Mango Panna Cotta

Whip up a light and refreshing dessert! This mango panna cotta recipe bursts with citrus flavors and is layered with coconut cream.

This easy panna cotta recipe looks and tastes like an indulgent delicacy, but it is surprisingly simple to make. The white coconut cream, lightly flavored with vanilla, perfectly accentuates the bright orange layer beneath. This panna cotta with mango will quickly become your go-to summer dessert.

Panna Cotta with Mango

This easy recipe for panna cotta is perfect for outdoor parties. It's easy to pour coconut milk panna cotta into individual glass cups for the perfect single serving. It makes dessert for picnics or BBQs a cinch.

The combination of mango and lime in this Italian panna cotta recipe will transport you to beaches and sand! And, if you are on a keto diet, making a keto panna cotta is simple. All you have to do is replace the sugar with your favorite granulated sugar substitute.

Serve this panna cotta mango recipe with your favorite citrus drinks and desserts! Add some key lime pie to the table accompanied with a fruity mango colada! Place some mango guacamole on the side, and you are ready to host your party.

You don't even need a panna cotta mold; just use some small glass jars. Mine were actually old candle jars that I cleaned out. It's easier than ever to make beautiful and festive individual panna cotta jars for yourself or your guests.

What is panna cotta?

It's an Italian dessert that translates to "cooked cream". It's traditionally made with heavy cream, milk, sugar, and gelatin. The cooked mixture is poured into molds where it sets and thickens as it cools in the refrigerator.

Why does panna cotta contain gelatin? The gelatin is needed to thicken and set the dessert.

Panna cotta is pronounced as "pa nuh kaa tuh". This creamy dessert can be plain or flavored with fruit or chocolate. (See my chocolate panna cotta recipe).

Why You'll Love This Coconut Mango Panna Cotta Recipe

• Easy to make. This is a no-bake recipe that is as easy to make as Jello.
• Flavorful combination. With mango and coconut cream, this layered panna cotta has a tasty combination of flavors.
• Impress your guests. This fancy panna cotta is easy to layer and garnish.
• Can make it ahead. Store it in the refrigerator the day before.

Mango Panna Cotta Ingredients

The ingredients for panna cotta are simple and easily found in regular grocery stores. Here's what you'll need:

For the mango layer:

• Unflavored gelatin
• Mango puree -  2 to 3 mangos pureed in a blender
• Sugar
• Fresh lime juice

For the vanilla coconut panna cotta layer:

• Unflavored gelatin
• Full-fat coconut milk
• Heavy cream
• Sugar
• Clear vanilla extract
• Lime zest

How to Make a Panna Cotta with Mango

Making panna cotta is quite easy to do. There is little cooking and the most time involved is waiting for it to set in the fridge. Just follow the simple steps below.

Mango Layer

1. Gather the ingredients - mango puree, unflavored gelatin, 2 tablespoons of cold water, sugar, and lime juice. To puree mangos, just place them in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
2. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water, stir, and let sit for 5-10 minutes. You will know it is ready when it has formed a smooth jelly-like substance.
3. Place mango puree in a small saucepan. Add lime juice.
4. Sprinkle sugar into mango puree. Stir and cook over low heat, bringing to a slow simmer until sugar is dissolved. Do not bring to a boil.
5. Remove from heat and stir in gelled gelatin.
6. Set small glass dishes on their sides at about a 45-degree angle. I like to use my taco racks to give me the most stable platform.

7. Pour mango panna cotta with gelatin into angled dishes. Then place the racks with dishes into the refrigerator to chill and set. It will take about 4 hours.

Coconut Vanilla Layer

About 30 minutes before the mango layer is ready, start to make the coconut milk panna cotta layer.

1. Dissolve gelatin by sprinkling it into cold water. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
2. Pour cream and coconut milk into a small saucepan.
3. Stir in clear vanilla extract.
4. Stir in sugar and lime zest. Cook over low heat until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer and sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat. Do not bring to a boil.
5. Stir in gelled gelatin and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
6. Now you're ready to layer the panna cotta.

Layering your panna cotta

7. Set gelled mango panna cotta dishes upright on the table.
8. Slowly pour the vanilla panna cotta into the dishes until it reaches close to the top. Return to the refrigerator for another 4 hours.

Garnish with cubed mango and mint leaves. I added some toasted coconut for some additional texture.

Recipe Tips

• You can use fresh or frozen mango. Thaw the frozen mango before using.
• Be sure to heat the liquids over low heat and stir often to avoid burning, scorching, or boiling over.
• Do not skip dissolving gelatin in cold water before adding it to the mango and cream mixtures. Otherwise, you will have lumps.
• Transfer the cooked panna cotta mixture to a large measuring cup or small pitcher to easily pour the panna cotta into the dishes.
• Make sure the mango layer has fully set before adding the panna cotta layer.

How to Serve Panna Cotta

Typically panna cotta is made in a mold, sometimes a fancy mold with a pattern. It's then inverted onto a plate which would display the pretty pattern on top. It is also often served with mango coulis or sauce.

Mango panna cotta plating is not necessary with this easy recipe because it is made in clear glasses to show the layers. All you'll need to do is to top the dessert with a garnish of diced mango, shredded coconut, and/or a sprig of mint.

Can you make panna cotta in advance?

Yes, absolutely! It is the perfect dessert to make ahead. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance. Note it can last longer in the fridge but serving within 3 days gives it the best flavor.

How to Store Panna Cotta

Cover the mango panna cotta with plastic wrap. If you don't have any toppings or sauce on top, be sure to press the plastic wrap on the surface to prevent it from forming a skin or tough crust.

Keep panna cotta stored in the refrigerator. It will last up to 10 days in the fridge.

Can you freeze panna cotta?

Yes, panna cotta freezes well. You will need to make it in freezer-safe cups or dishes instead of glass. Cover it with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Panna Cotta

More Creamy and Fruity Dessert Recipes

• Authentic Key Lime Pie is slightly tart and super creamy.
• Banana Split Cake with layers of vanilla custard, bananas, pineapple, and whipped cream topped with chocolate and cherries.
• No Bake Peach Cheesecake with graham cracker crust.
• Recipe from another blogger
• Summer Berry Trifle with layers of cake, fresh berries, and mascarpone cream.

Find lots of delicious, easy, and healthy desserts here on 2CM!

LOVE QUICK & EASY RECIPES? FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, & PINTEREST FOR ALL THE LATEST RECIPE INSPIRATION! PLUS JOIN MY EMAIL LIST AND RECEIVE A FREE E-BOOK.