Chilled Matcha Almond Panna Cotta
A delicate panna cotta infused with earthy matcha green tea and a subtle almond flavor, chilled to a silky smooth finish. This japanese-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp matcha powder
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) unflavored gelatin powder
- 3 tbsp cold water
- 2 tbsp sliced almonds, toasted
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, sprinkle 2 1/4 tsp unflavored gelatin powder over 3 tbsp cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot but not boiling, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove saucepan from heat and whisk in 2 tsp matcha powder and 1/2 tsp almond extract until fully dissolved and smooth.
- Step 4: Add the bloomed gelatin to the hot mixture and whisk vigorously for one minute until gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Step 5: Pour the panna cotta mixture evenly into 4 to 6 small ramekins or glasses. Let cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Step 6: Before serving, toast 2 tbsp sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly. Sprinkle toasted almonds over each panna cotta as a garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chilled Matcha Almond Panna Cotta take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Chilled Matcha Almond Panna Cotta?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chilled Matcha Almond Panna Cotta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chilled Matcha Almond Panna Cotta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chilled Matcha Almond Panna Cotta?
Japanese desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
