when it’s hot outside. That’s where this lemon panna cotta comes in—it’s silky smooth, zesty, and perfectly chilled. Honestly, it’s like sunshine in a spoonful. 

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or advanced pastry skills. Just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience while it chills in the fridge. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth dessert that tastes like it came straight from a café. 

What I really love about this recipe is the presentation. Instead of using plain glasses or bowls, you can actually pour the panna cotta into lemon shells. It not only looks beautiful but also adds an extra burst of citrus aroma. Top it off with fresh blueberries and mint leaves, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate summer showstopper.

Lemon Panna Cotta Refreshing Summer Dessert

Ingredients

• 200 g milk
• 100 g light cream
• 18 g sugar
• Lemon zest (grated from 1 lemon)
• 5 g gelatin sheets (softened)
• Fresh blueberries (for garnish)
• Mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat the base mixture:
   • In a saucepan, combine milk, light cream, sugar, and lemon zest.
   • Heat gently over low heat, stirring constantly until it just starts to bubble.
   • Turn off the heat.
2. Dissolve the gelatin:
   • Add the softened gelatin sheets to the warm mixture.
   • Stir until completely dissolved.
3. Strain for smoothness:
   • Strain the mixture once to achieve a silky, delicate texture.
4. Pour into molds:
   • Pour the panna cotta mixture into lemon shells (or cups if you prefer).
5. Chill to set:
   • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
6. Garnish & serve:
   • Before serving, garnish with fresh blueberries and mint leaves.
   • Enjoy this refreshing, summery dessert!

🍋 Lemon Panna Cotta Q&A

1. Can I use lime instead of lemon for panna cotta?

Yes! You can substitute lemon zest with lime zest for a tangier flavor. It gives a slightly different citrus aroma but works beautifully.

2. How long should panna cotta chill before serving?

It needs at least 4 hours in the fridge, but for the creamiest result, let it set overnight.

3. Can I make panna cotta without gelatin?

Yes, you can replace gelatin with agar-agar powder. Just dissolve it in warm milk. The texture will be slightly firmer compared to gelatin.

4. What toppings go well with lemon panna cotta?

Fresh fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries pair wonderfully. A drizzle of honey or a sprig of mint also makes it extra refreshing!

5. How long does lemon panna cotta last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for about 2–3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

This lemon panna cotta is everything you want in a summer dessert—creamy, refreshing, and light without being overly sweet. It’s easy enough for a weekday treat but fancy enough to impress at a party. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become your go-to summer favorite.