Creamy • Fruity • Light • No-Bake Vegetarian Dessert
This Strawberry Panna Cotta is a silky, melt-in-mouth dessert made using agar agar, making it 100% vegetarian and perfect for summer parties, festive menus, and make-ahead celebrations.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🌱 No gelatin → made with agar agar (plant-based)
- 🧁 Minimal ingredients and easy to prepare
- 🍓 Light, fruity and refreshing flavour
- 🕒 Make-ahead friendly – perfect for entertaining
- 📸 Instagram-worthy layers and presentation
- 👩👧 Kid-friendly and vegetarian
📝 Ingredients
🍓 For Strawberry Layer
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries (chopped)
- 3–4 tbsp sugar (adjust to sweetness)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp agar agar powder (or 1 tbsp agar flakes)
🍶 For Cream Layer
- 1 cup full-fat milk
- 1 cup fresh cream (heavy or double cream)
- 3–4 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp agar agar powder
🌸 For Garnish
- Fresh strawberry slices
- Mint leaves
- Edible rose petals (optional)
🍓 Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Layer
- Add strawberries, sugar, and water to a pan.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Blend into a smooth purée.
- Return to the pan, add 1 tsp agar agar, and boil for 2–3 minutes until dissolved.
- Pour into serving glasses (tilt the glasses for a diagonal layer look).
- Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to set.
💡 Tip: Agar agar must boil to activate and set properly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Layer
- In a saucepan, heat milk, cream, and sugar together. (Do not boil aggressively.)
- Add 1 tsp agar agar, whisk well, and boil for 2 minutes until dissolved.
- Add vanilla extract and turn off the heat.
- Cool for 2–3 minutes.
- Pour gently over the set strawberry layer.
- Refrigerate for 2–3 hours or until fully firm and creamy.
✨ Serving Suggestions
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
- Top with fresh strawberry slices.
- Add a mint sprig or edible rose petals.
- Serve in wine glasses, mason jars, or dessert cups for an elegant presentation.