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Lemon Vanilla Panna Cotta with Candied Violas

This elegant spring dessert highlights edible viola flowers, known for their soft colors and delicate flavor. The creamy panna cotta provides a smooth vanilla-lemon base while candied violas create a beautiful natural garnish, making the dish ideal for spring celebrations, brunches, or upscale plated desserts.
Violas contribute a mild floral note and striking visual presentation when crystallized with sugar.
Course Dessert
Cuisine French, Fusion, Italian
Prep Time 20 minutes
chill time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings 6 panna cottas
Calories 260kcal

Ingredients

  • Panna Cotta
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • ½ cup allulose or granulated sweetener
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1 packet unflavored gelatin 7 g
  • 3 tbsp cold water for blooming gelatin
  • Candied Violas
  • 12 fresh edible viola flowers
  • 1 egg white
  • 3 tbsp fine sugar or powdered sweetener

Instructions

  • Prepare Candied Violas
  • Lightly whisk the egg white until slightly foamy.
  • Using a small brush, gently coat each viola flower with egg white.
  • Sprinkle evenly with sugar.
  • Place on parchment paper and allow to dry 2–4 hours until crisp.
  • Bloom Gelatin
  • Place 3 tbsp cold water in a small bowl.
  • Sprinkle gelatin over the water.
  • Let sit 5 minutes to bloom.
  • Heat Cream Mixture
  • In a saucepan combine:
  • heavy cream
  • coconut milk
  • sweetener
  • lemon zest
  • Warm over medium-low heat until steaming but not boiling.
  • Add Gelatin
  • Remove from heat.
  • Stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
  • Add vanilla extract.
  • Pour and Chill
  • Pour mixture into ramekins or dessert glasses.
  • Refrigerate at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
  • Garnish
  • Just before serving, top each panna cotta with candied violas.
  • Optional additions:
  • fresh berries
  • lemon zest curls
  • a light drizzle of berry coulis

Notes

Texture & Ingredient Notes

  • Gelatin creates the classic smooth panna cotta structure.
  • Lemon zest balances the richness of cream.
  • Candied violas provide both visual appeal and a delicate floral touch.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – 6 servings)

Calories: ~260
Total Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sodium: 35 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 8 g
Dietary Fiber: 0 g
Sugar Alcohols: 5 g
Net Carbs: ~3 g
Protein: 4 g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands.