Strawberry Matcha Panna Cotta

It’s Valentine’s Day, so I thought I’d share one of my favorite, elegant yet simple dessert recipes because you don’t have to be in a romantic relationship to treat yourself today 😉

Sweeten up with this dreamy, creamy strawberry matcha panna cotta. It’s vegan, free of refined sugar, and makes for a light ending to a rich meal. 

For the strawberry layer, I advise using freeze-dried strawberry powder by blending freeze-dried strawberries (NOT dried strawberries that are chewy) because the flavor is far more concentrated! Coconut milk adds an incredibly creamy texture without the overpowering coconut flavor when combined with the strawberry and matcha pairings. But if you don’t have coconut milk on hand, you can easily swap for your favorite plant milk.

Strawberry Matcha Vegan Panna Cotta

Time: 15 minutes prep/cook time, 2 hours setting time

Makes 2-4 servings (depending on size of molds)

Ingredients:

Strawberry Layer:

• 1/2 can coconut milk
• 1/4 cup freeze dried strawberry powder
• 1/2 tsp agar agar

Matcha Layer:

• 1/2 can coconut milk
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1/2 tsp matcha
• 1/2 tsp agar agar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp maple syrup

Directions:

1. Start by blending freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. In a saucepan, heat 1/2 can of coconut milk, and whisk in the freeze-dried strawberry powder.
2. Bring to a boil and add agar-agar. Whisk to incorporate completely for 1 minute and remove from heat.
3. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into molds, and set in the fridge for 1 hour.
4. Once set, make the matcha layer by first whisking together hot water and matcha in a saucepan.
5. Next, add coconut milk, agar-agar, maple syrup, and vanilla. Whisk and bring to a boil for 1 minute.
6. Remove from heat and again strain through a sieve into the set molds on top of the strawberry layer. Place it back in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.
7. Once set, garnish with chopped strawberries, rose petals, and fennel seeds. Serve chilled!

Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out these recent posts!

• Pink Lemonade Cheesecake Bars
• Strawberry Matcha Panna Cotta
• Buffalo Cauliflower + Vegan Ranch
• Easy Vegan Lasagna
• High-Protein Vegan Ricotta | How I Gave Up Cheese