If you’re crazy about mangoes and dreamy, creamy textures, you’ll instantly fall in love with this 5 Ingredient Mango Panna Cotta (No Gelatin). It’s a pudding that delivers pure tropical sunshine in every spoonful—elegant enough for guests, but simple enough to whip up on a weeknight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Gelatin Needed: Agar agar works its magic to give you that classic panna cotta jiggle, without any animal-based ingredients.
- Just 5 Simple Ingredients: You won’t need a wild pantry haul—each ingredient is straightforward, and they all come together beautifully.
- Naturally Gorgeous Color and Real Mango Flavor: Thanks to a whole cup of mango puree, this dessert practically glows with flavor and sunshine.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Treat: Whip it up in advance and let the fridge handle the work, so you can actually enjoy your guests (or some much-needed “me time”).
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just five staple ingredients transform into a showstopper. Each one is simple, but together they work their magic—a proof that less truly is more with this 5 Ingredient Mango Panna Cotta (No Gelatin). Let’s peek at what makes this dessert luscious, creamy, and bursting with tropical flair!
- Whole Milk: The base that adds silkiness; using 2% gives just the right body without being heavy.
- Heavy Cream: This is essential for that luxurious, melt-in-the-mouth texture—don’t skimp here!
- Sugar: Keeps things just sweet enough; adjust depending on your mango puree’s natural sweetness.
- Agar Agar Powder: The magical, plant-based alternative to gelatin that sets your panna cotta to lightly wobbly perfection.
- Mango Puree: Fresh or canned, but always vibrant and full of real mango flavor—make sure it’s smooth and juicy.
- Vanilla Bean Paste: Just half a teaspoon adds a background of warmth and elevates all the flavors.
- Pinch of Salt: A tiny touch that brings all the other ingredients to life and cuts the sweetness beautifully.
Variations
One of the joys of this 5 Ingredient Mango Panna Cotta (No Gelatin) is how easily it adapts to your flavor cravings or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to play—let your creativity (and what’s in your fridge) inspire you!
- Coconut Twist: Swap out half the cream for coconut milk to give your panna cotta a beachy, tropical edge and delicate sweetness.
- Berry Bright: Puree some strawberries or raspberries and swirl them through the mango layer for an eye-catching summer combo.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use your favorite plant-based milk and coconut cream in place of the dairy—the agar agar does the setting, so it’s fully vegan-friendly with a couple of swaps!
- Extra Jiggly or Firm: Adjust the agar agar between 1.25 and 1.5 teaspoons to nail just the right texture for your personal panna cotta dream.
How to Make 5 Ingredient Mango Panna Cotta (No Gelatin)
Step 1: Bloom the Agar Agar & Combine the Ingredients
Start by rinsing your saucepan with a little cold water—this simple trick helps prevent any sticking. Without drying it, pour in the milk, heavy cream, sugar, and agar agar powder. Give the mixture a quick stir to dissolve the powder and sugar together. This step is your gateway to silky-smooth panna cotta, so take a moment to blend everything well.
Step 2: Gently Heat to Dissolve
Place the saucepan on low to medium heat, stirring gently and constantly as it warms. The goal is a gentle simmer—not a rolling boil! Keep an eye on the mixture and stir until you can no longer see any sugar or agar agar granules clinging to the sides. Once it’s completely smooth, you’re ready for the flavor boosters.
Step 3: Add Mango & Vanilla (Off the Heat!)
Take the saucepan off the burner and give it a couple of minutes to cool a bit. Now, in goes the vanilla bean paste, salt, and luscious mango puree. Stir gently to combine—your kitchen will smell incredible! Avoid heating the mango mixture once added, as this keeps the fruit flavor bright and the color vibrant.
Step 4: Pour, Chill, and Set
Line up your ramekins, panna cotta moulds, or favorite serving bowls on a tray for easy transfer. Divide the mixture evenly and let the filled moulds cool at room temperature. When they’re no longer warm, cover with plastic wrap and let them chill in the fridge for 6–8 hours (overnight is perfect for planning ahead!).
Step 5: Serve and Unmold
Once fully set, you can serve directly in the moulds or unmold for a dramatic reveal! To unmold, dip the ramekin bottom in hot water for a few seconds, slide a knife around the edge if needed, and gently tip onto a chilled plate. Dress with your favorite garnish and get ready for some smiles!
Pro Tips for Making 5 Ingredient Mango Panna Cotta (No Gelatin)
- Agar Agar Activation: For perfect setting, always simmer the agar agar mixture long enough to dissolve completely, but never let it boil rapidly—this prevents separation or grainy texture.
