Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Tropical Fruit

A silky smooth Italian dessert made with buttermilk and cream, set with gelatin and served with fresh tropical fruits. This elegant panna cotta has a perfect balance of richness and tanginess from the buttermilk.

6 servings

7 hr

Published October 4, 2025

Ingredients

•2 tablespoons water
•2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
•1 cup whipping cream
•7 tablespoons sugar
•2 cups reduced fat buttermilk (2%)
•¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
•2 cups tropical fruits
•1 cup papaya
•1 cup kiwi

Cooking Instructions

1.
Pour 2 tablespoons water into small custard cup; sprinkle unflavored gelatin over. Let stand until gelatin softens, approximately 10 minutes.
10 min
2.
Combine whipping cream and sugar in heavy medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot but not boiling. Remove from heat; add gelatin mixture and stir until gelatin is completely dissolved and mixture is smooth. Cool mixture to room temperature, about 45 minutes.
45 min
3.
Stir buttermik and vanilla extract into cream mixture. Pour mixture through fine strainer into 4-cup measuring cup. Divide mixture among six 3/4-cup custard cups or ramekins. Refrigerate until panna cotta is set, at least 6 hours and up to 1 day.
360 min
4.
Run thin sharp knife around sides of each panna cotta to loosen. One at a time, place bottom of each custard cup in 1 inch of hot water 30 to 45 seconds; immediately invert custard cup onto plate. Using both hands, firmly grasp custard cup and plate together, shaking gently and allowing panna cotta to settle onto plate. Spoon fruit mixture around each panna cotta and serve.
5 min

Cooking Instructions

Pour 2 tablespoons water into small custard cup; sprinkle unflavored gelatin over. Let stand until gelatin softens, approximately 10 minutes.

10 min

Combine whipping cream and sugar in heavy medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot but not boiling. Remove from heat; add gelatin mixture and stir until gelatin is completely dissolved and mixture is smooth. Cool mixture to room temperature, about 45 minutes.

45 min

Stir buttermik and vanilla extract into cream mixture. Pour mixture through fine strainer into 4-cup measuring cup. Divide mixture among six 3/4-cup custard cups or ramekins. Refrigerate until panna cotta is set, at least 6 hours and up to 1 day.

360 min

Run thin sharp knife around sides of each panna cotta to loosen. One at a time, place bottom of each custard cup in 1 inch of hot water 30 to 45 seconds; immediately invert custard cup onto plate. Using both hands, firmly grasp custard cup and plate together, shaking gently and allowing panna cotta to settle onto plate. Spoon fruit mixture around each panna cotta and serve.

5 min