Dairy Free Almond Panna Cotta

Made with almond milk instead of dairy, these creamy panna cotta make for a delightfully nutty dessert. Panna Cotta is a silky, creamy, custardy revelation. Usually made from milk and cream with a little sugar and gelatin to give it that soft jiggly texture. It’s not as firm as regular gelatin desserts that you can swish and squish between your teeth (oh, is that just me?) No, panna cotta barely holds its shape until it hits your tongue, where it promptly dissolves into a barely-there-bliss. Am I overselling? Seriously, this stuff ROCKS. Making the panna cotta took about 10 minutes (and that’s because I was taking pictures for 5 of those minutes). Just sprinkle the gelatin over the liquid and let it bloom. Then heat over a medium low heat, just until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Almond Beverage Alternative: If “Dream Ultimate Almond Beverage” is unavailable, you can use another high-quality unsweetened almond milk. The taste might vary slightly based on the brand. Gelatin Notes: Ensure that the gelatin is fully dissolved before proceeding. If the mixture boils, it can deactivate the gelatin, and the pannacotta might not set properly. Liquor Substitutions: If you don’t have DiSaronno or Kahlua on hand, you can use other amaretto or coffee-flavored liquors. However, each brand might impart a slightly different flavor profile. Serving Suggestions: This dessert pairs wonderfully with a dessert wine or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Vegetarian/Vegan Option: If you’d like to make a vegetarian or vegan version, you can use agar-agar in place of gelatin. However, you’d need to adjust the quantity and preparation method, as agar-agar sets differently than gelatin. Storing: If not serving immediately after it has set, you can cover the ramekins with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add garnishes just before serving. Preparation of Almond Beverage: Shake the almond beverage well before opening. Pour into a medium bowl or measuring cup. If the liquid appears lumpy, whisk until smooth. If lumps remain, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve. Gelatin Blooming: Transfer the almond beverage to a medium saucepan. Sprinkle the gelatin over the beverage. Allow it to sit for a few minutes until the gelatin starts to soften or “bloom.” Dissolving Gelatin and Sugar: Place the saucepan on medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the gelatin completely dissolves. Ensure the mixture doesn’t boil or smoke, which could deactivate the gelatin. Check the back of your stirring spoon for clear gelatin grains. If present, continue stirring until fully dissolved. Add sugar to the saucepan, stirring until it completely dissolves. Adding Liquors: Mix in both the amaretto and coffee liquors. Ramekin Preparation: Lightly spray the inside of your 4-ounce ramekins with vegetable spray. Use a paper towel to evenly spread and remove excess spray, leaving only a thin film. Filling Ramekins: Divide the panna cotta mixture evenly among the ramekins. Place ramekins in the refrigerator to set. Allow at least two hours, though overnight is ideal. Serving: Panna cotta can be served directly in the ramekins. For a plated presentation: Add warm water to a bowl. Briefly immerse each ramekin in the warm water, ensuring the water doesn’t reach the rim. Run a thin knife blade around the top edge of the panna cotta. Place a plate upside-down over the ramekin and invert to release the panna cotta onto the plate. Drizzle approximately one teaspoon of amaretto over each panna cotta. Garnish with toasted almond slices and fresh raspberries. Serve and enjoy! Print Description Made with almond milk instead of dairy, these creamy panna cotta make for a delightfully nutty dessert. 3 cups Dream Ultimate Almond Beverage (unsweetened) 2 1/2 teaspoons gelatin – this is a little more than one envelope 1/3 cup sugar 2 tablespoons DiSaranno or other amaretto flavored liquor 2 tablespoons Kahlua – or other coffee flavored liquor Garnish 1/4 cup sliced almonds (lightly toasted) drizzle of amaretto for each serving fresh raspberries Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark Preparation of Almond Beverage: Shake the almond beverage well before opening. Pour into a medium bowl or measuring cup. If the liquid appears lumpy, whisk until smooth. If lumps remain, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve. Gelatin Blooming: Transfer the almond beverage to a medium saucepan. Sprinkle the gelatin over the beverage. Allow it to sit for a few minutes until the gelatin starts to soften or “bloom.” Dissolving Gelatin and Sugar: Place the saucepan on medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the gelatin completely dissolves. Ensure the mixture doesn’t boil or smoke, which could deactivate the gelatin. Check the back of your stirring spoon for clear gelatin grains. If present, continue stirring until fully dissolved. Add sugar to the saucepan, stirring until it completely dissolves. Adding Liquors: Mix in both the amaretto and coffee liquors. Ramekin Preparation: Lightly spray the inside of your 4-ounce ramekins with vegetable spray. Use a paper towel to evenly spread and remove excess spray, leaving only a thin film. Filling Ramekins: Divide the panna cotta mixture evenly among the ramekins. Place ramekins in the refrigerator to set. Allow at least two hours, though overnight is ideal. Serving: Panna cotta can be served directly in the ramekins. For a plated presentation: Add warm water to a bowl. Briefly immerse each ramekin in the warm water, ensuring the water doesn’t reach the rim. Run a thin knife blade around the top edge of the panna cotta. Place a plate upside-down over the ramekin and invert to release the panna cotta onto the plate. Drizzle approximately one teaspoon of amaretto over each panna cotta. Garnish with toasted almond slices and fresh raspberries. Serve and enjoy! Notes Almond Beverage Alternative: If “Dream Ultimate Almond Beverage” is unavailable, you can use another high-quality unsweetened almond milk. The taste might vary slightly based on the brand. Gelatin Notes: Ensure that the gelatin is fully dissolved before proceeding. If the mixture boils, it can deactivate the gelatin, and the pannacotta might not set properly. Liquor Substitutions: If you don’t have DiSaronno or Kahlua on hand, you can use other amaretto or coffee-flavored liquors. However, each brand might impart a slightly different flavor profile. Serving Suggestions: This dessert pairs wonderfully with a dessert wine or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Vegetarian/Vegan Option: If you’d like to make a vegetarian or vegan version, you can use agar-agar in place of gelatin. However, you’d need to adjust the quantity and preparation method, as agar-agar sets differently than gelatin. Storing: If not serving immediately after it has set, you can cover the ramekins with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add garnishes just before serving. Prep Time: 5 minutesCook Time: 5 minutesCategory: DessertCuisine: Italian American Lisa Lotts Lisa is a South Florida based food blogger who derives inspiration from a diverse family food-background, which includes southern comfort foods, traditional French and Caribbean cuisine. On her blog, Garlic and Zest, she explores fresh, innovative flavors and the inexorable link between food and family. Her approachable fare tastes like home.

Dairy Free Almond Panna Cotta