Name: Limoncello Berry Panna Cotta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 4 h 19 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ Cups fresh berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, Saskatoon berries, blackberries); 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 Tablespoons limoncello; 1 Teaspoon lemon zest; ½ Cup granulated sugar; ¾ Cup limoncello; 12 Grams unflavoured powdered gelatin; ¼ Cup cool water; 1 ¾ Cup heavy whipping cream; ½ Cup half & half; Lemon peel twists; Fresh mint leaves

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 79 reviews

If you adore desserts that feel like a sunny Italian afternoon captured on a plate, this Limoncello Berry Panna Cotta Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Delicately creamy, with a luscious berry topping that’s both vibrant and tangy, this panna cotta balances the citrusy brightness of limoncello with the natural sweetness of fresh berries. It’s an elegant yet simple treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a standout dessert in your repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Seven clear glass bowls and containers are arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The top left bowl holds a whole yellow lemon with a smooth, bright peel. To the right, a bowl contains a white liquid with a creamy texture. Below, a larger bowl filled with white cream is placed near the center-right. In the center, a bowl of mixed berries shows dark blackberries, red raspberries, and deep blue blueberries with rich textures and colors. Below the lemon, a small bowl contains a white powder, possibly sugar or salt. At the bottom left, a tiny glass has a clear liquid, and to its right, a small glass pitcher holds light yellow oil. The bottom right bowl is filled with fine white sugar. The image shows no utensils or woman’s hand, and everything is set on the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this Limoncello Berry Panna Cotta Recipe shine. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the right texture, creamy flavor, and zesty brightness that make this dessert irresistible.

1 ½ cups fresh berries: Choose a mix of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or Saskatoon berries for a colorful and flavorful topping.
½ cup granulated sugar (plus 2 tablespoons): Adds just the right sweetness to both the panna cotta base and the berries.
¾ cup limoncello (plus 2 tablespoons): This lemon liqueur infuses the dessert with vibrant citrus notes, making it truly special.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: Enhances the limoncello’s lemony bite with fresh, natural zing.
¼ cup cool water: Used to bloom the gelatin for the perfect panna cotta texture.
12 grams unflavored gelatin powder: The magic ingredient that gives the panna cotta its smooth, silky set.
1 ¾ cups heavy whipping cream: Creates the creamy, rich base that makes panna cotta so indulgent.
½ cup half & half: Lightens the cream just enough while maintaining that luscious mouthfeel.
Lemon peel twists: For garnish, adding elegance and extra citrus aroma.
Mint leaves: Fresh and bright, these add a pop of color and subtle herbal freshness.

How to Make Limoncello Berry Panna Cotta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Berry Mixture

Start by mixing the fresh berries with 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of limoncello, and the lemon zest in a medium-sized bowl. Cover this mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. This allows the berries to macerate and soak up all those lovely citrus and sweet flavors, giving your dessert that irresistible fresh topping.

Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin

Next, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder over ¼ cup of cool water in a small microwave-safe dish. Let it sit quietly so the gelatin can absorb the water and soften. This step is crucial to ensure a smooth, jelly-like texture when it melts later on.

Step 3: Heat the Cream Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, half & half, remaining sugar, and the remaining limoncello. Gently heat this mixture over medium-high heat, stirring slowly until just boiling. Keep an eye so it doesn’t boil over, because you want to infuse everything without losing any liquid or burning the sugars.

Step 4: Melt the Gelatin

While the cream heats, pop the gelatin bowl into the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds. It should liquefy nicely without getting too hot. This liquefied gelatin will seamlessly blend into the warm cream, setting your panna cotta perfectly.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Once the cream mixture has reached a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir in the melted gelatin and simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring slowly to ensure everything is completely combined and smooth. Then remove from heat, ready for pouring.

Step 6: Pour into Ramekins and Chill

Lightly spray your ramekins with oil to help with releasing the panna cotta later. Pour the silky cream mixture evenly into each ramekin. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and place directly in the refrigerator. Let them chill undisturbed for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight to develop that perfect, tender set.

Step 7: Serve with Berries

When you’re ready to enjoy, gently loosen the panna cotta edges with a thin knife and invert each ramekin onto a plate. Give the berry mixture a gentle stir, then spoon a generous helping over your panna cotta. Finish by garnishing with a lemon peel twist and a fresh mint leaf for that extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.

How to Serve Limoncello Berry Panna Cotta Recipe

A small, smooth, white panna cotta dessert sits on a white plate with a white marbled background. The panna cotta is shaped like a short cylinder with slightly rounded edges. On top, there is a colorful cluster of fresh berries, including plump blueberries, a bright red raspberry, a shiny black blackberry, and a small red currant, all fresh and glossy. There is a small green mint leaf tucked among the berries. Tiny yellow zest shavings are sprinkled over the dessert and plate, adding a touch of color and texture. The image is softly lit with a shallow depth of field, focusing closely on the panna cotta. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The magic of this dessert isn’t just in the flavors but also how inviting it looks on the plate. Beautiful lemon peel twists and sprigs of mint provide contrast and freshness. Bright berries not only add natural sweetness but also a luscious jewel-like appearance that makes every bite even more exciting.

Side Dishes

While panna cotta is spectacular on its own, pairing it with light, summery sides like a crisp shortbread cookie or a simple almond biscotti can elevate your dessert experience. These add a delightful crunch that complements the panna cotta’s silkiness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving the panna cotta in clear glasses layered with berry compote, or prepare mini versions in shot glasses for a charming party bite. You can also drizzle some extra limoncello syrup over the top for an intensified lemon punch. Presentation is your secret weapon to making this recipe memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover panna cotta should be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, maintaining its texture and flavor. Always keep the berry topping separate until serving to retain its freshness.

Freezing

Panna cotta doesn’t freeze well due to its delicate texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can cause it to separate and lose that silky smoothness, which is truly the heart of this dessert’s charm.

Reheating

This dessert is served chilled and should not be reheated. Just pop it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving if you’d like it slightly less cold, but avoid warming as it will spoil the luscious creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different alcohol instead of limoncello?

While limoncello gives this panna cotta its signature lemon flavor, you can experiment with other citrus liqueurs or even a splash of fresh lemon juice for a non-alcoholic twist, though the taste will vary slightly.

How do I make sure the panna cotta sets properly?

Blooming the gelatin fully and dissolving it thoroughly into the warm cream mixture is key. Also, chilling it undisturbed for at least 4 hours or overnight ensures a firm yet tender set.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This classic panna cotta relies on gelatin and dairy, but vegan versions can be made using agar-agar and plant-based creams. Keep in mind the texture and taste might differ from the original.

Is it necessary to macerate the berries ahead of time?

Macerating the berries with sugar and limoncello softens them and brings out their juices, balancing sweetness and tartness. Skipping this step might result in less flavorful topping.

What’s the best way to unmold panna cotta?

Loosen the edges gently with a thin knife before inverting. A light grease inside the ramekins helps immensely. If panna cotta resists, a quick dip of the ramekin base in warm water (without wetting the dessert) can help release it easily.

Final Thoughts

This Limoncello Berry Panna Cotta Recipe truly brings joy to the table with its blend of creamy goodness and bright, zesty flavors. It’s a dessert that’s deceptively simple to make yet impressive enough to wow anyone lucky enough to taste it. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a day you want to treat yourself, this panna cotta will not disappoint. Dive in and enjoy every luscious bite!