Panna Cotta Infused with Dragon Fruit
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please visit my disclosure page.
You are going to love this Panna Cotta infused with Dragon Fruit powder recipe! It is rich and silky while remaining simple to prepare, and the color is absolutely gorgeous.
The inspiration for this dessert was Valentine’s Day, but it would also be perfect for Mother’s Day or a birthday celebration.
What is Panna Cotta?
Panna Cotta is a traditional Italian dessert made of whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, gelatin, and vanilla. Panna Cotta in Italian translates to “cooked cream”
Its simplicity is part of what makes it so special. A thick, rich dessert that is bordering on solid and liquid at the same time. Not as solid as Creme Brûlée but sturdier than homemade pudding.
Panna Cotta Ingredients
- Water is used to “gel” the unflavored gelatin.
- Pitaya, or dragon fruit powder is used to give this dessert it’s vibrant pink color.
- Heavy cream and whole milk give it its thick, rich texture.
- Granulated sugar gives this dessert a touch of sweetness, while the vanilla extract adds a subtle flavor.
Be sure to check out the detailed printable recipe card below
How to make Panna Cotta infused with Dragon Fruit
Pour water into a small bowl then sprinkle with the gelatin. Let stand until softened, about 10 minutes.
Pour the milk and cream into a saucepan then stir in the sugar. Place over medium-low heat.
Bring up to a simmer, but not a boil, then remove from heat. Add the softened gelatin and whisk to combine. So not return the pan to heat!
Stir in the dragon fruit powder and vanilla.
Allow the mixture to steep for 15 minutes.
Pour the mixture through a fine sieve into a heatproof measuring cup.
Pour mixture into four ramekins or molds.
Place in the refrigerator to chill overnight, or at least 8 hours until set. Allow panna cotta to come to room temperature before serving.
To easily unmold, dip the bottom of each ramekin into hot water, one at a time, before flipping out onto a small dessert plate.
Sprinkle dragon fruit powder over dessert through a fine sieve and serve immediately.
What is pitaya powder?
Pink Pitaya powder is an exotic superfruit that is indigenous to South America with nutrients including vitamins C and B, magnesium, zinc, iron, fiber and antioxidants. It has a delicately sweet, fruity flavor and intensely vibrant color that is derived from red dragon fruit.
Additional serving ideas
- Serve on a base of fresh dragon fruit coulis.
- Top with fresh berries.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- The powder tends to clump together in the package. Pour some of the powder into a zipper top bag, remove excess air then roll with a rolling pin to return to a fine powder.
Tools used to create this recipe
You can see the rest of my favorite kitchen tools and gadgets here in my Amazon Affiliate Page. I earn a small commission when you purchase through my links, at no cost to you, so I can keep bringing you more delicious recipes!
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Pitaya Powder
- Knox Unflavored Gelatin
- Fine Sieve / Strainer
- Measuring Cup
- Ramekins – Custard Cups – Custard Molds – 0.5 cup capacity.
Additional creamy desserts
If you love this recipe, please rate it five stars and help me share on facebook and to help other readers in our community!
Enjoy!!
Panna Cotta Infused with Dragon Fruit
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- .33 cup whole milk 1/3 cup
- 1.67 cup heavy cream 1 2/3 cup
- .25 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons red pitaya powder
- 0.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pour water into a small bowl then sprinkle with the gelatin. Let stand until softened, about 10 minutes.
- Pour the milk and cream into a saucepan then stir in the sugar. Place over medium-low heat. Bring up to a simmer, but not a boil, then remove from heat.
- Add the softened gelatin and whisk to combine. So not return the pan to heat!
- Stir in the dragon fruit powder and vanilla. Allow the mixture to steep for 15 minutes.
- Pour the mixture through a fine sieve into a heatproof measuring cup. Pour mixture into four ramekins or molds.
- Place in the refrigerator to chill overnight, or at least 8 hours until set. Allow panna cotta to come to room temperature before serving.
- To easily unmold, dip the bottom of each ramekin into hot water, one at a time, before flipping out onto a small dessert plate.
- Sprinkle dragon fruit powder over dessert through a fine sieve and serve immediately.
Notes
- The powder tends to clump together in the package. Pour some of the powder into a zipper top bag, remove excess air then roll with a rolling pin to return to a fine powder.
- Place the dessert plate on top of the ramekin or mold, then run a thin knife around the edge to loosen. Flip over and shake gently to release the panna cotta.
- Serve on a base of fresh dragon fruit coulis, or top with fresh berries if desired.
