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Home » Desserts

Strawberry Panna Cotta (Easy No-Bake Dessert)

Published: Apr 30, 2026 by Grace · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Strawberry Panna Cotta (Easy No-Bake Dessert) is a classic Italian dessert that’s also very popular in Japan. It’s surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, and the best part is no baking required! The creamy and rich panna cotta pairs perfectly with the sweet and slightly tangy strawberry layer, creating a beautifully balanced flavor. It’s an elegant dessert that looks impressive, yet is very beginner-friendly and a great recipe to make with kids.

Strawberry panna cotta with fresh strawberry sauce in a glass

Ingredients

Ingredients for strawberry panna cotta including milk, cream, gelatin, sugar, lemon and strawberries

Panna Cotta

  • Milk: 1 cup
  • Heavy cream: 1 cup
  • Sugar: 4½ Tbsp
  • Vanilla extract: ¼ teaspoon (optional)
  • Gelatin powder: 7 g (1 packet Knox Gelatine)
  • Water (for blooming gelatin): 3 Tbsp

Strawberry Sauce

  • Strawberries: 8 oz (about 10–12 berries)
  • Sugar: 2 Tbsp
  • Lemon juice: 1 Tbsp

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Bloom the gelatin
In a small microwavable container, add 3 tablespoon water and sprinkle the gelatin powder over it. Let it sit for a few minutes to bloom.

Gelatin powder sprinkled over water to bloom
Gelatin soaked in water to bloom


2. Prepare the strawberry sauce
Wash the strawberries and pat dry. Remove the hulls and cut into ¼-inch pieces. Transfer to a microwavable container, then add 2 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.

Fresh strawberries being chopped into small pieces
Lemon juice being added to chopped the strawberries
Strawberries mixed with sugar and lemon juice


3. Heat the panna cotta base
In a pot, combine the milk, heavy cream, and 4½ tablespoon sugar. Warm over low heat until it reaches about 125°F (52°C). Do not boil. Remove from heat once warmed.

Milk, cream, and sugar warming in a pot
Panna cotta mixture heated to 125°F in a pot


4. Melt and add gelatin
Microwave the bloomed gelatin for 20–30 seconds until fully melted (do not boil). Add it to the warm cream mixture and stir well until fully combined.

Gelatin being added to panna cotta mixture
Panna cotta mixture being stirred until smooth


5. Cool and chill the panna cotta
Place the pot in an ice bath and let it cool for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then pour the mixture into dessert cups and refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or until fully set.

Panna cotta mixture poured into dessert cups


6. Cook the strawberry sauce
Cover the strawberry mixture with plastic wrap and microwave for about 1 minute (1200W). Let it cool, then refrigerate until chilled.

Strawberry mixture in a glass bowl covered with plastic wrap before microwaving
Strawberry sauce after heating and softening


7. Assemble and serve
Once the panna cotta is set, spoon 1–2 scoops of strawberry sauce on top. Serve and enjoy!

Strawberry sauce spooned over set panna cotta
Strawberry panna cotta ready to serve

Strawberry panna cotta with fresh strawberry sauce

Recipe Tips

  • Do not boil the cream mixture & gelatine: Keep the temperature around 125°F (52°C). Boiling can affect the gelatine and prevent the panna cotta from setting properly.
  • Cool slightly before pouring: Let the mixture cool in an ice bath before pouring into cups. This helps prevent separation and creates a smoother finish.

FAQ

Q. Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries?

A. Absolutely. This recipe works well with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or mango.

Q. Can I make this without heavy cream?

A. Heavy cream gives the rich and creamy texture, but you can substitute part of it with more milk for a lighter version.

Strawberry panna cotta
Print Recipe

Strawberry Panna Cotta (Easy No-Bake Dessert)

Strawberry Panna Cotta is a creamy, no-bake dessert made with simple ingredients. Smooth and rich with a sweet-tangy strawberry topping, it’s an easy, beginner-friendly treat perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time5 minutes mins
Author: Grace

Ingredients

Panna Cotta

  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 4½ tablespoon Sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 7 g Gelatin powder / 1 packet Knox Gelatine
  • 3 tablespoon Water (for blooming gelatin)

Strawberry Sauce

  • 8 oz Strawberries / about 10-12 berries
  • 2 Tbsp Sugar
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon juice

Instructions

  • Bloom the gelatin: In a small microwavable container, add 3 tablespoon water and sprinkle the gelatin powder over it. Let it sit for a few minutes to bloom.
  • Prepare the strawberry sauce: Wash the strawberries and pat dry. Remove the hulls and cut into ¼-inch pieces. Transfer to a microwavable container, then add 2 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.
  • Heat the panna cotta base: In a pot, combine the milk, heavy cream, and 4½ tablespoon sugar. Warm over low heat until it reaches about 125°F (52°C). Do not boil. Remove from heat once warmed.
  • Melt and add gelatin: Microwave the bloomed gelatin for 20–30 seconds until fully melted (do not boil). Add it to the warm cream mixture and stir well until fully combined.
  • Cool and chill the panna cotta: Place the pot in an ice bath and let it cool for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then pour the mixture into dessert cups and refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or until fully set.
  • Cook the strawberry sauce: Cover the strawberry mixture with plastic wrap and microwave for about 1 minute (1200W). Let it cool, then refrigerate until chilled.
  • Assemble and serve: Once the panna cotta is set, spoon 1–2 scoops of strawberry sauce on top. Serve and enjoy.

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

  • Coffee Jelly (Japanese Coffee Dessert)
    Coffee Jelly (Japanese Coffee Dessert)
  • Homemade ginger ale
    Homemade Ginger Ale
  • Purin (Japanese Caramel Custard Pudding)
    Purin (Japanese Caramel Custard Pudding)
  • Black Sesame Pudding
    Black Sesame Pudding (Kuro Goma Purin)

  • Matcha Tiramisu
    Matcha Tiramisu

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Hello!

I’m Grace! I share simple, beginner-friendly Japanese home cooking recipes—easy, family-friendly dishes designed to bring the harmony of umami flavors into your kitchen.

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