Easy 5 Minute Vanilla Bean Banana Panna Cotta

A creamy vanilla bean sweetened elegant dessert to wow your guest. It can be made in a matter of minutes and plated ahead of time. Did I mention it’s secretly 🤫 healthy 😉 plus gluten and dairy free! Packed with protein, B vitamins, and potassium what more can you ask for in a dessert? I mean look at the elegance of this dish! So many variations from flavorings to toppings.

For those of you who have never heard of Panna Cotta, it is a classic Italian dessert described as silky, smooth, and delicate. The name itself means “cooked cream” which comes from the prime ingredients being cream, sugar, flavorings, and thicken agent such as gelatin, agar agar, or cornstarch. It is heated on the stove top and then chilled before serving with a sweet sauce. I like to think of it as an upscale fancy version of pudding since it can be made in 5-10 minutes. In this version, I used creamy bananas to add natural sweetness as well as creamy texture in place of cream.

Its texture is similar to pudding and cheesecake although some people go to jello texture. I prefer the creamier former. Feel free to adjust the thickening agents to your preferred texture (whether that’s cornstarch, agar agar, or gelatin). I modified this recipe to use almond milk but feel free to use part or all cream of your choice. Also check out my other panna cotta recipes that are equally delicious: Maple Pumpkin Pie inspired Panna Cotta

This dessert or lunch 😂 last up to 4-5 days in the fridge. You can serve it with maple syrup, honey, date syrup, caramel sauce, or just eat it straight up. If you miss crunch to your dessert simply top with whip cream and crumpled up graham crackers or short bread cookies of choice. Chopped nuts like pecans also are a nice addition. Hope you enjoy this decadent easy dessert!

Easy 5 Minute Vanilla Bean Banana Panna Cotta

A delicate silky smooth naturally sweetened vanilla panna cotta made in a matter of minutes. A healthy sweet dessert the entire family will love.

Author: Hannah Cooking Method: Blending, Simmer Cuisine: Italian Courses: Desserts Recipe Keys: Family Favorites Gluten-free Make-Ahead Naturally Sweetened Vegan

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Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 5 mins Rest Time 1 hr Total Time 1 hr 10 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 6

Ingredients

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Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 0.5 cup of maple syrup, honey, agave, or sugar (you can sub pitted medjool dates see notes below)

• 2 cups milk of choice (or sub half for cream or coconut milk for extra richness)

• 1.5 tsp agar agar powder note agar brand varies in thickness (sub 1 tbsp cornstarch for every 1/2 tsp agar more notes below for gelatin sub)

• 1.5 cups mashed banana (Ripe)

• ¹⁄₄ tsp salt

• 2 tsp vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste. or vanilla bean powder

• Extra maple syrup, honey, chocolate sauce, or caramel for serving

Instructions

1. Purée all ingredients in a high powdered blender or food processor until smooth.
2. Next prepare six ramekins that can hold up to 6-8oz. Optional: Pour a tablespoon of liquid sweetener like maple syrup, caramel etc at bottom of each ramekin.
3. Pour the puréed mixture into a medium sauce pan. Turn the stove top to medium or medium high heat. Stir mixture frequent and bring to a simmering boil for 3-5 minutes. Should thicken a bit but will set more once cool.
4. Pour into ramekins and chill for at least an hour in the fridge before serving. Keeps for 4-5 days in the fridge.

Note

Substitute 1 tbsp cornstarch for every 1/2 tsp agar powder

Substitute 1:1 ratio gelatin to agar agar powder

You may need more agar agar powder or cornstarch based on preferred texture. You can also other creamy fruit like peaches, cherries, cantaloupe, honeydew, or pears. Just know you may need to add more fat for watery fruit.

Keywords: Panna cotta, squash, pumpkin, maple, dates, naturally sweetened

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