If you have a craving for something silky, lush, and utterly divine, this Chocolate Coconut Panna Cotta Recipe is the ultimate dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things light and refreshing. Combining the tropical creaminess of coconut with rich, velvety chocolate, this panna cotta is a gorgeous chilled treat that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or just treat yourself after a long day, this recipe effortlessly blends flavors and textures that you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of thoughtful ingredients, this Chocolate Coconut Panna Cotta Recipe comes together beautifully. Each component plays a crucial role: the full-fat coconut milk brings creaminess and a subtle tropical note, the cocoa powder and dark chocolate deliver intense chocolate flavor and deep color, and the agar agar powder or gelatin is what gives the panna cotta its signature delicate wobble and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Full-fat coconut milk (1 1/2 cups): Provides a rich, creamy base that’s naturally dairy-free and adds a hint of coconut flavor.
- Milk of choice (1/2 cup): Dilutes the coconut milk slightly for balance—use dairy or any plant-based milk you prefer.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Adds deep chocolate notes and a beautiful dark hue to the panna cotta.
- Dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (1/2 cup): Melts into the mixture for a silky texture and robust chocolate richness.
- Maple syrup or sweetener of choice (1/4 cup): Sweetens the dessert naturally without overpowering the chocolate.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate and coconut flavors with a warm, fragrant finish.
- Agar agar powder (2 teaspoons) or gelatin (1 packet): The essential ingredient to set your panna cotta to perfection—agar agar if you want it vegan, gelatin for traditional.
- Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and boosts the depth of chocolate flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Coconut Panna Cotta Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by whisking together your coconut milk, chosen milk, cocoa powder, and sweetener in a medium saucepan. This blend sets the foundation for the panna cotta, ensuring all the flavors mingle early on to create a harmonious chocolate-coconut flavor.
Step 2: Add the Thickening Agent
Place the saucepan over medium heat and sprinkle in your agar agar powder or gelatin. Stir vigorously and frequently so the thickening agent disperses evenly without clumps, which is key to achieving a smooth set.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Once the mixture starts releasing steam, add your dark chocolate pieces. Keep stirring until the chocolate melts completely, creating a glossy, luscious base that will transform your panna cotta into a sweet, irresistible indulgence.
Step 4: Simmer to Activate
Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes while whisking constantly. This step is crucial when using agar agar as it ensures the panna cotta will properly set into a firm yet creamy texture.
Step 5: Final Flavor Touches
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract along with just a pinch of salt. The vanilla rounds out the flavors, while the salt intensifies the chocolate and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Step 6: Mold the Panna Cotta
Pour the warm mixture into ramekins or silicone molds. These little containers frame your panna cotta perfectly and make serving a breeze.
Step 7: Chill Until Set
Allow the molds to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to cool slightly before transferring them to the fridge. Chill for at least 4 hours or until firm to the touch. This patient wait rewards you with that perfect wobble and creamy bite.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
To remove the panna cotta from molds, run a sharp knife around the edges and invert onto serving plates. Alternatively, serve directly in the ramekins for a more rustic, charming presentation.
How to Serve Chocolate Coconut Panna Cotta Recipe
Garnishes
Decorate your panna cotta with freshly grated dark chocolate, toasted coconut flakes, or a few ripe berries for a pop of color and texture. A sprig of mint can also add an aromatic freshness that complements the chocolate coconut flavors exquisitely.
Side Dishes
Pair this dessert with light and crisp sides like a fresh fruit salad or a tangy passion fruit coulis. These contrast delightful bright notes against the rich, creamy panna cotta and keep the overall dessert experience balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the panna cotta with fruit purées or crushed cookies for a parfait-style treat. Alternatively, serve in elegant mini glasses with a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top to wow your guests with visual appeal as well as taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover panna cotta keeps well in the refrigerator covered tightly with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to maintain that luscious texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
While panna cotta can be frozen, it may affect the texture slightly, potentially making it a bit grainy upon thawing. If you choose to freeze it, do so in individual portions, and thaw slowly overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Since panna cotta is traditionally served chilled, reheating isn’t typical or recommended. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to soften the chill without melting the set.
FAQs
Can I make this Chocolate Coconut Panna Cotta Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Using agar agar as the setting agent instead of gelatin makes this dessert fully vegan. Just be sure to use dairy-free milk like coconut or almond milk to keep the entire recipe plant-based.
What if I don’t have agar agar or gelatin?
Gelatin and agar agar are essential for setting this panna cotta. If you don’t have either, you won’t get the proper texture. You might try substituting with a store-bought panna cotta or similar mousse recipe, but the texture will differ.
How rich is this panna cotta?
This recipe balances richness with lightness beautifully thanks to the coconut milk and the chocolate. It’s creamy without being overly heavy, making it a great dessert even after a large meal.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes, but for the best flavor, dark chocolate is ideal owing to its depth and slight bitterness which complements the sweetness. Milk chocolate would make it sweeter and less intense, while white chocolate changes the flavor profile entirely.
How long does it take to set properly?
You should refrigerate the panna cotta for at least 4 hours for a firm set. Overnight chilling is even better if you have the time, allowing flavors to meld and the texture to firm up perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this Chocolate Coconut Panna Cotta Recipe is your new best friend. It combines simplicity, elegance, and incredible flavor in one luscious dessert that feels both exotic and comfortingly familiar. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite sweet treat to share with family and friends.
Print
Chocolate Coconut Panna Cotta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This creamy and luscious Chocolate Panna Cotta features a rich blend of coconut milk, cocoa, and dark chocolate, gently set with agar agar for a smooth, dairy-free dessert option. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and infused with vanilla, it makes a perfect elegant treat for vegans or anyone craving a decadent chocolate dessert.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups full-fat coconut milk (or heavy cream)
- 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or sweetener of choice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons agar agar powder (or 1 packet unflavored gelatin for non-vegan)
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Instructions
- Combine liquids and cocoa: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk, milk of choice, cocoa powder, and maple syrup until smooth and fully combined.
- Add setting agent: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir in the agar agar powder (or gelatin for a non-vegan version), whisking frequently to ensure it dissolves evenly.
- Melt chocolate: When the mixture begins to steam, add the dark chocolate and stir continuously until it melts completely and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Activate agar agar: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes while whisking constantly to fully activate the agar agar’s setting properties.
- Flavor and season: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract along with a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
- Pour into molds: Distribute the chocolate mixture evenly into 4 ramekins or silicone molds for setting.
- Cool and chill: Allow the panna cotta to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until fully set and firm.
- Serve: To serve, gently run a knife around the edges of each mold and invert onto plates, or serve chilled directly in the ramekins if preferred.
Notes
- Agar agar is a vegan-friendly gelatin substitute derived from seaweed; if using gelatin, ensure the recipe is not intended to be vegan.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamier texture and richer flavor, but heavy cream can be substituted for a traditional dairy version.
- Maple syrup can be swapped with honey or any other liquid sweetener to suit dietary preferences.
- For smoother panna cotta, strain the mixture before pouring to remove any lumps.
- Make sure to whisk constantly when simmering to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan.
- This dessert can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated.
