Mary Berry Panna Cotta with Pineapple and Ginger is a beautifully elegant dessert that combines silky vanilla panna cotta with a vibrant pineapple and ginger topping. The creamy texture contrasts perfectly with the sweet fruit and gentle warmth of fresh ginger. Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple and suitable for beginners. Allow around 20 minutes of preparation time plus chilling time for the perfect set.
Ingredients
For the Panna Cotta
- 500ml double cream
- 100ml whole milk
- 75g caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons powdered gelatine
- 3 tablespoons cold water
For the Pineapple and Ginger Topping
- 300g fresh pineapple, diced
- 2 tablespoons soft brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
How to Make Mary Berry Panna Cotta with Pineapple and Ginger
- Prepare the gelatine: Place the powdered gelatine into a small bowl with the cold water. Leave for 5 minutes until it absorbs the liquid and becomes spongy.
- Heat the cream mixture: Pour the double cream, milk, caster sugar, and vanilla extract into a saucepan. Heat gently over medium-low heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
- Add the gelatine: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the softened gelatine until fully dissolved and smooth.
- Fill the moulds: Divide the mixture evenly between six serving glasses or ramekins.
- Chill until set: Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until firmly set.
- Make the pineapple topping: Place the pineapple, brown sugar, grated ginger, and lemon juice into a saucepan. Cook gently for about 5 minutes until slightly softened and glossy.
- Cool the topping: Remove from the heat and allow the pineapple mixture to cool completely.
- Assemble the dessert: Spoon the cooled pineapple and ginger mixture over the chilled panna cotta.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve cold.
Tips for the Best Mary Berry Panna Cotta with Pineapple and Ginger
How do I get a perfectly smooth panna cotta?
Make sure the gelatine is completely dissolved before pouring the mixture into the serving dishes.
Can I make panna cotta ahead of time?
Yes. Panna cotta is ideal for preparing a day in advance and actually improves after chilling overnight.
Why didn’t my panna cotta set?
Insufficient gelatine or overheating the gelatine can prevent proper setting. Measure carefully and avoid boiling.
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes. Drain it thoroughly before cooking with the ginger and sugar.
How do I make it look restaurant quality?
Serve in clear glasses and add the topping neatly just before serving for an elegant presentation.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with buttery shortbread biscuits.
- Add extra fresh pineapple pieces.
- Pair with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Top with toasted coconut flakes.
- Serve after a light summer meal.
Storage
Room Temperature
Do not leave panna cotta at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the topping shortly before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the smooth and creamy texture after thawing.
Nutrition
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 45mg
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I make panna cotta the day before serving?
Yes, panna cotta is an excellent make-ahead dessert and can be chilled overnight for the best texture.
Can I use gelatine leaves instead of powdered gelatine?
Yes, use enough gelatine leaves to equal approximately 2 teaspoons of powdered gelatine and follow the package instructions.
Can I use another fruit topping?
Absolutely. Mango, peaches, berries, or passion fruit work very well with panna cotta.
How long does panna cotta take to set?
Most panna cotta recipes require at least 4 hours in the refrigerator, although overnight chilling gives the best results.
Mary Berry Panna Cotta with Pineapple and Ginger Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy6
servings20
minutes10
minutes270
minutes295
kcal30
minutesA silky vanilla panna cotta topped with sweet pineapple and warming ginger. An elegant make-ahead dessert perfect for dinner parties and special occasions.
Ingredients
500ml double cream
100ml whole milk
75g caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp powdered gelatine
3 tbsp cold water
300g fresh pineapple, diced
2 tbsp soft brown sugar
1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp lemon juice
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Directions
- Bloom the gelatine in cold water and leave for 5 minutes.
- Heat cream, milk, sugar and vanilla gently until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the softened gelatine until fully dissolved.
- Pour into serving glasses or ramekins.
- Chill for at least 4 hours until fully set.
- Cook pineapple, brown sugar, ginger and lemon juice in a pan for 5 minutes.
- Allow the pineapple mixture to cool completely.
- Spoon the pineapple and ginger mixture over the set panna cotta.
- Garnish with mint and serve chilled.
Notes
- Do not boil the cream mixture.
- Allow the topping to cool before adding it to the panna cotta.
- For best texture, chill overnight before serving.
