There’s something truly soothing about the delicate earthiness of matcha, and when it meets the creamy silkiness of panna cotta, magic happens. One evening, craving a dessert that felt both elegant and comforting, I whipped up this Matcha Green Tea Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis—and it quickly became my go-to for impressing guests without hours in the kitchen. The vibrant green hue paired with the bright, tangy raspberry sauce is as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. Whether you’re a matcha lover or just exploring new flavors, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between subtle bitterness and sweet freshness. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple, making it ideal for anyone tired of the same old fast-food or boxed desserts. Let me show you how easy it is to bring this refreshing, sophisticated treat to your table!
Why choose Matcha Green Tea Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis?
Elegant Simplicity: This recipe blends creamy panna cotta with earthy matcha effortlessly. Vibrant Flavor Fusion: The subtle bitterness of matcha balances perfectly with the bright, tangy raspberry coulis. Quick & Impressive: You’ll wow guests without hours of prep. Eye-Catching Presentation: The vivid green dessert paired with red sauce is stunning. Versatile & Refreshing: Ideal for matcha fans or those seeking a fresh change from fast food.
Matcha Green Tea Panna Cotta Ingredients
For the Panna Cotta Base
- Heavy Cream – Use full-fat for that luxuriously silky texture that defines panna cotta.
- Whole Milk – Balances the richness, making the panna cotta light yet creamy.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens subtly to enhance matcha’s earthy notes without overpowering.
- Matcha Powder – Choose a high-quality, vibrant green matcha to infuse flavor and color perfectly in this Matcha Green Tea Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis.
- Gelatin Powder – Essential for that perfect, delicate set; bloom it properly for smooth results.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a hint of warmth to complement the matcha’s grassy tones.
For the Raspberry Coulis
- Fresh or Frozen Raspberries – Fresh gives brightness; frozen works well year-round for convenience.
- Powdered Sugar – To sweeten just enough so the coulis pops against the panna cotta.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the coulis, cutting through the sweetness with a fresh zing.
How to Make Matcha Green Tea Panna Cotta
- Bloom Gelatin: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of gelatin powder over ¼ cup cold water in a small bowl; let it stand 5 minutes until the mixture blooms into a soft, spongy gel.
- Heat Cream: Warm heavy cream, milk, and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture steams, about 3 minutes—don’t let it boil.
- Add Matcha & Gelatin: Whisk matcha powder into half of the warm cream until dissolved and vibrant green, then stir in bloomed gelatin until melted to infuse your Matcha Green Tea Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis base.
- Flavor & Pour: Stir in vanilla extract, then carefully pour the mixture into six chilled ramekins or silicone molds, smoothing the tops with the back of a spoon.
- Chill: Refrigerate panna cotta uncovered for at least 4 hours until fully set; tops should jiggle gently when you shake each ramekin.
For the Raspberry Coulis:
- Cook Raspberries: Combine raspberries, powdered sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan; cook over medium heat for 3 minutes until fruit softens and juices release.
- Blend & Strain: Purée mixture with an immersion blender or food processor until smooth, then press through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl for a silky coulis.
- Serve: Spoon cooled raspberry coulis over each set panna cotta, garnish with fresh raspberries or mint leaves for a bright finish.
Optional: Dust with extra matcha powder for a vibrant finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Matcha Green Tea Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis
Fridge: Store leftover panna cotta covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent spoilage.
Freezer: If you want to freeze the panna cotta, do so for up to 1 month in airtight containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Raspberry Coulis: The coulis can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen for 1 month. Make sure to use a sealed container.
Reheating: Serve chilled or at room temperature. If you like, quickly reheat the coulis on low heat until just warm. Enjoy the delightful balance of flavors in your Matcha Green Tea Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis!
Matcha Green Tea Panna Cotta Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize this delightful panna cotta to fit your taste preferences!
-
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and almond milk for a vegan-friendly version that’s just as creamy and rich.
Swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream to maintain that luxurious texture while keeping it plant-based. -
Fruit Twist: Experiment with different fruit coulis, like mango or passionfruit, for a tropical flair.
Each bright fruit brings its own personality, creating a refreshing twist that can transport you to sunny beaches. -
Sweetener Swap: Substitute honey or maple syrup for granulated sugar to add depth and complexity.
Each alternative offers a unique note that pairs beautifully with the earthy matcha, enhancing the overall flavor profile. -
Chocolate Infusion: Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate matcha fusion.
This combination transports you to dessert heaven, balancing matcha’s grassy notes with luscious chocolatey goodness. -
Nutty Finish: Top with crushed pistachios or almonds for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
The added texture is a delightful surprise that complements the silky panna cotta while adding a bit of elegance to your dish. -
Spicy Kick: Add a hint of ground ginger or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for warmth and heat.
This unexpected kick introduces an exciting layer that complements matcha’s earthy profile beautifully. -
Herbal Essence: Infuse the panna cotta base with fresh herbs like basil or mint for a refreshing touch.
This twist not only elevates the flavor but also adds a burst of aromatic freshness, making each bite delightful. -
Decadent Layers: Layer the panna cotta with granola or biscuit crumbs for added texture and bite.
