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Creamy Watermelon Extract Panna Cotta – Easy No‑Bake Dessert
Dolce Flav
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Watermelon
Author:
Dolce Flav
Servings
6
Prep Time
255 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
This Creamy Watermelon Extract Panna Cotta is a luscious, silky no‑bake dessert that beautifully highlights watermelon flavor extract. The recipe starts with gently heating cream, milk and vanilla, then dissolving gelatin before whisking in watermelon flavor extract and sugar. Once poured into molds or ramekins, it chills until set, giving you a smooth, fragrant dessert. Serve with fresh watermelon cubes or berry compote for a refreshing contrast.
Ingredients
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Heavy cream 1 cup (240 ml)
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Whole milk ½ cup (120 ml)
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Sugar ⅓ cup (65‑70 g)
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Gelatin powder 1 Tbsp (≈ 10g)
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Cold water 3 Tbsp (for blooming gelatin)
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Vanilla extract 1 tsp
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Watermelon flavor extract 1½ tsp
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Fresh watermelon cubes (for garnish)~1 cup
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Optional: fresh mint leaves or berries for garnish
Directions
Bloom the gelatin — In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold water. Let it sit for 5‑10 minutes until gelatin swells.
Heat dairy mixture — In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk and sugar. Heat over medium‑low, stirring, until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot but not boiling.
Incorporate gelatin & flavor — Remove the cream mixture from heat. Add the bloomed gelatin, stirring until fully dissolved. Stir in vanilla extract and watermelon flavor extract. Mix thoroughly for uniform flavor.
Pour into molds and chill — Divide the mixture into ramekins or molds. Let them cool to room temperature, then cover lightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until set.
Serve with garnish — When set, unmold (if using molds) or serve directly in ramekins. Garnish with fresh watermelon cubes, berries or mint. Optionally drizzle a little fruit syrup. Enjoy chilled.
Recipe Note
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How strong is watermelon flavor extract; can I adjust the amount?
Yes. The recipe uses 1½ teaspoons for a noticeable watermelon taste. If your extract is very potent, reduce to 1 tsp. If it’s mild, you could increase slightly, but more might make flavor artificial.
Can I use gelatin sheets instead of powdered gelatin?
Yes. Soak sheets per instructions (usually in cold water), then squeeze out water and add to warmed cream mixture, just as you would with bloomed powdered gelatin.
Can I make this dessert dairy‑free?
Certainly. Replace heavy cream with coconut cream (or another plant‑based cream), milk with almond/cashew or oat milk. Flavor extract works fine. Set with agar‑agar if needed (note: agar requires a different setting process and yield may differ).
How to tell when panna cotta is fully set?
It should be firm to touch, with a slight spring when tapped. The edges pull away cleanly from the ramekin. If by 4 hours it’s still jiggly heavily, chill longer.
Is panna cotta safe if not fully reheated after gelatin?
Yes—once gelatin is fully dissolved in hot cream, the dessert sets safely in fridge. Do not consume if gelatin is not properly dissolved or if cream has been overheated repeatedly.
How long can I store leftover panna cotta?
Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3‑4 days. After that textural changes or off‑flavors might appear.
Can I unmold panna cotta easily?
To unmold, dip each ramekin briefly in hot water (just the bottom edges), then invert onto plate. The warm water loosens edges. Alternatively, serve in ramekins without unmolding.
What garnishes work best with watermelon flavor?
Fresh watermelon cubes or balls, berries (strawberries, raspberries), mint leaves, light fruit syrups (like raspberry or berry coulis). Also edible flowers can add visual appeal.
Does chilling time affect texture?
Yes. Too little chilling → too soft, may not hold shape. Over‑chilling (a long time) can sometimes result in a slightly firmer, almost rubbery edge, but overnight chill is usually good.
Can I prepare this ahead for parties?
Absolutely. Make panna cotta a day ahead, chill, garnish just before serving to keep fruit fresh. Transport carefully to avoid spills.