Lemon Panna Cotta

This Lemon Panna Cotta is a creamy, elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion! Made with honey-sweetened cream, milk, and lemon zest, this refreshing dessert is beautifully balanced by a bright, tangy lemon curd topping. It’s easy to prepare, requires just a handful of ingredients, and sets up in the fridge—so you can make it in advance for stress-free entertaining.

Panna Cotta is an Italian dessert made by heating gelatin together with milk, cream and sugar until it sets into a creamy custard. I always prefer to use natural sweeteners so my version of panna cotta uses honey as a healthier and tastier alternative to sugar.

I have two more panna cotta recipes! Visit my posts for Coffee Panna Cotta which is topped with a smooth chocolate ganache and my recipe for Earl Grey Panna Cotta which looks so beautiful when served in vintage tea cups.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• very quick and easy to make
• make ahead to simplify prep for guests
• made with gelatin which contains the nutritional benefits of collagen
• creamy smooth texture
• simple and beautiful presentation
• a light, refreshing finish to a meal

Ingredients

• Milk - use full fat milk for a creamy texture and extra nutrition
• Cream - use heavy cream (35%)
• Gelatin - allows the dessert to set and adds significant nutritional value
• Honey - adds a subtle flavour that pairs well with lemon (you can substitute maple syrup, if desired)

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

How To Make Lemon Panna Cotta

Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this recipe.

Step 1 & 2: Bloom gelatin and warm the milk/honey mixture.

In a large bowl, pour ½ cup whole milk and sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom.

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups milk, heavy cream, honey, vanilla and lemon zest. Heat over medium-high until very hot and just barely simmering.

Step 3 & 4: Strain and whisk.

Strain the hot mixture (to remove the zest) into the large bowl with the bloomed gelatin. Whisk well until the gelatin is fully dissolved.

Step 5 & 6: Transfer to dessert bowls and once chilled begin the lemon curd.

Divide the mixture evenly into tea cups, ramekins, or small dessert bowls. This recipe makes 4 larger portions or 6 smaller servings.

Cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours before adding the lemon curd topping.

Begin the Lemon Curd:

In a small bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly.

Step 7: Heat lemon, honey, butter.

In a medium saucepan, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, and cubed butter. Heat over medium until the butter melts and the mixture starts to bubble at the edges. Remove from heat.

Step 8 & 9: Temper the eggs and return the whole mixture to the saucepan.

To temper the eggs, take a few tablespoons of the hot lemon mixture and let it cool for 30 seconds. While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle it into the eggs to prevent curdling.

Gradually whisk the remaining lemon mixture into the eggs, then return everything to the saucepan.

Step 10: Cook while stirring until thickened.

Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and able to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 11: Strain and top the chilled and set panna cotta with the lemon curd.

Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, then let cool for 15 minutes. Spread evenly over the chilled, set panna cotta. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Bloom the gelatin properly by letting it sit undisturbed on the liquid for at least five minutes.
• Don't let your mixture come to a boil. Heat until hot but not boiling or simmering. Boiling can break down the gelatin and your panna cotta may not set.
• Allow at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to allow the panna cotta time to set.
• This lemon curd is quite tart! If you prefer a sweeter taste, use a scant ½ cup of lemon juice instead.
• Garnish – A sprinkle of lemon zest, fresh berries, or a drizzle of honey makes a beautiful finishing touch.

Recipe FAQs

More Citrus Desserts You'll Love