As the sun sets, casting a golden hue through my kitchen window, I can’t help but be inspired by the vibrant colors of the season. Recently, I discovered an enchanting way to elevate my dessert game: rosemary honey panna cotta with grapefruit jelly. This delightful dish not only captures the essence of fresh grapefruit but also adds a surprising twist with earthy rosemary.
While many may shy away from panna cotta, thinking it’s reserved for fine dining, I’m here to tell you that it’s remarkably simple to make. In just a few steps, you can create a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that dazzles the eyes and captivates the palate—perfect for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself after a long week. Plus, the balance of honey sweetness with tangy grapefruit makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Join me on this culinary adventure, and let’s turn ordinary moments into delightful memories with a dessert that feels both luxurious and refreshingly easy to whip up!
Why is rosemary honey panna cotta with grapefruit jelly special?
Captivating flavors: The fusion of rosemary and honey creates a sweet and herbal profile that is truly unique.
Elegant presentation: This panna cotta looks stunning on any dessert table, making it perfect for special occasions.
Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can impress your family and friends with a gourmet dessert at home.
Versatile pairing: Enjoy it on its own or with fresh fruit for an eye-catching dessert.
Perfect for all occasions: Whether it’s a dinner party or a weekday treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Rosemary Honey Panna Cotta Ingredients
• Get ready for a creamy delight with unique flavors!
For the Panna Cotta
- Large grapefruit – A juicy, fresh addition that brings bright acidity to balance the rich creaminess.
- Strained grapefruit juice (150g) – This is essential for infusing the panna cotta with its vibrant flavor.
- Finely grated zest of 1 grapefruit – Adds a fragrant citrus note that enhances the overall taste.
- Powdered gelatin (3/4 tsp) – Provides the silky texture that makes panna cotta so irresistible.
- Water (1 tbsp) – Needed to help bloom the gelatin for the perfect set.
- Whole milk (200g) – Creates a creamy base, beautifully complementing the flavors.
- Heavy cream (100g) – Makes the dessert luxurious and rich.
- Large sprig rosemary (about 4g) – Brings an earthy element that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the panna cotta.
- Honey (25g) – Sweetens the dish naturally while contributing a delicious floral note.
- Powdered gelatin (1 1/2 tsp) – Use this for a firmer set panna cotta if desired.
- Water (1 tbsp) – Helps dissolve the extra gelatin, ensuring a smooth finish.
For the Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh grapefruit segments – These can elevate your presentation and provide a refreshing bite.
- Extra rosemary sprigs – Use these to add a touch of elegance for serving.
This rosemary honey panna cotta with grapefruit jelly not only stands out in flavor and presentation but is also a wonderful way to impress your guests with minimal effort!
How to Make Rosemary Honey Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Jelly
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Strain the grapefruit juice by squeezing the large grapefruit to yield 150g and set aside the fresh zest for later use. This bright juice will infuse the panna cotta with delightful flavor.
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Bloom the gelatin by combining 3/4 tsp of powdered gelatin with 1 tbsp of water in a small bowl. Allow it to sit for a few minutes until it thickens—a crucial step for achieving that perfect creamy texture.
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Heat the whole milk, heavy cream, and rosemary in a saucepan over medium heat until just simmering, stirring occasionally. This step releases the aromatic oils from the rosemary, enhancing the panna cotta’s flavor.
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Combine the honey and grapefruit juice into the warm cream mixture after removing it from heat. Stir gently until well mixed to create a sweet, fragrant base for your dessert.
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Dissolve the bloomed gelatin into the warm mixture, stirring continuously until it is fully dissolved. Pour the mixture through a fine strainer to remove the rosemary, ensuring a smooth and silky panna cotta.
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Pour the mixture into your desired molds or serving glasses and refrigerate until set, typically about 4-6 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the panna cotta to achieve its signature creamy texture.
Optional: Garnish with fresh grapefruit segments or extra rosemary sprigs for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Rosemary Honey Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Jelly?
Delight in a symphony of flavors that will elevate your dessert experience with refreshing accompaniment.
- Grapefruit Segments: These provide an extra burst of citrus that enhances the panna cotta’s grapefruit notes.
- Rosemary Shortbread Cookies: The herbal essence of rosemary in these cookies complements the creamy panna cotta, creating a lovely textural contrast. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtful pairing.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or blueberries add a pop of color and sweetness that balances the acidity of the grapefruit perfectly.
- Honey Drizzle: A light drizzle of honey brings out the sweetness in the panna cotta, enhancing its floral notes without overpowering it.
- Mint Leaves: Fresh mint offers a cooling contrast, refreshing the palate between bites of the rich panna cotta.
- Sparkling Wine: A glass of sparkling wine accentuates the lightness of the dessert, making it a wonderful choice for a celebratory meal.
- Cheesecake Crumbles: A sprinkle of these adds both crunch and creaminess, rounding off the dessert experience beautifully.
