Honey-Baked Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Walnut and Cinnamon Topping
A silky Greek yogurt panna cotta lightly sweetened with honey, topped with toasted walnuts and a sprinkle of warm cinnamon for a delicate dessert. This greek-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes pairs plain Greek yogurt, whole milk, granulated sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon powdered gelatin
- 3 tablespoons water (for blooming gelatin)
- 3 tablespoons pure honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, sprinkle 1 tablespoon powdered gelatin over 3 tablespoons cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Warm over medium heat, stirring, until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot but not boiling (about 5 minutes).
- Step 3: Remove milk mixture from heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Let cool slightly for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups plain Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons pure honey, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually whisk in the cooled milk and gelatin mixture until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Pour the mixture into 4 individual molds or ramekins and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Step 6: Meanwhile, toast 1/2 cup chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from heat and mix with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Step 7: To serve, unmold the panna cotta by running a warm knife around edges and inverting onto plates. Sprinkle the cinnamon-walnut mixture evenly over the top of each panna cotta.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Baked Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Walnut and Cinnamon Topping take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Honey-Baked Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Walnut and Cinnamon Topping?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep plain greek yogurt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Baked Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Walnut and Cinnamon Topping?
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 Honey-Baked Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Walnut and Cinnamon Topping 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 Honey-Baked Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Walnut and Cinnamon Topping?
Greek 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.