Last Updated on February 11, 2026 by Carrie Korem, FNTP
This panna cotta recipe is a simple, creamy dessert that feels fancy but is very easy to make. It is lightly sweet, smooth, and packed with gelatin, which is one of my favorite ways to support the body.
If you are gluten free and you have thyroid disease, this panna cotta recipe is a great fit because it is made with real foods and has no flour, no grains, and no weird fillers.
Why you’ll love this panna cotta recipe
- It uses a short ingredient list
- It is naturally gluten free
- It is a great way to get extra gelatin
- It tastes like a thicker vanilla pudding
- You can top it with any fruit you like
What is panna cotta made of?
Panna cotta is made from a mix of coconut milk, gelatin, honey, and vanilla extract. Once it chills, it sets into a soft, spoonable dessert.
What does panna cotta taste like
This panna cotta recipe tastes like a rich vanilla pudding, but a little firmer because of the gelatin. It is sweet, creamy, and smooth. The flavor is mild, so toppings matter. I love it with seasonal berries because the tart fruit balances the sweetness.
What kind of gelatin to use
Gelatin is a natural way to add more protein to your day. It can support digestion and it helps the body build strong cartilage and bones.
Not all gelatin is the same, so I stick with brands that come from grass fed animals and do not add MSG. Two solid options are Bernard Jensen and Great Lakes. Gelatin is basically the same thing you get when you make homemade stock and it turns to gel in the fridge, just dried and powdered.
Easy ways to use gelatin:
- Stir it into soups and stews
- Add it to smoothies
- Use it in puddings and baked goods as a binder
What kind of milk is best for panna cotta
For this panna cotta recipe, I like full fat coconut milk with no preservatives. It’s best to buy coconut milk in a can, not a coconut “beverage”. Coconut beverage is usually more processed and often has added ingredients.
My favorite brand is Native Forest.
If you want to use dairy instead, you can swap the coconut milk for:
- 2 cups whole raw milk
- 2 cups raw cream
Tips for perfect panna cotta
- Do not boil the mixture. You only want it hot enough to dissolve the gelatin.
- Whisk the mixture well so the honey blends in smoothly.
- Chill it long enough. If it is still soft, give it more time in the fridge.
How to store it
Keep this panna cotta recipe covered in the fridge. It is best within 3 to 4 days. Add fruit right before serving so it stays fresh.
Easy topping ideas
- Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries or blackberries
- Sliced peaches or mango
- A spoon of pureed berries
- A drizzle of caramel
Panna Cotta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 cups full fat coconut milk, divided (I prefer Native Forest or Natural Value)
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 1/3 cup raw honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup seasonal berries
Instructions
- Pour 1 cup coconut milk into a medium saucepan and sprinkle evenly with the gelatin. Let the milk sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the gelatin to soften.
- Heat the milk and gelatin over medium heat, stirring constantly, until gelatin is dissolved and milk begins to steam. Stir the remaining coconut milk and honey into the warm milk and whisk until all the ingredients are dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let the mixture cool for 10 minutes.
- Divide the coconut milk mixture evenly among 6 glasses or small bowls. Cover panna cottas tightly with plastic wrap, making sure the plastic wrap does not touch the cream’s surface. Refrigerate for about 5 hours, until cold and set. When you are ready to serve, top with seasonal berries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Serves 6
116 Comments