This recipe for Keto Panna Cotta makes a sweet and creamy treat with a velvety melt in your mouth texture. Made with simple ingredients, this easy dessert is perfect for special occasions, holidays or simple weeknight cravings.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Keto Panna Cotta Recipe

• Creamy silky texture
• Top with your favorite mix of berries or dessert sauce
• Takes under 10 minutes to prepare
• Fancy presentation, perfect for special occasions or holiday meals
• Sugar-free, gluten-free and family friendly

I love sugar free desserts you can make ahead and keep chilled until it is time to serve. Keto Panna Cotta is exactly that, and it only needs a few minutes on the stove before it’s ready to chill. Once it sets, you have a beautiful and elegant dessert waiting for you in the fridge.

Panna cotta is often something people feel they need to order at a restaurant, but it is surprisingly easy to make at home. My simple recipe brings the cream and coconut milk together in a smooth mixture that turns out perfectly every time. Add berries or a sauce on top and you have a lovely treat for holidays, gatherings, or any night you want something sweet.

If you love easy chilled treats, be sure to check out my easy Chocolate and Vanilla Pudding recipes.

🛒 Ingredients for Keto Panna Cotta

• Heavy cream: Gives the rich and silky base that makes panna cotta so creamy.
• Unsweetened coconut milk: Adds body and a smooth finish without extra carbs.
• Sour cream: Adds a little tang and extra creaminess.
• Grass-fed gelatin: Helps the panna cotta set with a soft spoonable texture.
• Monk fruit/allulose: Dissolves easily and keeps the recipe sugar free.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and flavor to the creamy base.
• Optional raspberry sauce: Adds a fruity topping if you want a pretty finish.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Fine mesh sieve
• Measuring cup with pour spout

🔪 How to Make Sugar-Free Panna Cotta

Add the coconut milk to a saucepan and sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Let sit for 3-4 minutes or until the gelatin has softened.

Turn on the heat to a simmer for about 3 minutes, and whisk until the gelatin has dissolved.

Whisk in the heavy cream and sweetener and continue to simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove from the heat and whisk in sour cream and vanilla extract. Transfer to a 4 cup mixing bowl with a pour spout. Pour through a fine mesh sieve to ensure a silky consistency.

Pour the mixture into 6 small ramekins or serving glasses, jars or shot glasses, if serving a crowd.

Allow to come to room temperature, then once cooled, cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours or until it has fully set. Overnight is actually best.

When you’re ready to serve, you can serve in your chosen glass or run a butter knife around the edges and invert onto a saucer. Serve with the (optional) raspberry sauce and/or fresh berries over the top.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Fridge: Cover the containers tightly and keep chilled for up to 4 days. You’ll want to store the toppings separately so the surface stays smooth.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended because it changes the creamy texture.

🍴 Delicious Ways to Serve Homemade Panna Cotta

• With cookies: Pair each serving with homemade Vanilla Wafers or Lady Fingers.

• Fresh berry cups: Spoon mixed berries over the chilled panna cotta for a bright and naturally sweet topping that keeps it keto friendly.

• Layered in small jars: Add a spoonful of sugar free raspberry sauce, then a layer of panna cotta, then more sauce for a pretty layered dessert that looks restaurant ready.

• With chocolate: Drizzle sugar free chocolate sauce over the top or add a thin layer of chocolate ganache once the panna cotta has set. It adds a rich contrast to the creamy base.

• With crunchy toppings: Add toasted coconut flakes or finely chopped pecans, pistachios or walnuts.

• Fruit sauce: A simple strawberry or blueberry sauce is always a great alternative to the raspberry sauce.   

💡 Tips

• Let the panna cotta sit on the counter for a few minutes after pouring so any tiny air bubbles rise to the top and disappear.

• Use room temperature sour cream so it blends smoothly into the warm mixture without little specks.

• Choose smaller serving glasses if you want it to set faster, especially when preparing it for a lot of guests.

• You can tilt your serving glasses slightly on a muffin tin if you want a slanted, modern style presentation.

• If you want to unmold the panna cotta, dip the ramekin halfway into warm water for a few seconds to loosen the edges.

• Add the vanilla after removing the pot from the heat so the flavor stays full and doesn’t cook off.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Use all heavy cream: You can replace the coconut milk with more heavy cream for an even creamier panna cotta that still sets well.

• Greek yogurt: This keeps a similar tang and creaminess, but the panna cotta may be just slightly lighter in texture.

• Vanilla bean: Use a vanilla bean paste instead of extract when you want a stronger vanilla flavor.

• Flavors: Add a drop or two of almond or orange extract for a flavor twist. Keep it light so it complements the vanilla instead of overpowering it.

Why Did My Panna Cotta Turn Out Grainy?

This usually means the gelatin did not fully dissolve. Keeping the heat low and whisking gently helps the mixture stay smooth.

Why Did My Panna Cotta Separate in the Fridge?

The dairy may have heated too quickly. Warming it slowly gives the mixture time to blend evenly and set properly.

How Long Does Panna Cotta Need to Chill?

It needs at least 4 to 6 hours, but overnight gives the best texture and the cleanest set.

Can I Make Panna Cotta Ahead Of Time?

Yes, it is a great make ahead dessert and keeps its texture well for several days when covered in the fridge.

How Do I Know When Panna Cotta Is Fully Set?

It should have a soft wobble when you gently move the cup, but still hold its shape when dipped with a spoon.

Why Is It Called Panna Cotta?

The name comes from Italy and means cooked cream. It describes the simple method of warming cream with gelatin so it can chill into a smooth dessert.

🍽️ More Cool and Creamy Dessert Recipes

• Keto Berries and Cream
• Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
• Strawberry Coconut Cream Mousse
• Sugar Free Custard
• Peanut Butter Mousse