Orange Blossom Panna Cotta

This orange blossom panna cotta is a delightful take on the classic Italian dessert. It’s smooth, creamy, and delicately flavored with orange blossom water. It’s an easy make-ahead dessert that’s perfect for dinner parties or special occasions like Mother’s Day!

This orange blossom panna cotta is silky smooth, lightly floral, and far easier to make than it looks. I know panna cotta can feel like one of those restaurant-only desserts, but once you make it at home, you realize how simple and approachable it really is. The name literally means “cooked cream,” and that’s exactly what’s happening here—nothing fancy or fussy.

I gently heat whole milk with sugar and gelatin, then stir in heavy cream and a splash of orange blossom water for that delicate, fragrant finish. After a quick chill and whisk, the mixture gets poured into small jars and tucked into the fridge to set into the dreamiest, creamy texture. It’s soft, rich, and elegant, with just enough orange blossom to feel special without overpowering the cream.

I like to finish each panna cotta with a candied mandarin slice for a little sparkle and contrast, though it’s just as lovely on its own. These individual desserts are perfect for dinner parties or special occasions because they’re made entirely ahead of time—leaving you free to enjoy the evening while everyone marvels at how impressive (and delicious) they are.

Another panna cotta recipe you might enjoy is my buttermilk panna cotta.

What is orange blossom water?

Orange blossom water is simply water infused with orange blossom flavor. It’s made by distilling fresh bitter orange blossoms to capture their essential oils, resulting in a fragrant ingredient with delicate floral notes and a hint of citrus bitterness.

It’s commonly used in Mediterranean desserts and pastries, and you’ll also find it in North African and Middle Eastern cooking, where it’s often added to syrups for sweets like baklava or used to lightly flavor drinks. You can usually find orange blossom water at well-stocked grocery stores, Middle Eastern markets, or online, and it’s typically inexpensive and sold in small bottles.

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Orange Blossom Panna Cotta Recipe

Prep: 4 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 5 hours hrs

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This orange blossom panna cotta is a delightful take on the classic Italian dessert. It's smooth, creamy, and delicately flavored with orange blossom water. It's an easy make-ahead dessert that's perfect for dinner parties or special occasions!

6

Ingredients

Panna Cotta

• ▢ 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ▢ 3 teaspoons gelatin
• ▢ ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ▢ ¾ – 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (based on your taste)

Candied Mandarin Oranges

• ▢ 4 mini mandarin oranges
• ▢ 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

Instructions 

Panna Cotta

• Pour the milk into a small pot and sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Let it sit for 2 minutes, or until the gelatin grains start to swell or “bloom.”
  1 ½ cups whole milk, 3 teaspoons gelatin
  
• Stir in the sugar and heat gently over low heat until the sugar and gelatin have completely dissolved. DO NOT BOIL.
  ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  
• Remove the pot from the heat and whisk in the heavy cream and orange blossom water. Start by adding ¾ teaspoon of the orange blossom water and increase it if you would like the flavor to be stronger. Place it in the fridge for 30 minutes, or until cool to the touch.
  1 ½ cups heavy cream, ¾ – 1 teaspoon orange blossom water
  
• Once cool, whisk the panna cotta once more and then pour it into little mason jars, cups, or whatever cute little jars you plan on serving it in. Cover and refrigerate until set, about 4 hours.
  

Candied Mandarin Oranges

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Leaving the peel on, cut off the ends and then slice them into 3 circles. Cut each orange circle in half and add them to a small bowl. Sprinkle with sugar and toss gently to coat.
  2 teaspoons granulated sugar, 4 mini mandarin oranges
  
• Place the orange circles on the baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want them to still be chewy and not completely dried out.
  
• Remove from oven and let cool completely. Serve on top of panna cotta.
  

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving = ½ cup, Calories: 324kcal (16%), Carbohydrates: 24g (8%), Protein: 5g (10%), Fat: 24g (37%), Saturated Fat: 15g (94%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 88mg (29%), Sodium: 54mg (2%), Potassium: 210mg (6%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 21g (23%), Vitamin A: 1319IU (26%), Vitamin C: 14mg (17%), Calcium: 128mg (13%), Iron: 1mg (6%)

© Author Kristen Stevens

We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.

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