Name: Blackberry and Goat's Cheese Panna Cotta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup goat’s cheese (softened); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons powdered gelatin; 2 tablespoons cold water; 2 cups fresh blackberries; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon water (if needed)

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If you’re looking to impress with a dessert that’s both sophisticated and unique, look no further than Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta. This is not your ordinary panna cotta; it has a delightful twist, thanks to the creamy richness of goat’s cheese paired with the sweet-tart freshness of blackberries. The silky smooth texture of the panna cotta melts in your mouth, while the tangy goat’s cheese adds an unexpected depth of flavor. The blackberry compote on top brings in just the right amount of fruity sweetness, making every bite an absolute treat. Trust me, this dessert is a showstopper!

Why You’ll Love Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta

Here’s why this panna cotta is sure to become your go-to dessert:

Unique Flavor Pairing: The creamy richness of goat’s cheese combined with the natural sweetness of blackberries is a match made in dessert heaven. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet.

Elegant Yet Easy: While it looks like something you’d get at a fine-dining restaurant, this dessert is surprisingly easy to make. You can whip it up in advance, making it the ideal treat for dinner parties or special occasions.

Make-Ahead: This dessert needs time to set in the fridge, which makes it the perfect dish to prepare the day before your event. No last-minute stress!

Guilt-Free Indulgence: With the tanginess of the goat’s cheese and the vibrant, antioxidant-rich blackberries, this panna cotta feels a little lighter than your typical dessert, so you can indulge without feeling too guilty.

Showstopper Presentation: The smooth, creamy panna cotta topped with a vibrant blackberry compote looks absolutely stunning when served in individual glasses or ramekins. It’s guaranteed to wow your guests.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy, tangy masterpiece:

For the Panna Cotta:

Heavy Cream: The base of your panna cotta, giving it that dreamy, silky texture.

Goat’s Cheese: The star ingredient that adds tangy creaminess and a bit of savory complexity to balance out the sweetness of the blackberries.
Whole Milk: For extra smoothness and a light texture in the panna cotta.
Sugar: To add just the right amount of sweetness, complementing the goat’s cheese and blackberries.

Vanilla Extract: For that warm, comforting aroma that pairs beautifully with both the cream and the fruit.
Gelatin: The magic ingredient that helps the panna cotta set to the perfect consistency.
Lemon Zest: A small amount of zest adds a burst of citrus freshness to the panna cotta, enhancing its flavor.

For the Blackberry Compote:

Blackberries: Fresh blackberries are best for this compote, but frozen can work too. They’ll provide the natural sweetness and slight tartness that balances the creamy panna cotta.
Sugar: To help sweeten the compote and bring out the juiciness of the blackberries.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice helps to brighten up the flavor of the blackberries and add a little zing.

Water: To simmer and help the blackberries break down into a luscious compote.

(Note: Specific measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Prepare the Gelatin
Start by blooming the gelatin. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over a couple of tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it softens.

Make the Panna Cotta Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling. Remove the pan from heat.
Add the Gelatin and Goat’s Cheese
Once the cream mixture is hot, add the bloomed gelatin and stir until it dissolves completely. Then, whisk in the goat’s cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add a little lemon zest for extra brightness.
Pour into Ramekins
Pour the panna cotta mixture into individual serving ramekins or glasses. Let them cool slightly before transferring them to the fridge. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the panna cotta to set fully.

Prepare the Blackberry Compote
While the panna cotta is setting, make the compote. In a saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, and a splash of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blackberries break down and the mixture thickens into a compote-like consistency, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh pop of flavor. Let it cool completely.
Assemble and Serve
Once the panna cotta has set, top each one with a spoonful of the blackberry compote. Garnish with a few fresh blackberries or mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance.
Serve & Enjoy
Serve the panna cotta chilled and enjoy the creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors in every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~350
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 90mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

How to Serve Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta

With Fresh Herbs: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or basil to add a lovely pop of color and a fresh herbal note.

Top with More Fruit: Besides blackberries, you can top your panna cotta with raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced strawberries for added variety.
A Drizzle of Honey: If you like things a little sweeter, drizzle a touch of honey over the panna cotta before serving.
As a Party Dessert: Serve individual portions in small glasses or jars for a fun, rustic presentation at dinner parties or gatherings.

Additional Tips

Make-Ahead: This dessert is great for preparing in advance. It’s perfect for dinner parties because it requires little last-minute effort. Simply prepare the panna cotta and compote the day before.
Use Full-Fat Goat’s Cheese: For the creamiest texture and best flavor, go for full-fat goat’s cheese.
Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your blackberries, you might want to adjust the sugar levels in both the panna cotta and the compote.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat’s cheese?
A1: Yes, you can use cream cheese or mascarpone if you prefer, though the flavor will be slightly different. Goat’s cheese provides a unique tang that makes this panna cotta special.

Q2: Can I use frozen blackberries for the compote?
A2: Yes, frozen blackberries work just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before cooking them into the compote.

Q3: Can I skip the gelatin to make it vegetarian?
A3: Unfortunately, gelatin is essential for setting the panna cotta. However, you can use agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin.

Q4: Can I make this dessert without sugar?
A4: You can use a sugar substitute like honey, maple syrup, or a stevia-based sweetener to reduce the sugar content. Just adjust according to your taste.

Q5: Can I prepare the panna cotta in a large dish instead of individual portions?
A5: Yes, you can prepare it in a large dish, but it may take a little longer to set. Just cut into squares or spoon out portions when serving.

Q6: How long can I store leftovers?
A6: You can store leftover panna cotta in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.

Q7: Can I use other berries for the compote?
A7: Absolutely! Feel free to use raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for the compote. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.

Q8: Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
A8: You can substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk and a dairy-free cheese, although the flavor and texture will vary.

Q9: How do I know when the panna cotta has set?
A9: The panna cotta should feel firm to the touch but still have a slight jiggle. If it feels liquidy, it needs more time in the fridge.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Just make sure you use a larger pan or more ramekins to accommodate the extra servings. The preparation and chill time will stay the same.

Conclusion

Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta is a beautiful and delicious dessert that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. With its creamy texture, tangy goat’s cheese, and vibrant blackberry compote, this panna cotta is a perfect treat for any special occasion or dinner party. It’s easy to make ahead and will have everyone asking for the recipe. Enjoy this indulgent yet refreshing dessert—it’s the perfect way to end any meal!

Blackberry and Goat’s Cheese Panna Cotta