No Bake Panna Cotta

Easy Panna Cotta with Mango Italian Gelatin is my go to dessert for those days when I want something sweet and a little fancy, but I do not want to bake or babysit a complicated recipe. Maybe you have guests coming, maybe you are tired after work, or maybe you just want a chilled treat that feels like a mini vacation. This one hits the spot because it is creamy, smooth, and topped with bright mango flavor. And the best part is it looks impressive even though it is honestly pretty simple. If you can warm milk and stir, you can make it.

What is panna cotta?

Panna cotta is a classic Italian dessert that’s basically sweetened cream that gets set with gelatin. The name means cooked cream, but do not let that scare you. You are not really cooking it like a custard, you are just warming it enough to dissolve sugar and gelatin, then chilling it until it turns into that signature silky wobble.

I love it because it’s lighter than cake and way less work than most desserts. It also plays well with toppings. Berries, chocolate, espresso, caramel, and of course mango. If you want to get a feel for the classic version before you go full tropical, check out this related recipe I’ve made a bunch of times: easy panna cotta. It’s the same idea, just with a different topping vibe.

Texture wise, panna cotta should be soft and creamy, not rubbery. That comes down to gelatin amount and not boiling the mixture. We will keep it simple and gentle.

Also, quick note if you are serving friends who are new to it. Some people think anything with gelatin must be like jello. Nope. A good panna cotta is more like a tender cream dessert that holds its shape but melts fast in your mouth.

Step by Step Instructions to make Mango Panna Cotta

Here’s how I make it at home when I want something reliable. I’m going to write this like I’m in the kitchen with you, because that’s honestly how I learned, by making it a few times and tweaking little things.

What you will need

• Heavy cream for richness
• Milk to keep it lighter
• Sugar
• Vanilla (extract or paste)
• Unflavored gelatin (powdered)
• Cold water to bloom the gelatin
• Mango puree (fresh or good quality packaged)
• Optional: a squeeze of lime for the mango topping

If you are a berry person too, I rotate between mango and berry sauces depending on the season. These two are great for inspiration when you want to switch it up: easy classic panna cotta with berry sauce and classic panna cotta with berry sauce.

Directions

Step 1: Bloom the gelatin. Pour cold water into a small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. It will look wrinkly and thick. That is exactly what you want.

Step 2: Warm the dairy. In a saucepan, add cream, milk, and sugar. Warm over medium low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. You want it hot but not boiling. If it starts to steam and you see tiny bubbles at the edges, you are good.

Step 3: Add gelatin. Take the pan off the heat. Add the bloomed gelatin and stir until it completely dissolves. No grainy bits. This usually takes about a minute of calm stirring.

Step 4: Add vanilla and pour. Stir in vanilla. Then pour the mixture into small glasses, ramekins, or silicone molds. Let them cool on the counter for about 15 minutes, then cover and chill for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better.

Step 5: Add mango topping. Once set, spoon mango puree on top. If your puree is very thick, stir in a tiny splash of water or a squeeze of lime to loosen it up.

Serving note: If you poured into glasses, you can serve as is, no flipping needed. If you used molds, dip the bottom in warm water for 5 seconds, run a thin knife around the edge, and gently unmold onto a plate.

Here is a quick organizing snapshot for search friendly clarity.

I made this for a small dinner party and everyone thought it came from a restaurant. The mango on top was the perfect bright finish, and the texture was so smooth. I will be making it again for my mom’s birthday.

One more random tip from my own kitchen: I always make an extra portion because someone inevitably wants seconds, and also because I like having a secret dessert waiting for me the next day.

Important tips to make the best mango panna cotta

These are the little things that make a big difference, especially if it is your first time.

Do not boil the mixture. Boiling can mess with the gelatin and sometimes gives the cream a cooked taste. Warm is enough.

Measure gelatin carefully. Too much and it turns stiff. Too little and it will not set. If you want a softer set, you can reduce just a tiny bit next time, but do not change anything on the first try.

