Lemon Panna Cotta with Fresh Blueberries Recipe

Panna cotta is a simple yet elegant dessert. This lemon panna cotta is brightened with lemon juice and zest, a touch of vanilla bean paste, and topped with fresh blueberries.

Making this Lemon Panna Cotta

I recently made panna cotta for the first time and was surprised at how easy it is. It feels special and looks elegant, yet the technique is straightforward.

This lemon version is ideal for summer: it highlights seasonal berries and requires no oven, keeping the kitchen cool.

You can vary the flavors—try orange with raspberry or vanilla with strawberry—but lemon and blueberry are a classic, and a little vanilla really lifts the flavor.

When shopped smartly, this can be an affordable dessert. Buying cream and half-and-half in larger sizes reduces cost per use. Berries are often discounted in summer; farmers markets or pick-your-own farms are great options when available.

What Is Panna Cotta?

Panna cotta is essentially gently sweetened, flavored cream that’s set with gelatin. The texture is silky and indulgent, though the steps are simple.

In this recipe, the cream is infused with lemon zest and a little vanilla, while fresh lemon juice adds brightness to the finished dessert.

What’s in Lemon Panna Cotta?

This lemon blueberry panna cotta uses familiar ingredients you likely already use in the kitchen:

• Cold water
• Unflavored gelatin
• Half-and-half
• Lemon zest
• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Sea salt
• Fresh lemon juice
• Vanilla bean paste
• Fresh blueberries

Scroll to the recipe card for exact measurements and a printable version of the recipe.

How to Make Lemon Panna Cotta

1. Sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water in a small bowl and let it bloom until softened.
2. Combine half-and-half, lemon zest, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Warm until small bubbles form around the edges and the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the softened gelatin until fully dissolved.
4. Whisk in the heavy cream, a pinch of sea salt, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla bean paste.
5. Place a portion of berries into individual serving cups or ramekins, filling each cup partway.
6. Pour the panna cotta mixture over the berries and refrigerate until set, about 2–4 hours.
7. Before serving, top each set panna cotta with remaining blueberries and a bit of lemon zest for garnish.

This summary covers the main steps; consult the full recipe card for precise measurements and timing.

Tips for Making the Best Lemon Panna Cotta

• Heat the cream mixture gently—cream can scorch or boil over easily. Remove from heat as soon as bubbles appear at the edges.
• Chill the panna cotta completely before serving. If it hasn’t fully set, the texture will be too soft.

How to Store Lemon Panna Cotta

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because panna cotta is served chilled, there’s no need to reheat before eating.

Try this Lemon Panna Cotta at Home!

When you want a no-bake, elegant summer dessert, lemon panna cotta is a reliable choice. Its silky texture and citrus brightness make it a crowd-pleaser.

If you try it, leave a comment to share your thoughts and any tweaks you made. It’s always helpful to hear how others enjoyed the recipe.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag @goodlifeeats with hashtag #goodlifeeatsrecipes—I’d love to see your version of this dessert.

More Lemony Summer Desserts to Try

If you enjoy lemon flavors, try other citrus-forward, no-bake or lightly baked desserts. Options that pair well with lemon include lemon ice cream, pavlova with lemon curd and berries, no-bake strawberry lemon tart, and lemon-blackberry cupcakes. These desserts share a bright, summery character and make great additions to picnics or gatherings.

If you’re looking for more recipes, check the recipe index on the site for additional ideas.

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Have you ever tried panna cotta?

Lemon Panna Cotta with Blueberries

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Chill:
2 hours

Total Time:
2 hours 20 minutes

Panna cotta is a simple yet elegant dessert flavored here with lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla bean paste, and fresh blueberries.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Panna Cotta

• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 1/4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup half-and-half
• Zest of one lemon
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 3/4 cups heavy cream
• Pinch sea salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

For the Topping

• Lemon blueberry sauce or fresh blueberries

Instructions

Making the Lemon Panna Cotta

1. Pour cold water into a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Let it soften.
2. Warm the half-and-half with lemon zest and sugar over medium-low heat until bubbles form at the edges and the sugar dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in the gelatin until dissolved.
4. Whisk in the heavy cream, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla bean paste.
5. Divide the mixture among four 6–8 ounce serving glasses and refrigerate for 2–4 hours until set.

Making the Blueberry Topping

1. Prepare a simple lemon-blueberry sauce or use fresh blueberries. Cool the sauce to room temperature before topping the panna cotta.

Serving

1. Spoon blueberry sauce or scatter fresh berries over each panna cotta and garnish with a bit of lemon zest.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 523
Total Fat: 44g
Saturated Fat: 28g
Cholesterol: 139mg
Sodium: 101mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 26g
Protein: 6g