White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Stewed Strawberries: A Silky Dream

There’s a certain magic that happens when creamy, luscious desserts meet the bright, zesty punch of fresh fruit. I remember, early in my culinary journey, being utterly captivated by the simplicity and elegance of panna cotta. It was a revelation – a dessert that felt impossibly sophisticated, yet so accessible. This particular rendition, with its delicate white chocolate base and vibrant strawberry topping, transports me back to those moments of sweet discovery, reminding me of how a few quality ingredients, treated with care, can create something truly extraordinary. It’s a dish that whispers of spring, even on the chilliest of evenings, and always brings a smile to my face.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 individual servings
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free, Soy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free

Ingredients

For the White Chocolate Panna Cotta:

• 180 grams white chocolate, chopped
• 2 cups thickened cream
• 1 tablespoon caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon boiling water
• 1 ½ teaspoons gelatin, powder

For the Stewed Strawberries:

• 125 grams strawberries, quartered
• 2 teaspoons caster sugar
• ¼ cup orange juice

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Jug
• 6 espresso glasses, small teacups, or ramekins (approximately ½ to 1 cup capacity)

Instructions

Crafting this elegant dessert is a delightful dance of gentle heat and patient chilling. The process is designed to coax out the subtle flavors and achieve that signature silky texture.

1. Prepare the Panna Cotta Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped white chocolate, thickened cream, caster sugar, and vanilla bean paste (or extract). Place the saucepan over low heat. Stir the mixture constantly and gently with a whisk. Your goal is to melt the white chocolate and incorporate it smoothly into the cream and sugar mixture. Continue stirring until the mixture is completely smooth and all the chocolate has dissolved. Avoid high heat, as this can cause the chocolate to seize or the cream to scald.

2. Activate the Gelatin: While the chocolate mixture is warming, prepare the gelatin. In a small bowl, measure out the boiling water. Sprinkle the gelatin powder evenly over the surface of the boiling water. Allow it to sit undisturbed for about 1 minute to begin absorbing the water. Then, stir the gelatin and water mixture until the gelatin is fully dissolved. You should have a clear, syrupy liquid.

3. Incorporate Gelatin into the Cream Mixture: Once the chocolate mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well combined, carefully stir the dissolved gelatin mixture into the warm white chocolate and cream base. Continue to stir until the gelatin is thoroughly integrated and the entire mixture is wonderfully smooth. This step is crucial for ensuring the panna cotta sets evenly.

4. Portion and Chill: Pour the smooth panna cotta mixture into a jug. This makes it easier to divide evenly. Carefully pour the mixture into your prepared 6 espresso glasses, tea cups, or ramekins. Aim to fill each vessel to a consistent level.

5. The Chilling Process: Once filled, place the glasses or cups in the refrigerator. Chill them for at least 4 hours, or until the panna cotta is completely set. You can test for doneness by gently tilting a glass; the panna cotta should be firm and not liquid. For the best results, it’s ideal to prepare this dessert several hours or even a day in advance.

6. Prepare the Stewed Strawberries: While the panna cotta is chilling, you can prepare the vibrant strawberry topping. In a medium saucepan, combine the quartered strawberries, caster sugar, and orange juice. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat.

7. Simmer to Perfection: Simmer the strawberry mixture, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes. The aim is to gently soften the strawberries and create a light, syrupy consistency from the released juices and dissolved sugar. Be careful not to overcook them; you want the strawberries to retain some of their shape and a hint of freshness.

8. Cool the Topping: Once the strawberries have softened and the mixture is syrupy, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the stewed strawberries to chill completely before serving. This cooling step allows the flavors to meld and ensures a pleasant temperature contrast with the chilled panna cotta.