- Cool Before Adding Mango: Let your milk-cream-agar mixture cool just a bit before stirring in mango puree; high heat can mute the mango’s fresh flavor and cause curdling.
- Strain for Dreamy Smoothness: If you want ultra-silky panna cotta, pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into your moulds to catch any tiny agar clumps.
- Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Not all mangoes (or canned mango purees) are created equal—always taste and tweak the sugar before setting.
How to Serve 5 Ingredient Mango Panna Cotta (No Gelatin)
Garnishes
The perfect 5 Ingredient Mango Panna Cotta (No Gelatin) practically begs for a playful topping! Add extra diced fresh mango, a swirl of mango puree, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or even edible flowers for pop-of-color drama. A little crunch from crushed pistachios or almonds adds contrast, too.
Side Dishes
Because this dessert is luxuriously creamy and fruity, pair it with crisp cookies (think spicy ginger snaps or buttery shortbread) to add textural contrast. If you’re making an Indian-inspired meal, serve it after a light curry or tandoori feast to offset savory spices with gentle sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual glasses or mini-jars always impress at dinner parties. If you’re feeling fancy, set the panna cotta at a slant by propping glasses in a muffin pan as they chill, or create a layered look by topping with pureed berries or passion fruit for a sunset effect!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover panna cotta is a joy to have in the fridge! Simply keep it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container—these beauties stay dreamy and delicious for up to 3 days. Perfect for prepping ahead or sneaky midnight snacking.
Freezing
While technically you can freeze 5 Ingredient Mango Panna Cotta (No Gelatin), the texture changes a bit, often becoming icy rather than the signature creaminess you want. If you do freeze, thaw gently in the fridge before serving and be ready for a slightly different (but still tasty) experience.
Reheating
This dessert doesn’t require reheating—simply serve it straight from the fridge! If you accidentally left it out a bit too long and want to refresh the texture, a quick stint back in the fridge will help firm it up again. Just remember: panna cotta is all about that cold, creamy wobble!
FAQs
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Can I use canned mango puree instead of fresh mangoes?
Absolutely! Canned mango puree works beautifully and often provides a consistent sweetness and vibrant flavor. Just make sure it’s smooth, and always adjust the sugar to taste—the sweetness can really vary between brands.
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What if I want a softer or firmer panna cotta texture?
This is where agar agar shines! For a jiggly, soft panna cotta, use 1.25 teaspoons of agar agar powder. If you like it a bit firmer, go with 1.5 teaspoons. It’s easy to tweak and play until you find your personal sweet spot!
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Is this 5 Ingredient Mango Panna Cotta (No Gelatin) vegetarian/vegan?
It’s naturally vegetarian because agar agar is plant-based. To make it vegan, simply use dairy-free milk and plant-based cream alternatives—the technique stays the same!
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How do I unmold panna cotta without breaking it?
Dip the mould or ramekin in hot water (just a few seconds), run a thin knife gently around the edge, and unmold onto a chilled plate. Patience is key—don’t rush, and your panna cotta will emerge perfectly!
Final Thoughts
This 5 Ingredient Mango Panna Cotta (No Gelatin) is the kind of recipe that instantly brightens up any table with its glow and irresistible creaminess. I hope you’ll give it a try the next time you want a simple, crowd-pleasing treat—there’s nothing quite like ending a meal with mango magic!
Print
5 Ingredient Mango Panna Cotta (No Gelatin) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: Modern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This 5-ingredient Mango Panna Cotta recipe is a creamy and refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Made without gelatin, this panna cotta gets its firm texture from agar agar powder, making it a great option for vegetarians.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (2%)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons agar agar powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup (190g) mango puree
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Milk Mixture:
Mango Puree Mixture:
Instructions
- Prepare Milk Mixture: Rinse a small saucepan with cold water. Add milk, heavy cream, agar agar powder, and sugar. Stir and simmer gently without boiling.
- Add Mango Puree: Remove from heat, cool slightly, then stir in salt, vanilla, and mango puree until well combined.
- Set Panna Cotta: Divide mixture into molds and let cool to room temperature. Chill in the fridge for 6-8 hours until set.
- Serve: Unmold and top with mango sauce and fresh mango. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Taste mango puree to adjust sugar accordingly.
- Cool milk mixture before adding mango puree.
- Strain mixture if concerned about lumps.
- Adjust agar agar powder for desired texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
