Rosewater Panna Cotta

Name: Rosewater Panna Cotta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup sugar; 2 teaspoons rosewater; 2 teaspoons gelatin; 3 tablespoons cold water; Edible rose petals; Chopped pistachios

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

When I first discovered Rosewater Panna Cotta, I was enchanted by its delicate floral aroma and creamy texture. This dessert is not just pleasing to the eye, but it also delivers an unforgettable taste experience. The combination of smooth panna cotta with hints of rose is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. I love that it's surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients, yet it feels luxurious. It’s the kind of treat that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-10T01:43:17.816Z

Creating Rosewater Panna Cotta was an experiment that immediately turned into a favorite dessert in my recipe collection. I wanted to combine traditional Italian flavors with a hint of the exotic, and rosewater proved to be the perfect match. I learned to keep the flavor subtle; too much can be overwhelming, but just right, it transforms a basic panna cotta into something magical.

One important tip I discovered during my trials is to strain the mixture thoroughly before pouring it into molds. This step removes any lumps and yields a silky smooth consistency that melts beautifully in the mouth. Trust me, it's worth that extra effort!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Delicate floral notes that elevate the classic panna cotta
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
A stunning dessert that's perfect for special occasions

      

The Role of Gelatin

Gelatin is essential for achieving the perfect texture in your Rosewater Panna Cotta. When properly bloomed and dissolved, it creates a creamy, smooth consistency that gently melts in your mouth. Be sure to give your gelatin at least five minutes to hydrate in the cold water; this step is crucial as it ensures that the panna cotta sets correctly without any lumps. If you find your panna cotta isn't setting properly, it could be due to insufficient gelatin or not dissolving it completely before mixing it in.

If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, you can substitute gelatin with agar-agar, but you'll need to tweak the amounts and method slightly. Generally, use about half the amount of agar-agar compared to gelatin. Remember to simmer the mixture with agar-agar for about 5-10 minutes to activate its gelling properties, ensuring a successful result.

Flavor Balancing and Presentation

The delicate flavor of rosewater can be quite potent, so it’s important to measure carefully. Too much can lead to an overly floral taste that overshadows the creaminess of the panna cotta. My tip is to start with the recommended two teaspoons; you can always add a drop more if you desire a stronger flavor, but a little goes a long way. Additionally, consider using high-quality rosewater to enhance the authentic floral notes, making your dessert more sophisticated.

For a visually stunning presentation, garnishing with edible rose petals and chopped pistachios not only adds a pop of color but also brings contrasting textures to the dish. Edible rose petals can often be found at specialty grocery stores or online; just ensure they're pesticide-free. If you want to heighten the flavor further, a light drizzle of flavored honey or a sprinkle of crushed cardamom can complement the rose beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Panna Cotta

2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons rosewater
2 teaspoons gelatin
3 tablespoons cold water

For Garnish

Edible rose petals
Chopped pistachios

Add a personal touch to your panna cotta with your favorite toppings!

Instructions

Prepare the Gelatin

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes.

Heat the Cream Mixture

In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.

Combine Gelatin and Mixture

Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved, then mix in the rosewater.

Pour and Chill

Divide the mixture among serving cups. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.

Serve

Garnish with edible rose petals and chopped pistachios before serving.

Enjoy this fragrant treat on its own or with a fruity compote!

Pro Tips

Make sure to not overheat the cream to avoid curdling. Adjust the amount of rosewater according to your taste preference.

Make-Ahead Tips

Rosewater Panna Cotta is an excellent make-ahead dessert, making it perfect for entertaining. You can prepare it up to two days in advance. Just store the cups covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This not only saves you time on the day of your event but also allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in an even more delicious experience for your guests.

If you're short on space in your fridge, consider using larger bowls instead of individual servings, then scoop portions out when serving. This allows for a stylish presentation while also optimizing the space. Just ensure you chill it at least four hours, or until it's firmly set, before any serving or scooping.

Common Troubleshooting

If you notice that your panna cotta is grainy or has lumps, this usually indicates that the gelatin was not properly dissolved. Make sure to remove the mixture from heat before adding the gelatin, and stir continuously until you see no visible specks. If you’ve already poured it into cups and run into this problem, you can gently reheat the mixture on low heat, stirring until smooth, and then re-cool it before refrigerating again.

Another common issue can arise with the setting temperature; if your panna cotta is too soft, it may have been exposed to too much heat after combining with the gelatin. Always cool the mixture slightly before pouring it into serving cups, and ensure your refrigerator is not too warm, ideally around 35-40°F (1.5-4°C). This will lead to a custard-like texture, which is the hallmark of a well-made panna cotta.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a substitute for gelatin?

Yes, you can use agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative, but adjust the quantity according to package instructions.

→ How long can I store panna cotta?

You can store panna cotta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Is rosewater safe to eat?

Yes, rosewater is safe to eat in moderation, but make sure to use food-grade rosewater.

→ Can I make this dessert in advance?

Absolutely! Panna cotta is perfect for making ahead of time, just ensure it's well covered in the fridge.