If you’re looking to delight your taste buds with something silky smooth, refreshingly fragrant, and just a little bit exotic, this Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the creamy richness of coconut milk and heavy cream with the uniquely aromatic flavor of pandan, this dessert is a tropical escape served in a glass or mold. The gentle jiggle and velvety texture of panna cotta perfectly balance the herbal sweetness of pandan, making it an unforgettable treat that feels both elegant and comforting at the same time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to an amazing Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta Recipe. You’ll find that these components are straightforward but incredibly important for creating that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and visual appeal.
- Coconut milk: The star ingredient that brings creamy, tropical flavor and silky texture.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness, making the panna cotta luxuriously creamy.
- Sugar: Balances the earthiness of pandan with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Agar-agar powder: A plant-based gelatin substitute that sets the panna cotta with a gentle wobble.
- Pandan extract: Infuses the dish with its signature fragrant aroma and subtle green tint.
- Salt: Enhances flavors and keeps the sweetness from becoming cloying.
- Water: Used to bloom the agar-agar, ensuring a smooth, even set.
How to Make Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Creamy Base
Begin by combining the coconut milk, heavy cream, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Gently heat the mixture over medium heat just until the sugar fully dissolves. This step builds a rich, fragrant foundation so take your time to avoid boiling — you want everything perfectly blended and warm.
Step 2: Bloom the Agar-Agar
Meanwhile, mix the agar-agar powder with water in a separate bowl and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it activates the setting power of agar, which works differently than gelatin and needs to be dissolved evenly to create the panna cotta’s signature smooth texture.
Step 3: Combine and Boil
Pour the bloomed agar-agar mixture into the warm saucepan and bring everything gently to a boil, stirring constantly. This ensures the agar fully dissolves and activates, blending seamlessly with the creamy coconut mixture. Be steady here to keep the texture silky rather than grainy.
Step 4: Add Pandan Magic
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pandan extract. This is when the dessert truly takes on its extraordinary character — the sweet, grassy notes of pandan elevate the coconut cream to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Pour the luscious liquid mixture into molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Patience is key here because the panna cotta needs time to become perfectly firm yet springy. Once set, you’re ready for a dessert experience that wows both the eyes and the palate.
How to Serve Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding thoughtful garnishes can turn your panna cotta into a stunning centerpiece. Try topping it with toasted coconut flakes for an extra crunch, fresh tropical fruits like mango or lychee for bright contrast, or a drizzle of palm sugar syrup to add a caramelized depth of flavor.
Side Dishes
While this dessert shines wonderfully on its own, you can pair it with light, refreshing sides like a citrus salad or even a scoop of coconut sorbet. These sides complement the panna cotta’s creaminess and enhance the overall tropical vibe of your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, serve the panna cotta in clear glasses layered with fruit purées or edible flowers for a beautiful look. Individual ramekins or mini jars also work brilliantly, especially when garnished with pandan leaves or bright berries. Presentation is your chance to showcase the vibrant green hue pandan gives this dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in airtight containers. This allows you to make it ahead for special occasions or satisfy your dessert cravings later.
Freezing
While panna cotta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if necessary, but expect a slight change in texture once thawed. Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for up to a month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Since panna cotta is a chilled dessert, reheating is not recommended. Instead, let it come to room temperature for a few minutes if it feels too cold, which helps release its delicate flavors and softens the texture slightly.
FAQs
Can I use gelatin instead of agar-agar in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute gelatin for agar-agar; however, gelatin requires blooming in cold water and a slightly different setting process. Using agar-agar keeps this recipe fully vegetarian and gives a slightly firmer set.
What does pandan extract taste like?
Pandan extract has a unique aroma often described as grassy, nutty, and vanilla-like. It adds a fresh, sweet fragrance that pairs wonderfully with coconut, making desserts like this panna cotta truly special.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
This recipe uses heavy cream, which is not vegan. However, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative to make a vegan-friendly version.
How long does the panna cotta need to set?
The panna cotta should chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight chilling is ideal for the best texture and flavor infusion.
Can I make this recipe without pandan extract?
While you can omit pandan extract, it’s the ingredient that gives this panna cotta its distinctive flavor and color. If unavailable, try pandan juice or fresh pandan leaves infused in the mixture, but the final taste will differ slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a little tropical vacation in every spoonful. Its delicate balance of creamy coconut and fragrant pandan makes it perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on any day. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s simple, fun to make, and absolutely delicious! Trust me, once you taste it, this panna cotta will become one of your all-time favorites.
Print
Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pandan Coconut Panna Cotta is a creamy, tropical dessert that combines the rich flavors of coconut milk and pandan extract with a smooth, delicate texture. Setting with agar-agar powder instead of gelatin, this dairy and plant-based fusion dessert offers a refreshing and subtly sweet treat perfect for warm days or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Liquid Base
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup water
Flavorings and Sweeteners
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons pandan extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Setting Agent
- 2 teaspoons agar-agar powder
Instructions
- Heat the Dairy and Coconut Milk: In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, heavy cream, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture is warm but not boiling.
- Bloom the Agar-Agar: In a separate bowl, mix the agar-agar powder with water and allow it to bloom for 5 minutes. This step hydrates the agar-agar so it can dissolve properly.
- Incorporate Agar-Agar Mixture: Add the bloomed agar-agar mixture to the warm coconut cream mixture in the saucepan. Increase the heat and bring the whole mixture to a boil, stirring continuously to ensure the agar-agar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens.
- Add Pandan Extract: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pandan extract thoroughly, distributing its fragrant flavor evenly throughout the mixture.
- Set the Panna Cotta: Pour the combined mixture into serving molds. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set and chilled, allowing the panna cotta to achieve its firm yet silky texture.
Notes
- Agar-agar sets more firmly than gelatin and is a vegetarian substitute derived from seaweed.
- Ensure the mixture reaches boiling point after adding agar-agar to activate its gelling properties.
- Pandan extract can be adjusted for a more or less intense flavor depending on preference.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with more coconut milk or a lighter cream alternative.
- Serve chilled, optionally garnished with fresh fruit or toasted coconut flakes for added texture.
