Keto Panna Cotta with Raspberry Gelée - Low Carb Spark (2024)

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Keto Panna Cotta is a delicious chilled Italian dessert that’s very creamy and quick to make. I make it every time I need to impress my guests and serve it with fresh berries or with my amazing sugar-free gelee.

The good news is that this fancy dessert takes about 20 minutes to make before refrigeration.

What Is Panna Cotta?

Panna Cotta is an Italian dessert that means “cooked cream” in English. It’s made from just a few ingredients: heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and gelatin. These ingredients are mixed together, then cooled until set. The result is a silky, smooth dessert that’s rich in flavor but not overly sweet. It’s often served with fruit sauces, caramel, chocolate, or fresh fruits, making it a versatile and elegant dessert choice for many occasions.

Is Panna Cotta Keto?

Regular Panna Cotta is not keto-friendly because it contains high-carb ingredients like sugar, and sometimes milk, in addition to heavy cream. However, you can enjoy a delicious Keto Panna Cotta by making a few simple substitutions. Use keto-friendly sweeteners such as erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and opt for full-fat dairy or low-carb dairy alternatives. This way, you can still indulge in a rich, creamy dessert that fits within the ketogenic diet meal plan.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Cold Water – Used to hydrate the gelatin, activating its gelling properties to set the dessert.
• Powdered Gelatin – An essential ingredient for panna cotta, it helps the dessert set and gives it a firm texture.
• Sweetener – feel free to use your favorite low-carb sweetener such as erythritol, xylitol, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener.
• Heavy Cream – Adds richness and creaminess to the panna cotta. Opt for full-fat heavy cream. You can also use canned coconut cream for a dairy-free panna cotta.
• Vanilla Extract – Infuses the panna cotta with a subtle and aromatic flavor, enhancing its overall taste.
• Raspberries – Both fresh and frozen raspberries work well, adding a fruity contrast to the creamy dessert.
• Lemon Juice – Brings a bright and refreshing flavor, balancing the sweetness and richness of the dessert.

How to Make Keto Panna Cotta?

Making a Keto Panna Cotta is super easy. The only difference from the original recipe is that instead of sugar, I use Erythritol.

Gelatin is used to set the mixture and give it a nice custard texture. Don’t be intimidated by using gelatin; it’s very easy to work with.

1. The unflavored gelatin crystals need to soften for a few minutes in cold water (or any other cold liquid).
2. In the meantime, prepare the cream mixture by heating heavy cream, sweetener, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan until the sweetener is completely dissolved.
3. Once hot, add the softened gelatin and whisk until the gelatin is completely incorporated and the mixture looks smooth. If necessary, you can bring the saucepan back to the stove to gently heat the cream mixture without letting it boil (as boiling destroys the gelatin!).
4. Once your mixture is ready, divide it into 1/2 cup ramekins or small glasses. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator before adding any toppings. It will need at least 4 hours to set properly.

Toppings for Panna Cotta

This dessert is very versatile when it comes to toppings. We love ours with the fantastic sugar-free raspberry gelee, but you can also top it with:

• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries provide a fresh, slightly tart contrast to the creamy dessert.
• Chocolate Sauce: A rich chocolate sauce or ganache can turn a simple Panna Cotta into a decadent treat.
• Caramel Sauce: A silky keto caramel sauce, especially with a pinch of sea salt, can add a wonderful depth of flavor.
• Lemon or Orange Zest: A bit of citrus zest sprinkled on top can brighten the dessert with a hint of tanginess.
• Nuts: Toasted almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios can add a delightful crunch and nuttiness.
• Edible Flowers: For a truly elegant presentation, edible flowers like pansies, violas, or rose petals can add color and a touch of whimsy.
• Mint Leaves: A few fresh mint leaves can provide a refreshing finish, especially in summer.

Storing Ideas for Keto Panna Cotta

Fridge: This sugar-free Panna Cotta can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 5 days. Ensure it’s tightly covered to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.

Can I Freeze This Keto Panna Cotta?

I dont recommend freezing Panna Cotta. The dessert’s texture and consistency are likely to be affected once thawed. The creamy texture might become grainy or separate, which could compromise the quality and enjoyment of the dessert. For the best experience, enjoy your Keto Panna Cotta fresh or stored in the fridge as suggested.

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