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    Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

    Vanilla Yogurt Panna Cotta with Honey and Candied Walnuts

    LAST UPDATED: April 6, 2020 PUBLISHED: January 19, 2019 By Pam Greer 46 Comments As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Creamy, rich and delicious!  This vanilla yogurt panna cotta gets drizzled with honey and topped with some sweet crunchy candied walnuts.  Yogurt, milk, sugar, gelatin, vanilla extract, honey, walnuts, agave nectar, and brown sugar.  An easy make ahead dessert that everyone will love!

    Two bowls of panna cotta with honey dripping on them.

     

    What is a Panna Cotta

    A panna cotta is an Italian dessert that literally means "cooked cream."  It's cream (or some other creamy liquid) that has been thickened with gelatin and refrigerated.  It's then either unmolded or not and usually served with some sort of sauce.

    After I made my very first panna cotta, I was completely hooked.  It's so easy and elegant and I love that you can make it not just with cream, but with any creamy type liquid.  My formula is 3 cups of liquid to 1 gelatin packet.   I've made them with Nutella and over the holidays I made one using Holiday Nog.

    Once you start making panna cottas, you'll start to see the possibilities everywhere!

     

    Overhead shot of panna cotta and walnuts

     

    Ingredients for this Panna Cotta

    • Whole Milk - you can use cream if you want it richer and creamier or 2% if you want it lighter and not as creamy.
    • Gelatin - one gelatin packet which is 2 ¼ teaspoons.
    • Sugar - white, granulated.
    • Plain Yogurt - can use Vanilla Yogurt.  Full fat will be creamier, lower fat not as rich and creamy.
    • Vanilla Extract - I use my Homemade Vanilla Extract.
    • Honey - for serving

    Ingredients for Candied Walnuts

    • Walnuts
    • Agave nectar - can use honey.
    • Brown Sugar - light or dark.
    • Kosher salt

    two bowls of panna cotta

    How to Make Panna Cotta

    Pour the milk into a saucepan and sprinkle the gelatin on top.  Let sit for 5 minutes to soften.  Then, over a medium heat, stir to dissolve the gelatin.   Add the sugar and stir until it is dissolved also.

    Remove from the heat and whisk in the yogurt and vanilla extract.  Pour into one large bowl or into six ½ cup ramekins.  If you plan on unmolding them, very lightly grease with a cooking spray.  I usually just leave mine in their bowls.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.

    How to Make Candied Walnuts

    Making these candied walnuts is so easy!  Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Spray parchment paper with cooking spray - making sure they won't stick.  In a bowl, stir together the walnuts, brown sugar, agave nectar and a pinch of salt.

    Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet, be sure and break up any clumps.  Bake them for about 20 minutes.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

    These walnuts are great for just snacking on their own or use them to top other desserts.

    I would love it if you would follow me on Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook

    Looking for more easy make ahead desserts:

    • Chocolate Panna Cotta with Pumpkin Seed Brittle
    • Espresso Panna Cotta
    • Apple Pie Panna Cotta 
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    5 from 32 votes

    Vanilla Yogurt Panna Cotta with Honey and Candied Walnuts

    Vanilla Yogurt Panna Cotta with Honey and Candied Walnuts is a healthier dessert that you can feel good about eating. 
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Italian
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 4 minutes minutes
    Total Time 14 minutes minutes
    Servings 6
    Calories 438kcal

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ cups whole milk
    • 2 ¼ teaspoons gelatin
    • ⅓ cup sugar
    • 1 ½ cups plain yogurt
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Candied Walnuts

    • 2 cups walnuts
    • 4 tablespoons agave nectar
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • pinch of kosher salt

    Instructions

    Panna Cotta

    • Place milk in a small saucepan and sprinkle gelatin over the top. Let sit for about 5 minutes for the gelatin to soften. 
    • Turn burner on to medium and stir until all gelatin is dissolved. Add sugar and continue stirring until sugar is dissolved. Turn off heat and whisk in yogurt, vanilla extract and salt. 
    • Pour by ½ cups into 6 individual dessert dishes. Chill in fridge for at least two hours, but preferably 4-6 or overnight.

    Candied Walnuts

    • Preheat oven to 325. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray. In a medium bowl combine walnuts, agave nectar, brown sugar and salt. Stir to coat walnuts evenly. 
    • Spread in a single layer on baking sheet, breaking up clumps. Bake for about 15 minutes. Remove from oven, allow to cool, and store in an airtight container.

    To Serve

    • To serve, remove from refrigerator, drizzle with honey and top with candied walnuts. 

