This Passion Fruit Panna Cotta is a refreshing, tropical twist on a classic Italian dessert—made entirely vegan and gelatin-free. Featuring tangy fresh passion fruit, luscious coconut cream, and a hint of vanilla, it’s set using agar-agar for a smooth, creamy consistency without animal products. Finished with a bright passion fruit coulis, it’s a show-stopping yet simple make-ahead dessert perfect for summer or any special occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Panna Cotta:

• 160g (⅔ cup) passion fruit pulp (about 8–10 fruits, seeds removed)

• 240ml (1 cup) almond milk (or soy/oat milk)

• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar

• ¾ teaspoon agar-agar powder (not flakes)

• 240g (1 cup) coconut cream (or thick part of chilled full-fat canned coconut milk)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the Passion Fruit Coulis (optional):

• 200g (¾ cup + 2 tbsp) passion fruit pulp (with seeds)

• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Directions

Make the Panna Cotta:

1. Juice the Passion Fruit: Blitz pulp in a food processor for 30 seconds to loosen seeds. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to separate juice.

2. Simmer Base: In a small saucepan, combine passion fruit juice, almond milk, sugar, and agar-agar. Whisk and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.

3. Add Cream: Remove from heat, whisk in coconut cream and vanilla. Return to stove and gently heat on medium-low until coconut fully melts—do not boil.

4. Strain & Pour: Strain mixture again into a bowl or jug. Pour into molds or bowls. Let cool for 10 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).

Make the Coulis (Optional):

1. Simmer passion fruit pulp, sugar, and lime juice in a saucepan for 5 minutes. Let cool before serving.

To Serve:

1. Unmold panna cottas by loosening edges or using a knife.

2. Pour passion fruit coulis over the top and serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving, estimated for 5 servings, without coulis)

• Calories: ~270

• Fat: ~18g

• Saturated Fat: ~15g

• Carbohydrates: ~23g

• Sugar: ~20g

• Protein: ~2g

• Fiber: ~2g

Tropical Flavors with a Creamy Vegan Base

What sets this Passion Fruit Panna Cotta apart is its unique flavor profile. The tangy, exotic taste of passion fruit provides a bold contrast to the naturally sweet and mellow notes of coconut cream. Together, they create a harmonious blend that is bright, fragrant, and decadently smooth. The addition of vanilla extract is optional but recommended for a floral nuance that enhances the tropical flavors.

The use of almond milk—or oat or soy milk, if preferred—keeps the dessert light while complementing the fruit’s natural acidity. The final result is a custard-like panna cotta with a delicate jiggle and a creamy melt-in-your-mouth texture, elevated with a spoonful of vibrant coulis on top.

Agar-Agar: The Vegan Setting Agent

Instead of gelatin, this recipe uses agar-agar, a seaweed-derived powder that sets liquids without any animal products. It’s a staple in vegan and vegetarian kitchens for its neutral taste and reliable setting properties. Agar-agar sets at room temperature but yields the best results when cooled and chilled, creating a firm yet smooth consistency that mimics classic panna cotta beautifully.

One key tip when working with agar-agar is to always dissolve it thoroughly in the liquid and bring it to a gentle simmer for at least five minutes. This activates its gelling properties and ensures the panna cotta sets uniformly in the fridge.

Perfect for Make-Ahead Desserts

Passion Fruit Panna Cotta is an ideal make-ahead dessert. It requires a minimum of four hours to set but can easily be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This makes it a great choice for dinner parties, weddings, birthdays, or holiday celebrations where you want to impress without being stuck in the kitchen.

You can serve it directly in elegant glass ramekins or unmold it onto a dessert plate for a more dramatic presentation. Either way, it’s a standout finale that looks as impressive as it tastes.

The Bright Finish: Passion Fruit Coulis

To elevate the dessert even further, a simple passion fruit coulis adds a glossy, tangy finish. Made by gently simmering passion fruit pulp with sugar and a splash of lime juice, the coulis intensifies the fruity flavor and adds visual appeal with its golden hue and crunchy seeds. You can spoon it over the top just before serving or offer it on the side so guests can drizzle as they please.

If you prefer a smoother topping, simply strain out the seeds for a velvety sauce. The natural acidity of the coulis balances the richness of the panna cotta, creating a multi-layered flavor experience in each bite.

A Light Dessert That Doesn’t Compromise on Taste

Despite its luxurious appearance and taste, this dessert is surprisingly light. Each serving contains around 270 calories, making it a smart choice for those looking for a satisfying treat that doesn’t feel overly heavy. The coconut cream offers healthy fats, while passion fruit delivers antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C.

It’s also gluten-free and naturally egg-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. For a refined-sugar-free version, you can substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or any preferred sweetener—just remember to adjust quantities to maintain the balance of flavors.

Versatility for Every Occasion

What makes this panna cotta especially appealing is its versatility. You can adapt the recipe to suit different flavor profiles or seasonal fruit. Swap passion fruit for mango, raspberry, or blood orange. Use infused coconut milk (try lemongrass or ginger) to add depth, or serve it with toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts for texture.

For special occasions, garnish with edible flowers, mint leaves, or a dollop of whipped coconut cream. Serve in clear cups for a layered visual effect or alongside shortbread cookies or a citrus sorbet for a more elaborate plated dessert.

Storage and Shelf Life

Passion Fruit Panna Cotta keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, making it ideal for batch prep or weekend planning. Store it covered to prevent any fridge odors from affecting its delicate flavor. If you’re using molds and plan to unmold, lightly grease them with neutral oil before pouring in the mixture to ensure a clean release.

Keep the coulis separate until just before serving to preserve the panna cotta’s smooth surface and fresh appearance.

Why You’ll Make It Again and Again

This panna cotta is the kind of dessert that checks every box—it’s beautiful, easy, make-ahead, vegan, and incredibly delicious. With just a few pantry staples and fresh fruit, you can create a dessert that rivals anything from a fine dining restaurant. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking to impress, this recipe guarantees consistent results and rave reviews.

Plus, the experience of spooning into the smooth, creamy layers and tasting the sweet-tart balance of passion fruit and coconut is pure joy. It’s a dessert you’ll crave again and again—simple, elegant, and utterly unforgettable.

Conclusion

Passion Fruit Panna Cotta is more than a dessert—it’s an expression of creativity, inclusivity, and flavor. With its tropical charm, silky texture, and bright fruitiness, it reimagines a classic in a way that’s fresh, accessible, and entirely plant-based. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply enjoying a sunny day, this panna cotta brings a burst of joy and elegance to your table. Make it once, and you’ll discover just how effortlessly a vegan dessert can steal the spotlight.