My buttermilk panna cotta is silky, creamy, and has a refreshing tang that keeps it light and irresistible. Easy to make and endlessly versatile, it’s the perfect dessert to wow guests or treat yourself.
If you’re looking for an elegant dessert that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make, my buttermilk panna cotta is the one. The texture is luxuriously creamy, soft, and silky, and the tang from the buttermilk adds a refreshing twist that keeps it from being too heavy. It’s a no-bake dessert that comes together quickly, then simply chills until set—perfect for when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
What makes this panna cotta shine is its versatility. You can serve it on its own for a beautifully simple finish, or dress it up with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or even a fruit compote. It looks refined, tastes incredible, and always wows guests, yet it’s effortless enough to make anytime. Once you try this buttermilk panna cotta, it will become your go-to dessert for dinner parties, holidays, or just when you want a little indulgence.
Buttermilk panna cotta ingredients
This buttermilk panna cotta takes only 5 simple ingredients! Here’s everything you’ll need to make it at home:
- Buttermilk – buttermilk is thicker than milk but not as heavy as cream. It’s what you’re left with after making butter . It adds a mild tang to this panna cotta that helps to balance out the taste.
- Gelatin – plain, unflavored gelatin is used to thicken the milk mixture. We use granulated gelatin (as opposed to sheets).
- Sugar – to sweeten everything up!
- Sour cream – this unexpected ingredient makes the panna cotta taste richer, and adds a bit more tang.
- Heavy cream – this essential ingredient ensures a smooth, creamy panna cotta.
You’ll also need six ½ cup mason jars , small cups, ramekins, or other cute vessels for serving.
How to make buttermilk panna cotta
If this is your first time making panna cotta, you’ll be shocked at how easy it is to make. As simple as it is, you still need the right ratio of ingredients and gentle heat to achieve the silky smooth consistency.
Here’s how it comes together in a few simple steps:
- To start, bloom your gelatin . This essential step involves pouring the buttermilk into a small saucepan, then sprinkling the gelatin on top and letting it sit until it has swollen.
- Then, stir in the sugar and gently heat the mixture, taking care not to let it boil.
- When everything has dissolved, remove it from the heat and whisk in the sour cream and heavy cream . Then, place the pot in the fridge to cool.
- When it’s cool, pour it into small jars or cups and refrigerate until set . Serve the panna cotta with fresh berries on top. That’s it!
What to serve with buttermilk panna cotta
Buttermilk panna cotta is the perfect end to an Italian meal, or anytime you’re after a sweet creamy treat.
Enjoy it on its own or have fun experimenting with other classic flavors like vanilla bean, chocolate, coffee, caramel, or orange blossom water. We keep it simple and serve it with ripe berries, but other fresh fruit like mango or passionfruit also taste great.
Everyone will love the pure creamy taste of buttermilk panna cotta!
Buttermilk Panna Cotta Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
- ▢ 2 ¼ teaspoons gelatin
- ▢ ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ▢ ¼ cup sour cream
- ▢ 1 ½ cups heavy cream
Instructions
- Pour the buttermilk into a small saucepan and sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Let it sit for 2 minutes, or until the gelatin grains start to swell or “bloom.” 1 ¼ cups buttermilk, 2 ¼ teaspoons gelatin
- Stir in the sugar and heat gently over low heat until the sugar and gelatin have completely dissolved. DO NOT BOIL. ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the sour cream and heavy cream. Place the pot in the fridge for 30 minutes, or until it’s cool to the touch. ¼ cup sour cream, 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- Once cool, whisk the panna cotta once more and then pour it into little mason jars, cups, or whatever cute little jars you plan on serving it in. Cover and refrigerate until set, about 4 hours. Serve the panna cotta with berries on top.
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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Buttermilk Panna Cotta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
- 2 ¼ teaspoons gelatin
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
Instructions
- Pour the buttermilk into a small saucepan and sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Let it sit for 2 minutes, or until the gelatin grains start to swell or “bloom.” 1 ¼ cups buttermilk, 2 ¼ teaspoons gelatin
- Stir in the sugar and heat gently over low heat until the sugar and gelatin have completely dissolved. DO NOT BOIL. ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the sour cream and heavy cream. Place the pot in the fridge for 30 minutes, or until it’s cool to the touch. ¼ cup sour cream, 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- Once cool, whisk the panna cotta once more and then pour it into little mason jars, cups, or whatever cute little jars you plan on serving it in. Cover and refrigerate until set, about 4 hours. Serve the panna cotta with berries on top.
