2 Cookin Mamas

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About Me & Contact
  • Cookbooks
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
  • Cookbooks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Desserts » Mango Panna Cotta

    Mango Panna Cotta

    Published: Aug 6, 2022 by Linda Warren

    Jump to Recipe

    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.

    Three mango panna cotta dishes on wooden board with spoons.

    Table of contents

    • Panna Cotta with Mango
    • What is panna cotta?
    • Why You'll Love This Coconut Mango Panna Cotta Recipe
    • Mango Panna Cotta Ingredients
    • How to Make a Panna Cotta with Mango
      • Coconut Vanilla Layer
      • Layering your panna cotta
    • Recipe Tips
    • How to Serve Panna Cotta
    • Can you make panna cotta in advance?
    • How to Store Panna Cotta
    • Can you freeze panna cotta?
    • Frequently Asked Questions About Panna Cotta
    • More Creamy and Fruity Dessert Recipes

    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.

    Front view of three garnished coconut milk panna cotta showing design.

    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).

    Spoonful of creamy panna cotta.

    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

    Ingredients for panna cotta with mango.

    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

    Steps to make 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.
    Step seven, pouring mango mixture into angled glass dishes.
    1. 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.

    Steps to make coconut vanilla 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

    Layering steps to finish mango dessert.
    1. Set gelled mango panna cotta dishes upright on the table.
    2. Slowly pour the vanilla panna cotta into the dishes until it reaches close to the top. Return to the refrigerator for another 4 hours.
    Overhead of four garnished panna cotta with mango.

    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

    Two ways to layer this dessert.

    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

    Is panna cotta a custard?

    Panna cotta is often called custard, but real custard is thickened with egg yolks and not gelatin.

    Can I make panna cotta without gelatin?

    Yes, you use agar agar powder instead of gelatin when making panna cotta. Use ⅛ of the amount of gelatin because agar agar is a more potent gelling agent. The process is also different. You'll add the agar agar once the milk mixture is boiling and whisk it vigorously for a couple of minutes.

    Can I make panna cotta dairy-free or vegan?

    Yes. Substitute milk or cream with any dairy-free or vegan milk and cream. Almond milk, coconut milk, coconut cream, oat milk, soy cream, or soy milk are all great options. Use agar agar instead of gelatin for a vegan gelling agent.

    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. 

    Single mango panna cotta closeup.

    Mango Panna Cotta with Puff Pastry

    Whip up this creamy. refreshing mango panna cotta dessert that is just bursting with tropical flavor. It will become your new summer favorite!
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Chill Time: 8 hours hours
    Total Time: 8 hours hours 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 -6 servings
    Calories: 449kcal
    Author: Linda Warren

    Ingredients

    Mango Layer

    • 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
    • 2 cups mango puree about 2-3 mangos pureed in blender
    • 1-2 Tablespoons sugar depending on mango’s sweetness
    • 1 ½ Tablespoons fresh lime juice

    Vanilla Coconut Layer

    • 1 ½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin
    • 1 cup full fat coconut milk
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 3 Tablespoons sugar
    • 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
    • zest of one lime

    Instructions

    Mango Layer

    • To dissolve gelatin, place 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin. Stir then let gel for 5-10 minutes. This will prevent lumps in your panna cotta.
    • Dice 2-3 mangos and place in blender. Puree until smooth.
    • In a small saucepan set over low heat, warm the mango puree to a slow simmer. Remove from heat and stir in gelatin mixture until completely dissolved.
    • To make your panna cotta at an intriguing angle, tilt your glass dishes to about 45 degrees, I used wire taco stands, and pour the mango-gelatin mixture in, dividing evenly between your dishes. Place in the refrigerator and let it set for about 4 hours.
      Option for level layers: Don't tilt the glasses but keep upright and proceed with directions as given.

    Vanilla Coconut Layer

    • When mango layer has gelled it is time to make the vanilla coconut layer.
    • Follow the directions to dissolve getlatin above by adding the 1-½ teaspoons of gelatin to 2 tablespoons of cold water. Let set for 10 minutes.
    • Meanwhile, combine the coconut milk, cream, sugar, vanilla and lime zest in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat until it reaches a gentle simmer and sugar is completely dissolved. Do not let it come to a boil.
    • Remove coconut cream from heat and stir in gelled gelatin and mix until dissolved. Cool for 10-15 minutes prior to adding to mango layer.
    • Set the mango panna cotta dishes upright on the table. Slowly pour in the coconut cream over the mango mixture until it reaches the top. Continue until all dishes are filled. Return to refrigerator for another 4 hours.
    • When ready to serve, garnish with diced mango, a few sprinkles of toasted coconut and a mint sprig.
    • Serves 4-6.