- Chocolate Shavings: A touch of chocolate can add a decadent element, appealing to those who love a sweet finish.
- Lemon Sorbet: This frozen treat cleanses the palate while echoing the citrus notes, adding to the bright flavors of the panna cotta.
Make Ahead Options
These rosemary honey panna cotta with grapefruit jelly are a dream for meal prep enthusiasts! You can easily prep the panna cotta base up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply follow the recipe through step 6, then refrigerate the mixture in your molds until you’re ready to serve. The grapefruit jelly can also be made ahead using the reserved zest and juice, and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When serving, simply finish with your optional garnishes. This way, you’ll achieve stunning, restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests!
Expert Tips for Rosemary Honey Panna Cotta
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Perfect Blooming: Make sure to let the gelatin bloom fully in water before adding to the warm mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that silky panna cotta texture.
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Avoid Overheating: Keep an eye on the milk and cream mixture. It should be heated just until simmering—not boiling—as this can impact the final texture.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh grapefruit and quality honey to enhance the flavor of your rosemary honey panna cotta with grapefruit jelly. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in taste.
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Chill Time Matters: Allow ample chilling time for the panna cotta to set properly. A minimum of 4-6 hours is recommended, but overnight is ideal for the best results.
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Experiment with Garnishes: Don’t shy away from adding your favorite garnishes like fresh herbs or seasonal fruits. These not only elevate presentation but also enhance the flavor profile.
How to Store and Freeze Rosemary Honey Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Jelly
Fridge: Store any leftover panna cotta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will maintain its creamy texture and delightful flavor.
Freezer: If you wish to freeze it, wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Enjoy within 1 month for best quality.
Reheating: To enjoy chilled panna cotta, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid reheating, as it may alter the texture.
Serving Tip: Always serve chilled for the best taste experience!
Rosemary Honey Panna Cotta Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own—there are so many delightful ways to customize it!
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Citrus Infusion: Add zest from oranges or limes for a complex citrus flavor that brightens the dish.
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Flavored Honey: Use lavender or wildflower honey instead of regular honey to impart unique floral notes.
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Nutty Twist: Fold in toasted chopped nuts, like pistachios or almonds, for an added crunchy texture and rich flavor.
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Herbal Notes: Swap rosemary for fresh thyme or basil for a different herbal aromatic experience that still pairs beautifully with grapefruit.
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Creamy Coconut: Substitute whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk and cream for a tropical flair that’s dairy-free.
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Boozy Delight: Infuse the panna cotta with a splash of liqueur, like limoncello or elderflower, for an adult twist that enhances the sweetness.
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Layered Dessert: Create a beautiful layered dessert by adding a layer of grapefruit jelly on top of the panna cotta after it has set.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeño to the warm cream mixture for a surprising spicy contrast to the sweet flavors.
Rosemary Honey Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Jelly Recipe FAQs
What type of grapefruit is best for this recipe?
For the best flavor, I recommend using a large, ripe grapefruit that feels heavy for its size and has no dark spots or blemishes on its skin. The sweeter varieties, like Ruby Red, can enhance your panna cotta with their natural sugars.
How long can I store leftover panna cotta in the fridge?
You can store any leftover rosemary honey panna cotta with grapefruit jelly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its creamy texture and delightful flavor, making it perfect for enjoying at a later time.
Can I freeze panna cotta?
Absolutely! To freeze your panna cotta, wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. This method helps prevent freezer burn. It’s best used within 1 month for optimal taste and texture. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it!
What if my panna cotta doesn’t set properly?
If your panna cotta doesn’t set as expected, it could be due to insufficient blooming of the gelatin or not enough gelatin being used. To troubleshoot, gently reheat the panna cotta mixture until warm, then add an additional 1/2 tsp of bloomed gelatin. Stir well to ensure it dissolves and refrigerate again until set.
Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes! This rosemary honey panna cotta can be made with dairy alternatives such as almond or coconut milk for those who are lactose intolerant. If you need a vegan option, consider using agar-agar instead of gelatin as a thickening agent. Just ensure to follow the packaging instructions for blooming agar, as it’s slightly different than gelatin.
Rosemary Honey Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Jelly Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Strain the grapefruit juice from the large grapefruit to yield 150g and set aside the fresh zest for later use.
- Bloom the gelatin by mixing 3/4 tsp of powdered gelatin with 1 tbsp of water in a small bowl and allow it to thicken.
- Heat the whole milk, heavy cream, and rosemary in a saucepan over medium heat until just simmering, stirring occasionally.
- Combine honey and grapefruit juice into the warm cream mixture after removing it from heat and stir gently.
- Dissolve the bloomed gelatin into the warm mixture, stirring until fully dissolved, then strain the mixture to remove rosemary.
- Pour the mixture into molds or serving glasses and refrigerate until set, typically 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh grapefruit segments or extra rosemary sprigs for an elegant touch.