Glazed Citrus Panna Cotta with Honey and Mint
A smooth and delicate panna cotta infused with orange and lemon zest, topped with a honey glaze and fresh mint for a refreshing dessert. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers heavy cream, whole milk, 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 320 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp gelatin powder
- 3 tbsp cold water
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Sprinkle 2 tsp gelatin powder over 3 tbsp cold water in a small bowl and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp orange zest, and 1 tsp lemon zest. 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 stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved, then add 1 tsp vanilla extract and mix well.
- Step 4: Pour the mixture evenly into 4 small serving glasses or ramekins. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Step 5: Before serving, drizzle 2 tbsp honey over each panna cotta and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves for a bright, fresh finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Glazed Citrus Panna Cotta with Honey and Mint 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 Glazed Citrus Panna Cotta with Honey and Mint?
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 Glazed Citrus Panna Cotta with Honey and Mint?
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 Glazed Citrus Panna Cotta with Honey and Mint for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Glazed Citrus Panna Cotta with Honey and Mint?
Italian 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.
