Honey Lavender Panna Cotta (Printable)

A silky Italian treat with honey and lavender, ideal for springtime gatherings and easy entertaining.

# What you'll need:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 cups heavy cream
02 - 1 cup whole milk

→ Sweeteners & Flavorings

03 - 1/4 cup honey, plus extra for drizzling
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender buds
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Gelatin

06 - 2 1/4 teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin
07 - 3 tablespoons cold water

→ Garnish (optional)

08 - Fresh berries such as blueberries or raspberries
09 - Edible flowers or additional lavender buds

# Preparation steps:

01 - Combine heavy cream, whole milk, and lavender buds in a small saucepan. Heat gently over medium heat until the mixture is just steaming, making sure not to boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes.
02 - Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and allow it to sit for 5 minutes to fully bloom.
03 - Strain the cream mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove lavender buds. Return the liquid to the saucepan, add honey and vanilla extract, and gently heat until the honey is dissolved and the mixture is hot, but not boiling.
04 - Remove from heat. Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm cream mixture and whisk thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
05 - Pour the combined mixture evenly into six ramekins or small glasses. Allow to cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
06 - Unmold onto serving plates if desired, or serve directly in the glasses. Drizzle with additional honey and garnish with fresh berries and edible flowers.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The delicate hint of lavender makes every bite feel like spring in a spoon.
  • You'll be amazed at how effortless and forgiving panna cotta is—even when distracted, it comes together beautifully.
02 -
  • Skipping the steeping step leads to blandness—timing is everything for flavor.
  • Gelatin must be fully dissolved; the slightest lump will ruin the dessert's signature silkiness.
03 -
  • Let your gelatin bloom fully, and never rush this step—it's the secret to a velvety finish.
  • Straining the cream twice guarantees you won't bite into stray lavender bits.
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