Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango: A Creamy No-Bake Tropical Dessert Recipe

🥥 Introduction: The Exotic Charm of Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango

📜 Where Panna Cotta Began

“Panna cotta,” meaning “cooked cream” in Italian 🇮🇹, is a luscious dessert that originated in Piedmont in the early 20th century. Originally a simple blend of cream, sugar, and gelatin, it was served chilled—often accompanied by fresh berries. Its delicate wobble, creamy texture, and subtle sweetness quickly made it a favorite throughout Italy.

As culinary curiosity spread worldwide, panna cotta evolved. Creative chefs began adding regional ingredients like Japanese matcha 🍵, Indian cardamom, and even lavender from the French countryside. One of the most celebrated variations today is the Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango. This version brings a dairy-free twist to the classic, pairing tropical flavors with Italian technique.

🥭 How the Fusion of Coconut and Mango Became Iconic

Coconut milk and mango are both staples in tropical regions, especially in Southeast Asia. The rich creaminess of coconut pairs effortlessly with the tangy, sweet brightness of ripe mango. When infused into panna cotta, these ingredients create a luxurious dessert that’s both exotic and refreshing—ideal for warm-weather entertaining or any no-bake dessert need.

Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango rose to fame during the 1980s and 1990s when fusion cuisine started to gain traction globally. The combination was not only flavorful but also offered a solution for those avoiding dairy. As plant-based eating became mainstream, this coconut and mango panna cotta gained even more traction.

Today, Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango is enjoyed across the globe. It frequently appears on summer menus at Michelin-starred restaurants and is beloved by food influencers for its vibrant colors and photogenic layers 📸.

🌍 Top Countries That Love Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango

This tropical delight has become a global favorite. Countries that frequently enjoy or serve this dish include:

• 🇮🇹 Italy
• 🇹🇭 Thailand
• 🇵🇭 Philippines
• 🇺🇸 United States
• 🇦🇺 Australia
• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
• 🇮🇳 India
• 🇨🇦 Canada
• 🇸🇬 Singapore
• 🇲🇾 Malaysia

Whether enjoyed in a fine dining setting or made at home in mason jars, Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango brings sunshine to every spoonful 🌞.

For more make-ahead tropical desserts, check out my Sticky Toffee Chia Pudding — a creamy, no-bake option that’s also perfect for summer gatherings.

You’ll Love These 7 Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango Twists

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• Author: Donald Anderson
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

Indulge in this creamy Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango — an easy, no-bake dessert that’s dairy-free, tropical, and perfect for summer entertaining.

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Ingredients

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For the Coconut Panna Cotta:

• 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
• ½ cup canned coconut cream
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin (or agar agar for vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Mango Coulis:

• 1 ½ cups ripe mango chunks (fresh or thawed frozen)
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional, for brightness)

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 2 tablespoons of water. Let it bloom for 5 minutes.
2. In a saucepan, heat coconut milk, coconut cream, sugar, and salt over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
3. Remove from heat. Stir in bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Add vanilla.
4. Pour mixture into serving glasses or ramekins.
5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.
6. Blend mango, honey, water, and lime juice until smooth.
7. Optional: Strain through a fine mesh sieve for ultra-silky texture.
8. Chill until ready to use.
9. Spoon or pipe mango coulis over the set panna cotta.
10. Garnish with diced mango, mint leaves, or coconut flakes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: Italian-Asian Fusion

🍽️ What You’ll Need to Make Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango

🧰 Essential Equipment for Perfect Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango

Preparing Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango 🥭 doesn’t require fancy equipment—just a few everyday kitchen tools. This no-bake dessert is incredibly approachable, making it a top choice whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned dessert lover. Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect panna cotta:

• Silicone molds or ramekins: These give your Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango its elegant shape. Silicone makes unmolding a breeze.
• Small to medium saucepan: Ideal for gently heating coconut milk and dissolving your gelatin or agar agar.
• Fine mesh strainer: An essential tool for achieving that silky, creamy panna cotta texture.
• Whisk: Helps blend all your ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Use separate bowls for blooming gelatin and preparing your mango purée.

📚 Want more no-bake dessert techniques? Check out Desserts That Store Well in the Fridge to master make-ahead treats that hold their flavor and texture.

