Easy Mango Panna Cotta (Creamy and Refreshing)

Name: Mango Panna Cotta
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 150 g mango puree; ½ tsp lemon juice; 5 g gelatin powder; 125 g heavy cream; 125 g milk; 30 g sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 g gelatin powder

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This mango panna cotta is one of my favorites because it’s easy to prepare and doesn’t need any baking. I love the combination of creamy panna cotta and sweet mango. It’s light, refreshing, and especially nice to have on a hot day.

Mini glasses of mango panna cotta decorated with mango cubes and mint leaves.

A Quick Look at the Recipe

🏷️ Recipe Name: Mango Panna Cotta
⏱️ Ready In: ~ 1 hour 20 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 8 glasses
🔥 Calories: 90 kcal per glass (estimate)
🧾 Main Ingredients: Mango puree, lemon juice, gelatin powder, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract.
🥗 Dietary Info: Gluten free
🧠 Difficulty: Easy with simple step-by-step guide.

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Whenever mangoes are in season, I love making desserts with them. Besides mango ice cream, mango mousse, and mango sago, this mango panna cotta is another favorite in my kitchen. It’s creamy, refreshing, and easy to make without turning on the oven.

This mango panna cotta has two layers: a creamy vanilla panna cotta and a sweet mango layer made with fresh mango puree and gelatin. I didn’t add any sugar to the mango layer because the mangoes were already sweet enough.

I also tried making it two different ways. For some glasses, I poured the mango layer first, while for others, I started with the cream layer. Both turned out lovely, and I like how you can get two different looks from the same recipe.

It’s a nice dessert to make ahead when you have friends or family coming over. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, then add some fresh mango and mint leaves on top.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Easy to make – You only need a few simple ingredients, and the steps are easy to follow. Most of the time is just waiting for the layers to set in the fridge.
No oven needed – This is a no-bake dessert, so you don’t have to turn on the oven, especially when the weather is hot.
Refreshing dessert – The creamy panna cotta goes really well with the sweet mango layer. It’s a nice dessert to enjoy after a meal, especially on a warm day.
Beautiful presentation – The mango and cream layers look lovely in small glasses. You can arrange the layers in different ways to make a pretty dessert when you have guests coming over.

Recipe Ingredients

Mango panna cotta ingredients with labels.

Ingredient Notes

Gelatin powder. I use grass-fed gelatin powder to help the panna cotta and mango layers set. It gives the dessert a soft, smooth texture without making it too firm. You can use regular unflavored gelatin powder as well. I use this grass-fed gelatin powder.

How to Make Mango Panna Cotta

Step by step process photos of making the mango layer for mango panna cotta.

STEP 1. Prepare the Mango Layer. Add 1–2 teaspoons of cold water to the gelatin powder. Stir gently and let it bloom for 5 minutes (Image 1).

Meanwhile, add the lemon juice to the mango puree and heat over low heat until it starts to simmer (Image 2). Turn off the heat, add the bloomed gelatin, and stir until completely dissolved (Image 3).

Strain the mango mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps and get a smooth texture (Image 4).

Step by step process photos of making the creamy vanilla layer.

STEP 2. Pour the Mango Layer and Prepare the Vanilla Panna Cotta. Place the dessert glasses at an angle in a muffin pan to keep them from tipping over. Carefully pour the mango mixture into each glass, keeping the glasses tilted to create a slanted layer (Image 5).

Transfer the muffin pan with the glasses to the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes, or until the mango layer is set.

While waiting, prepare the vanilla panna cotta. Add 1–2 teaspoons of cold water to the gelatin powder and let it bloom for 5 minutes.

In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract (Image 6). Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture starts to simmer (Image 7). Turn off the heat, add the bloomed gelatin, and stir until completely dissolved (Image 8).

Step by step process photos of finishing the vanilla layer of mango panna cotta.

STEP 3. Add the Vanilla Layer and Chill. Strain the cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps (Image 9). Let it cool until it is no longer hot, but still liquid.

Once the mango layer has set, remove the glasses from the refrigerator and place them upright. Slowly pour the vanilla panna cotta mixture over the mango layer (Image 10).

Return the glasses to the refrigerator and chill for at least another 30 minutes, or until the panna cotta is set (Image 11). Before serving, decorate with fresh mango cubes and mint leaves (Image 12). Serve chilled.

Pro Tips

Use ripe, sweet mangoes. Choose ripe mangoes for the best flavor and natural sweetness. I didn’t add any sugar to the mango layer because my mangoes were already sweet enough. If your mangoes are slightly sour, you can add a little sugar to taste.
Bloom the gelatin properly. Always use cold water to bloom the gelatin and let it sit for about 5 minutes before adding it to the warm mixture. This helps the gelatin dissolve evenly without leaving lumps.
Turn off the heat before adding gelatin. Once the mango or cream mixture starts to simmer, turn off the heat before adding the bloomed gelatin. The remaining heat is enough to dissolve it. I’ve noticed that when I continue heating the mixture with gelatin, it sometimes develops an unpleasant smell. This is why I prefer adding gelatin after turning off the heat.
Let each layer set before adding the next. Chill the first layer for about 30 minutes, or until it has set. Make sure the second mixture has cooled down and is no longer hot before pouring it over the first layer. Otherwise, the heat may soften the gelatin and cause the layers to mix.
Try different ways to arrange the layers. For the slanted presentation, I use a muffin pan to hold the glasses at an angle while the mango layer sets. Once it is firm, I stand the glasses upright and gently pour in the vanilla panna cotta. You can also make the cream layer first and add the mango layer on top for a different look. Both versions are pretty, especially when topped with fresh mango cubes and mint leaves.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this mango panna cotta cold, especially on hot days. I like to pair it with a refreshing drink, such as osmanthus drink made with homemade osmanthus syrup or lemon ginger drink.

If you’re preparing a dessert spread for family or friends, you can also serve it alongside mini lemon steamed cakes or putu ayu pandan. Both are nice little cakes that go well with this creamy mango dessert.

Mango Panna Cotta FAQs

Can I make mango panna cotta ahead of time?

Yes! Mango panna cotta is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day before serving and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Add the fresh mango cubes and mint leaves just before serving.

Can I use frozen mango instead of fresh mango?

Yes, you can use frozen mango. Thaw it completely and blend until smooth. If the puree is too watery, you may need to reduce some of the excess liquid before using it. Taste the mango puree first and add a little sugar if needed.

Why is my panna cotta not setting?

This can happen if you don’t use enough gelatin, the gelatin doesn’t dissolve completely, or the dessert hasn’t chilled long enough. Make sure to bloom the gelatin properly and let each layer set in the refrigerator before adding the next one.

How do I keep the mango and cream layers from mixing?

Make sure the first layer has set before pouring in the second layer. Let the second mixture cool until it is no longer hot but still liquid. Pour it slowly over the back of a spoon to avoid disturbing the first layer.

Can I make mango panna cotta without gelatin?

Yes, you can use agar-agar or jelly powder instead of gelatin. However, the texture will be slightly different. Agar-agar tends to give a firmer texture, while some jelly powders can produce a softer, more delicate jelly. Follow the instructions on the package, as the amount needed and preparation method may vary depending on the brand.

How do I make the slanted layers in mango panna cotta?

I use a muffin pan to hold the dessert glasses at an angle. Pour the mango mixture into the tilted glasses and refrigerate until set. Once the mango layer is firm, stand the glasses upright and gently pour in the vanilla panna cotta mixture. Chill again until both layers are set.

Storage

Keep the mango panna cotta covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the fresh mango cubes and mint leaves just before serving to keep the toppings looking fresh. Serve chilled.

More No Bake Desserts

Mango Pudding – A smooth, creamy mango dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for hot days.
Osmanthus Jelly – A light, refreshing jelly with a delicate floral aroma.
Mango Pancakes – Soft pancakes filled with whipped cream and fresh mango.
Peach Gum Dessert – A traditional Chinese sweet soup with a lovely mix of soft and chewy textures.
Japanese Coffee Jelly – Soft coffee jelly served with a creamy milk sauce.

If you love mango desserts as much as I do, check out my Mango Dessert Recipes collection for more easy and delicious ways to enjoy mangoes.