Strain if needed. If you see any tiny gelatin bits or you used vanilla paste and want it extra smooth, pour the mixture through a fine strainer before filling your cups.

Chill long enough. This dessert is all about patience. Give it at least 4 hours. If you can do overnight, the texture is even better.

Balance the mango. Mango is sweet, so taste your puree. If it tastes flat, add a squeeze of lime or a pinch of salt. It sounds weird, but it wakes up the fruit flavor.

Also, I like to keep the panna cotta itself lightly sweet, because the mango on top brings plenty of sweetness. That contrast is what makes each bite feel refreshing instead of heavy.

If you are planning a full Italian style meal, I usually pair this dessert with something easy and summery earlier in the day like easy pasta salad with italian dressing cold summer pasta. It keeps the whole vibe relaxed.

Possible substitutions

I get it, sometimes you open the fridge and you are missing one thing. Here are swaps that work without ruining the dessert.

Half and half instead of cream: You can replace some or all of the heavy cream with half and half. The result is lighter and still tasty, just less rich.

Honey instead of sugar: Yes, but keep it mild. Honey has a strong flavor, so start small and taste. Also add it off the heat so it keeps a cleaner taste.

Gelatin sheets instead of powdered: Totally fine. Just soften the sheets in cold water, squeeze out the water, then dissolve them in the warm cream mixture. Use the equivalent amount for your package instructions.

Dairy free version: Use full fat coconut milk for a tropical twist. The texture sets nicely, but the flavor becomes coconut forward, which honestly is not a bad thing with mango.

Different fruit topping: If mango is not in season, peach puree is great, or a berry sauce. I have done passion fruit too when I find it, and that one feels extra special.

If you want another Italian dessert that’s soft and friendly, and great for brunch, this is a nice one to bookmark: easy ricotta cake italian lemon soft.

How to make Fresh Mango Puree

Fresh mango puree is one of those things that sounds like extra work, but it is basically just blending fruit. The key is choosing ripe mangoes. They should give slightly when you press them, and they should smell sweet near the stem.

My quick method

1) Peel the mango. If you hate peeling, you can slice the sides off first and scoop the flesh with a spoon.

2) Cut the mango flesh away from the pit and chop into chunks.

3) Blend until smooth. If it is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water.

4) Taste and adjust. Add a squeeze of lime if it needs brightness, or a tiny pinch of salt if it tastes overly sweet.

If you want it extra smooth for a clean topping layer, strain it. I only do this when I am trying to impress someone. Most days, I just blend and go.

One small warning: some mangoes are a little fibrous. If yours is, straining makes a big difference. You still get all the flavor, just a smoother finish.

Common Questions

1) How long does panna cotta last in the fridge?
Usually 3 to 4 days, covered. I keep the mango puree separate if I am making it ahead, then spoon it on right before serving.

2) Why did my panna cotta not set?
Most common reasons are not enough gelatin, not letting it chill long enough, or boiling the mixture. Next time, bloom the gelatin properly and keep the heat gentle.

3) Can I freeze it?
I do not recommend it. Freezing can make the texture grainy when it thaws. This one is best fresh from the fridge.

4) Can I make it in a big dish instead of small cups?
Yes, but it is harder to serve neatly. Small cups are basically foolproof, and they look cute with the mango layer.

5) How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the sugar in the cream mixture slightly and rely on the mango for sweetness. Also add lime to the mango, it makes the whole dessert taste less sugary.

A sweet little send off

If you want a dessert that feels special without a lot of stress, Easy Panna Cotta with Mango Italian Gelatin is the one I keep coming back to. It is creamy, simple, and the mango topping makes it taste like sunshine even on a regular weeknight. If you want to explore other takes, I also like reading Mango panna cotta – Caroline’s Cooking and Mango & Vanilla Panna Cotta – Mayuri’s Jikoni when I am in the mood to compare flavors and little technique tweaks. Make a batch, chill it, and let future you be happy when dessert is already done.