    Notes

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 449kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 30mg | Potassium: 404mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 2257IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 2mg

    More Dessert Recipes

    • Lifting slice of lemon cheesecake from decorated cake.
      Lemon Cheesecake
    • Strawberry Shortcake with Angel Food Cake
    • Lemon Ricotta Cake
    • Closeup of Cheesecake Factory Carrot Cake Cheesecake slice with frosting.
      Cheesecake Factory Carrot Cake Cheesecake

    Comments

    1. DiL says

      October 27, 2022 at 11:04 am

      Looks amazing!! Thank you for sharing the recipe. Would love to make it. May I know how many days ahead can I make these?

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        October 27, 2022 at 11:16 am

        You can make this up to 3 days in advance. It is at its best the fresher it is but you should be fine making it a couple of days ahead. Hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Sean says

      August 14, 2022 at 11:54 pm

      5 stars
      I love panna cotta and this was such a great dessert.

      Reply
    3. Loreto and Nicoletta says

      August 14, 2022 at 10:34 am

      5 stars
      Your Panna Cotta is just the most beautiful thing!❤️ It is a perfect fresh refreshing dessert for summer and mango just a bit of sunshine for your table and tummy!😋👍👌❤️

      Reply
    4. Claire says

      August 14, 2022 at 8:13 am

      5 stars
      I was a bit scared to try this as I always mess up things with gelatin in them!
      But they looked so pretty that I wanted to serve them for some friends.
      So I set aside a whole morning to get them right. But I needed have worried, I followed your instructions exactly and they came out so wonderfully!!
      Everyone was impressed!!
      THANK YOU 🙂

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        August 15, 2022 at 10:38 am

        So happy to hear they came out. It is always delicious and a treat. I bet your guests were pretty impressed.

        Reply
    5. Veronika says

      August 13, 2022 at 11:02 pm

      5 stars
      I love panna cotta but never tried it with mango! I love the flavor combo of mango and coconut milk so I can only imagine how delicious this is! Making it asap!

      Reply
    6. Andrea says

      August 13, 2022 at 10:50 am

      5 stars
      Yum! These were delicious. They make a great summer dessert.

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        August 15, 2022 at 10:39 am

        So glad you liked this. And I have to agree, they do make a cool summer dessert.

        Reply
    7. Tracy says

      August 13, 2022 at 12:06 am

      5 stars
      This was such a great recipe for the mango lovers in our house! What a fun new dessert - thanks for another great recipe!

      Reply
    8. Tammy says

      August 12, 2022 at 1:46 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a gorgeous recipe. I love the mango for summer but so many fruits work well here too...creamy, cool, yet light. This is one of my favorites this season ^_^

      Reply
    9. Cathleen says

      August 11, 2022 at 7:00 pm

      5 stars
      I ADORE panna cotta, and yet I have never made it myself before. This looks perfect, I am so excited to make it tonight!!

      Reply
    10. Pete says

      August 09, 2022 at 11:23 am

      5 stars
      This is my new summer favorite! I live in Australia, and our mango season is during Christmas! I am bookmarking this to make for our holiday feast!!!

      Reply
      • Linda Warren says

        August 15, 2022 at 10:41 am

        It would make a great holiday dessert! There is nothing like fresh mango in season and this dessert showcases all their delicious flavor. Hope you get a chance to try it.

        Reply
    11. Marta says

      August 09, 2022 at 10:56 am

      5 stars
      We used to be able to pick mangos off of my grandmother's tree in Puerto Rico. When I tasted these mango panna cottas, the flavor shot me back in time to biting right through the skin of a mango to its sweet fruit. These are amazing.

      Reply
    12. Loreto and Nicoletta says

      August 08, 2022 at 1:19 pm

      5 stars
      This mango pannacotta was perfect to bring to an outdoor family gathering! They all loved it!

      Reply
    5 from 13 votes (2 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Hey, I’m Linda, the recipe creator, photographer and cocktail lover at 2 Cookin Mamas. Here you’ll find easy recipes that are not only delicious but can get you out of the kitchen ASAP. Come and join me and let me take you on a tasty trip through your kitchen. Thanks for stopping by! Learn more about me

    Trending Recipes

    • Overnight Cinnamon French Toast
    • Celebrate Spring with Sparkling Mimosas
    • Holding bite of steak over plate of pan seared steak and scallops.
      Steak and Scallops with Champagne Butter Sauce
    • Lifting out slice of cheesecake with yellow napkin in background.
      Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake with Almond Crust

    Seasonal Favorites

    • Margarita on the Rocks
    • Closeup of enchiladas on white plate with lime slice rice guacamole and beans.
      Easy Chicken Enchiladas
    • Air fried breakfast taquitos closeup.
      Air Fryer Breakfast Taquitos
    • Lifting slice out of margarita cheesecake.
      Margarita Cheesecake
    As featured in list.

    Stay Updated!

    Subscribe and receive your free "AWESOME APPETIZERS FOR EVERY OCCASION" e-book.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter & Media

    • Subscribe! for emails and updates
    • Cookbooks

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with Me
    • Sitemap

    Copyright © 2025 2CookinMamas

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.