Lemon Lavender Panna Cotta with Honey Glaze
Silky lemon-infused panna cotta delicately perfumed with lavender, topped with a glistening honey glaze for a floral finish. This italian-inspired desserts ready in about 15 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 250 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
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) unflavored gelatin powder
- 3 tbsp cold water
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, sprinkle 2 1/4 tsp unflavored gelatin over 3 tbsp cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup whole milk, 2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender, and 1 tbsp lemon zest. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is hot and sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes, but do not boil.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and strain out the lavender and lemon zest. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved.
- Step 4: Pour the mixture into six 4-ounce ramekins or glasses. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
- Step 5: Before serving, whisk together 2 tbsp honey and 1 tsp fresh lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the honey glaze over the panna cotta and garnish with a small sprig of lavender if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon Lavender Panna Cotta with Honey Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 Lemon Lavender Panna Cotta with Honey Glaze?
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 Lemon Lavender Panna Cotta with Honey Glaze?
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 Lemon Lavender Panna Cotta with Honey Glaze 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 Lemon Lavender Panna Cotta with Honey Glaze?
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.
Equipment for this recipe
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