    Notes

    • Panna Cotta will need to chill at least for 2 hours in the fridge. 
    • Milk - whole milk will make a creamier and richer panna cotta.  Can use lowfat, but it won't be as rich or creamy. 
    • Yogurt - full fat will be the richest and creamiest, low fat will not be as rich or creamy. 
    • The recipe makes more candied walnuts than you need, but you'll find plenty of uses for them - even just as snacks!   Store in an air tight co

    Nutrition

    Calories: 438kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 58mg | Potassium: 347mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 160IU | Vitamin C: 0.8mg | Calcium: 181mg | Iron: 1.2mg

    This was originally posted in 2015 and has been updated for 2019.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Aline says

      April 27, 2020 at 1:46 pm

      5 stars
      So happy to have come across this recipe - we love panna cotta but I never think to make it!! Looks so easy!! Making it for date night dessert this week! Weeee

      Reply
    2. Debbie says

      April 27, 2020 at 8:38 am

      5 stars
      I love this panna cota , it is such a treat. Those candied wal-nuts really brought this to a whole new level of yumminess.

      Reply
    3. Eden says

      April 27, 2020 at 3:06 am

      This was surprisingly easy to make, not to mention pretty and delicious! Will be making again!

      Reply
    4. Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

      April 27, 2020 at 2:51 am

      Yum, this panna cotta looks so good! I am obsessed with that honey drip shot, so good! So excited to try this on the weekend.

      Reply
    5. Paula Montenegro says

      April 25, 2020 at 5:24 pm

      5 stars
      I LOVE panna cotta and the flavors you paired! Delicious! And those walnuts will find their way into a salad also.

      Reply
    6. Marisa F. Stewart says

      April 25, 2020 at 1:49 pm

      5 stars
      What a lovely Mediterranean dessert - I was hooked on it the minute I made it earlier this week. I love the touch of honey and nuts on top. It wasn't too filling and that was just what we wanted at the end of our dinner of Greek chicken. You've given me so many ideas of what type of panna cotta I can make next.

      Reply
    7. Anna says

      April 24, 2020 at 7:58 am

      5 stars
      What a fantastic recipe, thanks so much for sharing it! We've tried it couple of days ago and it was such a hit in our household! Panna Cotta had incredibly smooth, delicious and creamy texture and we have licked our bowls clean! Definitely making it again soon!

      Reply
    8. Mama Maggie's Kitchen says

      April 24, 2020 at 4:48 am

      5 stars
      I never tried Panna Cotta before but this recipe of yours looks incredible delicious and can really make my mouth water. Love that it's creamy, rich and delicious!

      Reply
    9. Kelly Anthony says

      April 23, 2020 at 4:25 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutely love panna cotta but I have never made it before. I'm excited to make it at home with your delicious recipe.

      Reply
    10. Jacqui DeBono says

      April 22, 2020 at 7:34 pm

      5 stars
      Creamy desserts are my favourite - panna cotta is definitely top of that list. I like how I can switch this recipe around to make it healthier (or not!).

      Reply
    11. Jenny Graves says

      April 21, 2020 at 3:20 pm

      5 stars
      Just incredible. LOVE this pana cotta. It tastes so good and it has great healthy ingredients. Thank you so much for sharing it with us!

      Reply
    12. Natanja || Home Baked Bliss says

      February 05, 2018 at 10:45 am

      Well actually most people spend their time eating tzatziki in Greece....or wait was that just me? 😉 This panna cotta however looks incredibly delicious! Candied nuts are the best! It's sooo worth the extra step!

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        February 05, 2018 at 3:17 pm

        I would gladly eat tzatziki in Greece!

        Reply
    13. Sues says

      February 04, 2018 at 3:41 pm

      5 stars
      These photos are gorgeous!! I've only made panna cotta once before, but now I'm craving it. I love that this is yogurt-based!

      Reply
    14. Amanda Finks says

      February 04, 2018 at 1:23 pm

      5 stars
      Love this idea! So good!

      Reply
    15. Ann says

      January 15, 2018 at 1:42 am

      I've eaten it at restaurants but never made it. Must give it a try.

      Reply
    16. Amanda @ Cookie Named Desire says

      February 16, 2015 at 2:59 pm

      This really sounds amazing!! I would love one right now.

      Reply
    17. Barbara | Creative Culinary says

      February 16, 2015 at 2:41 pm

      Absolutely love everything about this. I often buy honey yogurt because I love the combination of the two...adding a bit more WITH candied walnuts? Heaven.

      Reply
    18. Alyssa @ Simply Quinoa says

      February 16, 2015 at 8:20 am

      You sold me with that first shot! I'm a sucker for anything using honey, but the candied walnuts just make the whole thing shine. Stunning!

      Reply
    19. Lisa @ Garnish with Lemon says

      February 16, 2015 at 8:01 am

      I love yogurt and honey together! Can't wait to try this!

      Reply
    20. Rachel Cooks says

      February 16, 2015 at 7:14 am

      Beautiful! Love those candied walnuts on top.