This fun twist adds a crunchy surprise that perfectly contrasts the smooth, creamy layers, making every spoonful exciting!
Expert Tips for Matcha Green Tea Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis
- Bloom Gelatin Properly: Always sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom fully to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, silky panna cotta texture.
- Use Quality Matcha: Opt for vibrant, high-grade matcha powder to get the richest color and the perfect earthy flavor in your Matcha Green Tea Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis.
- Heat Gently: Warm the cream mixture slowly and avoid boiling to preserve the delicate flavors and prevent curdling.
- Strain Raspberry Coulis: Passing the coulis through a fine mesh removes seeds for a smooth, professional finish.
- Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate panna cotta for at least 4 hours uncovered for the best set and a gentle jiggle that signals perfect consistency.
- Balance Sweetness: Adjust sugar in the coulis to taste—too sweet can overpower matcha’s subtle bitterness, too tart can mask panna cotta’s creaminess.
Make Ahead Options
Making this Matcha Green Tea Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis ahead of time is a wonderful way to save precious moments during busy days while still delivering a delightful dessert. You can prepare the panna cotta base up to 24 hours in advance; just cover the ramekins tightly with plastic wrap after they’ve set. For the raspberry coulis, make it up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply spoon the coulis over the panna cotta, and you’ll have a stunning dessert that tastes just as fresh and delicious as if you made it on the spot!
What to Serve with Matcha Green Tea Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis?
To elevate your dessert experience, consider these delicious pairings that will complement the flavors and textures of this stunning panna cotta.
-
Crunchy Cookies: Serve with buttery shortbread to provide a delightful contrast to the creamy panna cotta. Their crumbly texture awakens the senses alongside the silky dessert.
-
Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds brightness and a refreshing crunch. The natural sweetness complements the tangy raspberry coulis perfectly.
-
Green Tea Latte: Pairing this with a creamy matcha latte creates a lovely harmony of flavors. The warm, rich tones of the latte resonate beautifully with the panna cotta’s delicate taste.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, slightly sweet ice cream offers a lovely temperature contrast and enhances the flavor of the matcha while remaining a classic pairing.
-
Nutty Granola: A sprinkling of nutty granola introduces a delightful crunch that elevates the texture of the panna cotta. It’s an unexpected but charming addition that lends a wholesome feel.
-
Chilled White Wine: A crisp and refreshing wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the fruity notes of the raspberry coulis while balancing the panna cotta’s creaminess.
-
Lemon Sorbet: For a light, zesty twist, lemon sorbet serves as a palate cleanser. Its tartness contrasts beautifully with both the matcha and the sweet raspberry, making each bite’s flavor more pronounced.
-
Dark Chocolate Shavings: Garnishing with dark chocolate adds a luxurious touch. The rich bitterness beautifully complements the panna cotta’s sweetness and matches the earthiness of matcha.
These pairings will not only enhance your dessert but also offer a well-rounded experience that transforms your meal into something truly special. Enjoy every moment!
Matcha Green Tea Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis Recipe FAQs
What type of matcha powder should I use for the best flavor and color?
I highly recommend using a high-quality, vibrant green ceremonial or culinary-grade matcha powder. This ensures rich earthiness and a beautiful bright color that really makes the panna cotta stand out.
How long can I store leftover panna cotta in the refrigerator?
You can store the Matcha Green Tea Panna Cotta covered tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Can I freeze the panna cotta and raspberry coulis? How?
Absolutely! Freeze the panna cotta for up to 1 month in airtight containers. To freeze, first chill the panna cotta completely, then wrap each ramekin tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. For the coulis, store it separately in a sealed container and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw both overnight in the fridge before serving.
My panna cotta didn’t set properly—what went wrong?
If your panna cotta is too soft or liquidy, it might be due to underbloomed gelatin or insufficient chilling time. Always bloom gelatin fully in cold water before adding it to the warm cream, and chill the panna cotta uncovered for at least 4 hours—or preferably overnight. Using expired gelatin or overheating the mixture can also affect setting.
Is this dessert safe for children or pets, given the matcha and gelatin?
Matcha contains caffeine, so it’s best to serve this dessert to older children in moderation and avoid giving it to pets, as caffeine and gelatin can be harmful to animals. For caffeine-sensitive family members, consider reducing the matcha amount or offering a similar panna cotta without matcha.
Easy Matcha Green Tea Panna Cotta with Juicy Raspberry Coulis Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bloom gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin powder over ¼ cup cold water, let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Heat cream: Warm heavy cream, milk, and sugar in a saucepan, whisking until sugar dissolves.
- Add matcha & gelatin: Whisk matcha into warm cream, then stir in bloomed gelatin until melted.
- Flavor & pour: Stir in vanilla, then pour mixture into ramekins or molds and smooth the tops.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
- Cook raspberries: Combine raspberries, powdered sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan, cook until soft.
- Blend & strain: Purée mixture until smooth, then strain through a sieve.
- Serve: Spoon coulis over panna cotta and garnish with raspberries or mint.