🥫 Pantry Staples for This Tropical Coconut Mango Delight

The beauty of Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango is that it relies on a handful of flavorful, easy-to-find ingredients. These pantry staples bring a rich, tropical profile to this creamy dessert:

• Full-fat coconut milk: The foundation of your Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango, it provides a luxurious, dairy-free base.
• Unflavored gelatin or agar agar: This sets the panna cotta. Use agar agar for a vegan-friendly option without compromising texture.
• Ripe mangoes: Mangoes bring both puréed richness and a juicy topping to your panna cotta layers.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances both the coconut and mango, adding aromatic depth to each spoonful.
• Sweeteners: Sugar, honey, or maple syrup can all be used based on your dietary needs or flavor preference.

🧑‍🍳 Pro Tips:

• Lightly chill your molds before pouring in the panna cotta mixture. It helps with even setting.
• Always strain your heated mixture for a smooth, clump-free finish.
• Whisk gently to avoid adding excess air bubbles that might ruin the silky surface.

Ingredients

🥥 Tropical Simplicity in Every Spoonful

🍶 Core Ingredients for Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango

Crafting Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango is all about balancing creamy richness with tropical brightness. With only a handful of pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-worthy dessert that feels indulgent yet refreshing. For 4 servings, you’ll need:

• 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk – the star of this panna cotta, lending a silky, dairy-free base.
• 1 cup heavy cream – optional, for extra creaminess (skip for a vegan version).
• ½ cup granulated sugar – balances coconut and mango sweetness.
• 1 tbsp unflavored gelatin powder – essential for that smooth, wobbling set.
• 3 tbsp cold water – to bloom the gelatin.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds warm aromatic depth.
• 1½ cups mango purée (from about 2 ripe mangoes) – brings vibrant color and tropical tang.
• 1 tbsp lime juice (optional) – adds brightness and keeps mango flavors lively.
• Fresh mango slices and toasted coconut flakes (optional garnish) – for presentation and texture.

💡 Pro Tip: For a fully dairy-free version of Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango, simply replace the heavy cream with additional coconut milk. The result is equally luscious and completely plant-based.

🌿 Optional Add-Ons for Extra Flair

Want to elevate your Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango even further? Add these creative garnishes for extra color, crunch, and complexity:

• Toasted coconut flakes – bring nutty crunch to contrast the smooth panna cotta.
• Fresh mint leaves 🌿 – add a burst of freshness and a pop of green.
• Lime zest – enhances tropical flavors with citrusy brightness.
• Edible flowers – perfect for special occasions and garden-party aesthetics.

When choosing mangoes, go for Ataulfo or Alphonso varieties. Their velvety texture and intense sweetness make them ideal for both purée and garnish. If you love exploring tropical twists, you might enjoy my Filipino-Style Coconut Desserts guide for more fusion flavor inspiration.

Instructions

Preparing the Coconut Panna Cotta Base

Start by setting the foundation for this tropical treat. This panna cotta comes together in minutes, but patience is key for that perfect chilled finish.

• In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
• Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
• Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
• Divide the mixture evenly among six serving glasses or ramekins.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
• In a blender, puree the mango flesh until smooth. Stir in lime juice if using.
• Once the panna cotta has set, spoon the mango puree over each serving.
• Garnish with fresh mango slices and toasted coconut flakes if desired.
• Serve chilled.

Tip: Want even more ideas for easy molded desserts? Explore creative custard options like Egg Gravy Over Biscuits which also use simple thickening techniques.

Making the Mango Topping & Assembly

1. Prepare mango purée:
   Purée the flesh of 1 ripe mango until smooth. Add a squeeze of lime juice if you want a hint of brightness.
2. Chop for garnish:
   Dice the second mango into small cubes. Chill both purée and diced mango separately until serving.
3. Assemble & garnish:
   Gently unmold the panna cottas onto serving plates. Spoon mango purée over each, then top with diced mango, toasted coconut flakes, and fresh mint if desired.

Nutrition Score

Healthy and Indulgent in Perfect Balance

One of the best things about Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango is how it hits that sweet spot between indulgence and nutrition 🌿. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated values per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~220 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g (mostly healthy fats from coconut)
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugars: 16g (naturally occurring from fruit + added sweetener)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Vitamin C: 35% DV (thanks to mangoes!)

This dessert is a gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free option—ideal for many dietary lifestyles. With a few tweaks, it can also align with keto, paleo, and vegan plans.