      Reply
    21. Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says

      February 16, 2015 at 7:09 am

      Wow! This looks so decadent, but yet healthy. I would love this topped with fresh berries.

      Reply
    22. Miz Helen says

      January 11, 2015 at 3:23 pm

      This is a delicious dessert, Pam. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome recipe with Full Plate Thursday and have a great week.
      Come Back Soon!
      Miz Helen

      Reply
    23. Rachel @ The Stay At Home Chef says

      January 10, 2015 at 11:39 pm

      Okay, I HAVE to make this! Pretty sure I have all the ingredients on hand too. Sunday treat time! Stunning photography on this one! You are making it irresistible!

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        January 11, 2015 at 8:00 am

        It's so easy and so good!

        Reply
    24. Laura says

      January 10, 2015 at 3:14 pm

      I love the nuts here for some texture. And I would choose plain yogurt every time too!

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        January 11, 2015 at 8:01 am

        They do had that special crunch! I think I'll be adding candied walnuts to lots more things!

        Reply
    25. Susan@LunaCafe says

      January 10, 2015 at 10:53 am

      Panna cotta! Love it. So cool, silky, and light. Also love your idea to top with candied walnuts. Great contrast.

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        January 11, 2015 at 8:01 am

        I know! Isn't panna cotta the best thing ever!

        Reply
    26. Edible Celebrations (@lavesta) says

      January 08, 2015 at 3:21 pm

      Hi Pam:)
      Would you believe I have never, ever made Panna Cotta? Ever! Why oh why I don't know. Heaven knows I am no baker! Panna Cotta always looks so elegant to me and when prepared like this, goodness no guilt either!

      Lovely dessert Pam and those pictures are simply wonderful. Thanks for sharing, Pam...

      Reply
    27. tanya says

      January 06, 2015 at 5:52 pm

      I have never tasted a panna cotta but it looks so simple. I love that all the ingredients are ones I already have.

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        January 07, 2015 at 6:28 am

        It really is so simple!

        Reply
    28. Esme says

      January 06, 2015 at 12:54 am

      This sound delicious. Do you have a Trader Joes-they have a good Greek yogurt.

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        January 06, 2015 at 6:17 am

        No, we don't have a Trader Joe's because we don't have wine in grocery stores. But we just voted it in in some of the smaller counties, but it won't take effect until summer 2016 🙁

        Reply
    29. Carrie @ poet in the pantry says

      January 05, 2015 at 5:21 pm

      What a lovely treat! Panna cotta is one thing I have not tried yet but with your assurances that it's super easy, I'm not as afraid of tackling it as before.

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        January 06, 2015 at 6:16 am

        It is super easy! You know if I make it regularly it has to be easy!

        Reply
    30. Amy @Very Culinary says

      January 05, 2015 at 4:42 pm

      I always have Chobani plain in the fridge so I can make my chia seed pudding. And now I have another use for it!

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        January 05, 2015 at 5:03 pm

        I really need to try chia seed pudding!

        Reply
    31. Ann says

      January 05, 2015 at 4:33 pm

      Churros and hot chocolate (with a cinnamon stick) in Spain. Sfogliatelle and a macchiato in Italy. Vanilla Youghurt Pannacotta with honey and walnuts at Chez Sidewalk Shoes. I can dream. . .

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        January 05, 2015 at 5:03 pm

        Ah...yes...I am a dream destination 🙂

        Reply
    32. Marjie says

      January 05, 2015 at 2:04 pm

      Well, the candied walnuts alone are enough to recommend this dessert! Well done, creating something new based upon your food fantasy.

      When my son and daughter in law were in Paris during their honeymoon, they ate lots of croissants. Mike just loves them, and he ordered by pointing and holding up 2 fingers. They also drank tea, but think coffee was also common. Lots of bakeries with coffee? Your food fantasy fulfilled - again!

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        January 05, 2015 at 2:48 pm

        Now, if only I could actually go visit those places!

        Reply
    33. rattlebridge farm says

      January 05, 2015 at 10:47 am

      We spent a Christmas in Greece, and yogurt was on every menu, so you are spot on, imho. I've never tried panna cotta, but I've got a bag of walnuts sitting on the counter and a new honey jar. Beautiful photos!

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        January 05, 2015 at 10:50 am

        Oh good!! I love when things are just as I imagined them!

        Reply
    34. Joanne says

      January 05, 2015 at 7:07 am

      I bet this would almost be healthy enough to eat for breakfast! Love the pairing of greek yogurt with honey - it just tastes so good.

      Reply
      • Pam Greer says

        January 05, 2015 at 10:49 am

        Definitely healthy enough for breakfast!

        Reply
    5 from 32 votes (21 ratings without comment)

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