9. Serve: When ready to serve, retrieve the set panna cotta from the refrigerator. Spoon a generous spoonful of the chilled stewed strawberries over the top of each panna cotta. The bright red of the strawberries against the creamy white of the panna cotta creates a beautiful visual appeal.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Quality White Chocolate is Key: The flavor of your panna cotta will heavily rely on the quality of your white chocolate. Opt for a good quality bar rather than chips, as chips often contain stabilizers that can affect the melting and texture.
• Gentle Heat for Melting: When melting the white chocolate, always use low heat and stir continuously. White chocolate can burn easily and seize if overheated, leaving you with a grainy texture.
• Bloom Your Gelatin Properly: Ensure your gelatin is fully bloomed and dissolved in the hot water. Undissolved gelatin will result in pockets of firmness in your panna cotta, disrupting its smooth texture.
• Chilling Patience: While 4 hours is the minimum chill time, allowing it to set overnight often yields an even firmer, more stable panna cotta that is easier to unmold if you choose to do so.
• Strawberry Consistency: For a more saucy topping, you can gently mash some of the strawberries after they have stewed slightly. For a chunkier texture, leave them whole or gently break them apart.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Both the panna cotta and the stewed strawberries can be made a day in advance, making this a perfect dessert for entertaining. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this exquisite White Chocolate Panna Cotta immediately after topping with the stewed strawberries. The contrast in temperatures and textures is part of its charm. For an extra touch of elegance, a small sprig of fresh mint or a delicate white chocolate curl can be added as a garnish.

Storage:
Leftover panna cotta (un-topped) can be covered tightly with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The stewed strawberries can also be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid storing the assembled dessert as the strawberries will make the panna cotta watery over time. It is not recommended to freeze panna cotta, as the texture can change significantly upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	462.2 kcal
Calories from Fat	351 kcal
Total Fat	39.1 g	60%
Saturated Fat	24.1 g	120%
Cholesterol	112.9 mg	37%
Sodium	58.6 mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	26.2 g	8%
Dietary Fiber	0.4 g	1%
Sugars	23.1 g	92%
Protein	4.1 g	8%

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)

Variations & Substitutions

• Dark Chocolate Panna Cotta: For a richer, more intense flavor, swap the white chocolate for high-quality dark chocolate. You may wish to slightly reduce the added sugar in the panna cotta base depending on the sweetness of your dark chocolate.
• Berry Medley: Instead of just strawberries, create a mixed berry compote by combining strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries with the sugar and orange juice.
• Citrus Zest: Add a little finely grated zest from an orange or lemon to the stewed strawberries for an extra burst of citrus aroma and flavor.
• Alcoholic Infusion: For an adult twist, a tablespoon of Grand Marnier or Chambord can be stirred into the stewed strawberries just before chilling.
• Coconut Cream Base: For a dairy-free option, experiment with using full-fat coconut cream instead of thickened cream. Ensure it’s a good quality, unsweetened variety. You might need to adjust the sweetness accordingly.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this panna cotta ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The panna cotta and stewed strawberries are best made in advance. Chill the panna cotta for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, and store the stewed strawberries separately in the refrigerator.

Q: My panna cotta didn’t set. What went wrong?
A: This usually happens if the gelatin was not fully bloomed or dissolved, or if the panna cotta was not chilled for a sufficient amount of time. Ensure you follow the gelatin activation steps carefully and give it adequate chilling time.

Q: Can I use different fruits for the topping?
A: Yes, this panna cotta pairs beautifully with a variety of fruits. Consider stewed peaches, apricots, or a mixed berry compote.

Q: How do I achieve a perfectly smooth texture?
A: Using high-quality white chocolate and ensuring it is fully melted over low heat is key. Stirring the gelatin in thoroughly and giving the panna cotta ample chilling time will also contribute to a silky-smooth consistency.

Q: Can I unmold the panna cotta?
A: Yes, if you want to unmold the panna cotta onto plates, ensure it is very well set (chilling overnight is recommended). Briefly dipping the bottom of the ramekin in hot water can help release it. Serve the stewed strawberries alongside or spooned over the unmolded dessert.

Final Thoughts

This White Chocolate Panna Cotta with Stewed Strawberries is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to the beauty of simplicity, where high-quality ingredients sing. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just beginning your culinary adventure, this recipe offers a delightful journey from creation to indulgence. It’s the perfect ending to a special meal, a refreshing treat on a warm afternoon, or simply a way to bring a little bit of everyday luxury into your life. I encourage you to give it a try, savor each silky spoonful, and perhaps, share it with someone you cherish. Pair it with a crisp sparkling wine or a delicate herbal tea for a truly harmonious experience.