Mango Panna Cotta Delight Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that tastes like pure sunshine, let me introduce you to Mango Panna Cotta Delight! This classic Italian panna cotta meets dazzling mango in a silky, tropical treat worthy of any occasion. With creamy layers and a vibrant mango crown, every spoonful feels like a mini-vacation. Whether it’s the centerpiece at a dinner party or a sweet finale to a weeknight meal, Mango Panna Cotta Delight always steals the show with its irresistibly smooth texture and fresh summer flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Panna Cotta:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
For the Mango Layer:
- 1 cup mango puree (fresh or canned)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Optional: fresh mango slices and mint leaves for garnish
How to Make Mango Panna Cotta Delight
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
Start by sprinkling the unflavored gelatin over the cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes. This step, known as “blooming,” wakes up the gelatin so it dissolves smoothly into the hot cream later, ensuring a flawless, creamy finish for your Mango Panna Cotta Delight.
Step 2: Heat the Cream, Milk, and Sugar
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Set the heat to medium and stir gently until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is hot to the touch—just before it starts to simmer. This helps meld the flavors without scalding the dairy.
Step 3: Melt in the Gelatin
Remove the hot cream mixture from the stove, then immediately add your bloomed gelatin. Stir until the gelatin dissolves completely—there should be no visible grains left. Finish this fragrant base with a dash of vanilla extract for that unmistakably cozy flavor.
Step 4: Pour, Chill, and Set
Carefully pour the cream mixture into your chosen serving glasses or ramekins, filling each about two-thirds full. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until the panna cotta is set and jiggles gently when nudged. This is when the magic happens and the creamy base transforms into the star of Mango Panna Cotta Delight.
Step 5: Top with Mango Puree
Once chilled and set, gently stir together the mango puree and lime juice. Spoon this vibrant mixture over the panna cotta layer. The citrusy tang heightens the mango’s flavor and adds that signature golden glow—this step is what makes Mango Panna Cotta Delight truly unforgettable.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, garnish each glass with fresh mango slices and a sprig of mint if desired. Not only does this add extra color and texture, but it also amps up the tropical vibes. Enjoy your Mango Panna Cotta Delight chilled for the ultimate summer treat!
How to Serve Mango Panna Cotta Delight

Garnishes
For a professional flourish, top each dessert with thinly sliced fresh mango fans and a few mint leaves. A sprinkle of lime zest or a quick grind of black pepper (trust me!) brings out the fruit’s flavor and makes your Mango Panna Cotta Delight look as vibrant as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Keep things light with a platter of tropical fruit or coconut shortbread cookies on the side. If you’re planning a dessert spread, Mango Panna Cotta Delight makes a dazzling centerpiece surrounded by little bowls of toasted coconut, chopped pistachios, or even a few edible flowers.
Creative Ways to Present
Try assembling Mango Panna Cotta Delight in clear glass jars or champagne flutes for a stunning layered effect. For parties, set the panna cotta in mini glasses for a playful, bite-sized version that guests can pick up and mingle with. Even in a classic ramekin, this dessert feels festive the moment you lift your spoon!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can safely store Mango Panna Cotta Delight, covered, in the refrigerator for up to two days. The creamy texture holds up beautifully, and the mango topping keeps its freshness and color if added just before serving. Be sure to use airtight containers to prevent any fridge odors from mingling with your delicate dessert.
Freezing
Technically, you can freeze panna cotta, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing may slightly alter the smooth texture that makes Mango Panna Cotta Delight special. However, if you must, wrap the set base tightly and only freeze the cream layer (without the mango topping) for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and add the mango layer once completely defrosted.
Reheating
No reheating is needed—Mango Panna Cotta Delight is best served and enjoyed chilled right from the fridge. If you’d like to bring out more flavor, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly; this helps all those creamy and fruity notes shine through.
FAQs
Can I use canned mango puree if fresh mangoes aren’t available?
Absolutely! Canned mango puree is a convenient option, especially if juicy, ripe mangoes aren’t in season. Just be sure to check the label for added sugar and adjust the recipe’s sweetness if needed to let the natural fruit flavor sparkle in your Mango Panna Cotta Delight.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to gelatin for setting panna cotta?
Yes, you can try using agar-agar powder as a vegetarian substitute. Start with half the amount of gelatin called for and dissolve the agar in the hot cream mixture, following package instructions. The texture is slightly firmer, but your Mango Panna Cotta Delight will still be smooth and delicious.
How can I get an ultra-smooth mango layer?
For the sleekest finish, strain your mango puree through a fine-mesh sieve before spooning it over the set panna cotta. This little step removes fibers or pulp, resulting in a glossy, restaurant-worthy Mango Panna Cotta Delight every time.
Can I make Mango Panna Cotta Delight in advance for a party?
Definitely! In fact, panna cotta is made for easy entertaining. Prepare the cream base up to two days before your event. Just add the mango layer and your favorite garnishes right before serving to keep everything looking and tasting fresh.
What other fruits pair well with this recipe?
While mango and lime are a dreamy combination, you can absolutely experiment with passion fruit, pineapple, or fresh berries. Try swirling in a little puree or layering mixed fruits for your own variation of Mango Panna Cotta Delight!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give Mango Panna Cotta Delight a try—it’s a dessert that turns the simple into the spectacular every single time. Its creamy simplicity, tropical vibrance, and make-ahead magic make it a perennial favorite in my kitchen. I can’t wait for you to taste just how special this treat is!
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Mango Panna Cotta Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tropical flavors of this Mango Panna Cotta Delight, a creamy and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The smooth panna cotta topped with luscious mango puree is a true delight for your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Panna Cotta:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
For the Mango Layer:
- 1 cup mango puree (fresh or canned)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Optional: fresh mango slices and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Bloom Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Panna Cotta: In a saucepan, heat cream, milk, and sugar. Remove from heat, add gelatin, and vanilla. Pour into glasses and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Make Mango Layer: Stir mango puree with lime juice. Spoon over set panna cotta.
- Garnish and Serve: Add fresh mango slices and mint leaves if desired. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor.
- For a smoother finish, strain the mango puree before topping.
- To make ahead, prepare the panna cotta up to 2 days in advance and add the mango layer just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 panna cotta
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg