For a creamy and decadent dessert that is completely plant-based, try this Vegan Panna Cotta recipe served with Strawberry Sauce. This coconut-based creamy dessert is reminiscent of the authentic Italian version made with heavy cream.

vegan panna cotta with strawberry sauce

Traditional panna cotta or “cooked cream” is made with sweetened dairy cream that’s set with gelatin and then chilled. It’s often paired with sweet, ripe fruit like mango or a sweet sauce.

It’s delightfully simple to make but looks upscale and fancy. Vegan panna cotta is just as luscious and creamy as the dairy-full version. The cream is replaced with full-fat coconut milk and is set with agar agar powder, a vegan alternative to gelatin.

My favorite way to serve coconut milk panna cotta is with homemade strawberry sauce. Not only does it look beautiful, but it’s sweet and tasty too! This vegan panna cotta recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and entirely plant-based.

Why You Need This Recipe

  • Full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream gives it a creamy texture without any dairy.
  • Perfect for entertaining, impress guests with this beautiful vegan coconut panna cotta.
  • It’s an easy, no-bake dessert that takes less than 10 minutes to prep.

Key Ingredients

ingredients for vegan panna cotta
  • Full-fat coconut milk – Use full-fat coconut milk from the can, not the kind from the carton. This is what gives the panna cotta its luscious texture and replaces cream or whole milk as part of the main ingredients.
  • Sugar – Sugar sweetens both the custard and the sauce. You can use light agave or maple syrup if you prefer a natural sweetener.
  • Agar agar powder – Agar agar powder is a thickener derived from algae that makes a great vegan substitute for gelatin. I used this product in my recipe for Vegan Gummies. If you don’t have it, see my article on agar agar substitutes.
  • Vanilla – Vanilla adds a wonderful flavor to the panna cotta. You can also use vanilla bean powder instead.
  • Strawberries – Fresh or frozen strawberries both work, but frozen are more affordable and last longer. You can use raspberries in their place if you prefer.
  • Lemon juice – Lemon makes the bright flavors of the fruit pop! I always add lemon juice to fruit sauces and purees.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Recipe Steps

how to make coconut milk panna cotta

Step One

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut milk, 1/4 cup of sugar, agar agar powder, and vanilla. Whisk together well.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Step Two

Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 3 minutes. This activates the agar agar powder.

Step Three

Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully pour the mixture evenly into four ramekins. Place the ramekins into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.

Step Four

When you’re ready to serve the panna cotta, make the strawberry sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the frozen strawberries, water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and lemon juice.

While the mixture comes to a simmer, use the back of a serving spoon to smash the strawberries. Once the strawberries are soft after a couple of minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat.

strawberry sauce in a pot

Serve the panna cotta topped with fresh strawberry sauce. Enjoy after it has set.

I hope you agree that this is one of your new favorite vegan desserts. It is a great make-ahead dessert for dinner parties or other special events.

photo of panna cotta with a bite taken out of it

Recipe Tips

  • Be sure to use agar agar powder, not agar flakes.
  • You can use coconut sugar instead of white cane sugar, but it will turn your panna cotta a light tan color as opposed to white. Maple syrup or agave nectar work too.
  • The total cook time includes a couple of hours of set time in the refrigerator.
  • You can substitute the strawberries with frozen raspberries, if you prefer.

Recipe FAQs

How should I store panna cotta?

Always store panna cotta in the refrigerator. For best results, eat the panna cotta within 2 days of making it. It’s also best to top with strawberry sauce right before serving.

What is agar agar powder?

Agar is a product derived from red algae. Similar to gelatin, it helps to set and thicken custards, but without any animal products.

Can I use soy milk instead of coconut milk?

I have not tested this recipe using any other plant-based milk or nut milks other than full fat coconut milk. You will not get as rich of a dessert or a creamy panna cotta using soy milk or almond milk.

a spoonful of vegan panna cotta

More Vegan Dessert Recipes You Might Like

Don’t Miss These Strawberry Desserts

Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie (6 Ingredients)

Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream

Strawberry Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie (5-Ingredients)

Zucchini Strawberry Smoothie (Dairy-Free)

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vegan panna cotta with strawberry sauce

Vegan Panna Cotta with Strawberry Sauce

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5 from 7 reviews

Print Recipe

For a creamy and decadent dessert that is completely plant-based, try this Vegan Panna Cotta recipe served with Strawberry Sauce. This coconut-based dessert is reminiscent of the authentic Italian version made with cream.

  • Total Time: 2 hours, 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the panna cotta:
  • 1 13.5–ounce can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons agar agar powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the strawberry sauce:
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut milk, ¼ cup of sugar, agar agar powder, and vanilla extract. Whisk the ingredients to ensure that the powder and sugar get completely dissolved.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer the mixture for at least 3 minutes. This ensures that the agar agar powder gets activated.
  3. Then, remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the mixture into four small bowls, parfait glasses, or ramekins. Do your best to divide the mixture evenly between the containers.
  4. Place the bowls into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.
  5. When you are ready to serve the panna cotta, make the strawberry sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the frozen strawberries, water, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and lemon juice.
  6. While the mixture comes up to a simmer, use the back of a serving spoon to gently smash the frozen strawberries. Let the strawberries cook for a few minutes, or until they are completely soft. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  7. Serve the panna cotta in the bowls or molds, with a spoonful of the strawberry sauce on top of each one.
  8. You can also remove the panna cotta from the molds to a plate for serving.
  9. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  1. Be sure to use agar agar powder, not agar flakes.
  2. You can use coconut sugar instead of white sugar, but it will turn your panna cotta a light tan color as opposed to white.
  3. The total cook time includes 2 hours of set time in the refrigerator.
  4. You can substitute the strawberries with frozen raspberries, if you prefer.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 265
  • Sugar: 17.6 g
  • Sodium: 13.7 mg
  • Fat: 20.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21.5 g
  • Fiber: 0.8 g
  • Protein: 2.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and is studying to be a holistic nutritionist. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send her a message through her contact form.