Looking for a refreshing and elegant lemon dessert recipe? This Lemon Buttermilk Panna Cotta is a surprisingly simple yet sophisticated treat. You’ll love its creamy texture and bright, tangy flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Buttermilk: Essential for the tangy flavor. You can make a DIY version by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Heavy Cream: Provides richness. Whole milk can be used for a lighter version, but it won’t be as creamy.
- Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest are crucial for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch but won’t be as vibrant.
- Gelatin: Unflavored gelatin is key for setting the panna cotta. There’s no direct substitute if you want the traditional panna cotta texture.
Ingredients
For the Panna Cotta:
- 1 ½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh berries
- Additional lemon zest
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking involved beyond heating liquid)
- Servings: 4
- Tools Needed: Small saucepan, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, 4 small ramekins or serving dishes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bloom the Gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder over 2 tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the gelatin softens and becomes spongy. This step is called “blooming” the gelatin.
2. Heat the Cream Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and salt. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling. Remove from heat.
3. Dissolve the Gelatin
Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm cream mixture. Whisk continuously until the gelatin is fully dissolved and there are no lumps. Ensure the mixture is smooth before proceeding.
4. Stir in Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the buttermilk, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk everything together until thoroughly combined. This creates your flavorful lemon dessert recipe base.
5. Portion and Chill
Divide the panna cotta mixture evenly among your four ramekins or serving dishes. Cover each dish loosely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the panna cotta is firm and set.
6. Serve and Garnish
Once firm, you can serve the Lemon Buttermilk Panna Cotta directly from the ramekins. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh berries and a sprinkle of additional lemon zest. Enjoy your delightful lemon dessert recipe!
Variation Ideas
- Lime Panna Cotta: Substitute lemon juice and zest with fresh lime juice and zest for a zesty twist.
- Vanilla Bean: Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract or the seeds from half a vanilla bean to the cream mixture for a hint of vanilla.
- Berry Swirl: Before chilling, gently swirl a tablespoon of berry purée into each ramekin for a beautiful marble effect.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Lemon Buttermilk Panna Cotta covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled. This lemon dessert recipe doesn’t freeze well, as the texture can become grainy upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you make this panna cotta ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare this panna cotta up to 2 days in advance. It needs at least 4 hours to chill and set.
Q: Why isn’t your panna cotta setting?
A: This usually means the gelatin didn’t fully dissolve in the warm cream mixture, or you didn’t use enough gelatin. Ensure the gelatin is completely dissolved before chilling.
Q: Can you use dairy-free ingredients for this recipe?
A: You can try using full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative, along with a dairy-free buttermilk substitute. Results may vary slightly in texture.
Q: How do you unmold panna cotta from a ramekin?
A: Dip the bottom of the ramekin in warm water for about 10-15 seconds. Then, run a thin knife around the edge and invert it onto a serving plate.
Q: Is this a difficult lemon dessert recipe to make?
A: No, panna cotta is surprisingly easy to make and is considered a beginner-friendly dessert. The main challenge is ensuring the gelatin dissolves properly.
Q: Can you use less sugar?
A: Yes, you can reduce the sugar to ¼ cup if you prefer a less sweet panna cotta, letting the lemon flavor shine even more.