Make It Fit Your Lifestyle

• Keto-friendly: Swap sugar for monk fruit or erythritol. Use unsweetened coconut milk to lower carbs.
• Vegan: Choose agar agar instead of gelatin. All other ingredients are plant-based.
• Paleo: Sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or dates for a cleaner alternative.

Want more light, nutrient-rich desserts? Try this High-Fiber Apple Cranberry Baked Oats — another easy recipe packed with feel-good ingredients.

This panna cotta isn’t just pretty — it’s smart fuel for your body, whether you’re entertaining or just treating yourself midweek.

Serving & Storage Tips

How to Serve It Like a Pro 🍽️

Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango is a show-stopper when served right from the fridge. The cool, silky texture paired with bright mango purée makes it an ideal finish to any warm-weather meal. Here’s how to make it shine:

• Serve chilled: Panna cotta should be cold and lightly set — never frozen or room temp.
• Garnish last-minute: Add your diced mango, coconut flakes, and mint leaves right before serving for the freshest flavor and best appearance.
• Pair it up: This dessert goes wonderfully with tropical fruit salad, coconut water, or even a crisp glass of white wine.

Hosting a summer brunch? You might also love Blueberry Ricotta Breakfast Cake as a colorful complement to your panna cotta spread.

Storing It the Right Way

• Refrigerate covered: Store the panna cotta in molds or containers for up to 3 days. Use plastic wrap or airtight lids to prevent surface drying.
• Don’t freeze it: Freezing causes the gelatin to break, ruining that smooth, wobbly texture.
• Keep toppings separate: Store mango purée and diced mango in separate containers to preserve color and texture.

Make-Ahead Magic

This dessert is an entertainer’s dream. Prepare it the day before your event, and you’ll save time while serving something elegant and satisfying.

• Use individual silicone molds for easy plating.
• Keep garnish components prepped but stored separately until serving time.
• Bring panna cotta to the table chilled on cool ceramic or glass dishes for extra style.

Craving more fridge-friendly recipes? Check out Desserts That Store Well in the Fridge to stock your sweets lineup with low-effort, high-reward options.

Variations

Global Twists on a Creamy Classic

Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango is delicious as-is, but it’s also a blank canvas for creative flavor fusions and regional flair. Here’s how cooks around the world are adapting this tropical dessert:

• Thai-Inspired 🇹🇭: Add lemongrass stalks or a few kaffir lime leaves to the coconut milk while heating, then strain before setting. It brings a fragrant herbal note that pairs beautifully with mango.
• Filipino Style 🇵🇭: Layer the panna cotta with sweetened coconut cream and mango jelly for a creamy-gelatin duo. Top with latik (toasted coconut curds) for texture.
• Italian-Mexican Fusion 🇮🇹🌶️: Mix in a dash of chili powder or Tajín to the mango topping for a sweet-heat contrast. It’s bold, refreshing, and crowd-pleasing.

Want more international twists with bold flavors? Try this Churro Cheesecake Bars recipe for a spicy-sweet fusion dessert with cinnamon flair.

Smart Substitutes & Flavor Boosts

Whether you’re out of an ingredient or want to make it your own, here are some easy swaps and add-ins to keep things interesting:

• Ingredient Swaps:
  • Use almond or oat milk instead of coconut for a nuttier base.
  • Replace mango with passionfruit, pineapple, or even dragon fruit for color contrast.
• Flavor Enhancers:
  • Stir in cardamom or ginger to the coconut milk for spice and depth.
  • Add shredded coconut or chia seeds into the base for texture and fiber.
  • Make it layered: Pour a thin layer of fruit jelly over the set panna cotta.

Feeling adventurous? Infuse tropical flavors like those in Grilled Pineapple with Chili Lime Dust for a vibrant, spicy-sweet finish.

These variations are proof that panna cotta isn’t just one dessert — it’s a gateway to dozens of flavor explorations 🧁🌴

❓ FAQs About Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango

Conclusion

A Spoonful of Summer in Every Bite 🍨

Coconut Panna Cotta with Mango is more than just a dessert — it’s an experience. Each spoonful delivers the creamy richness of coconut paired with the tropical brightness of ripe mango 🥭. Whether you’re serving it at a summer brunch, planning a make-ahead dinner party finale, or simply treating yourself to a refreshing no-bake indulgence, this recipe is sure to impress.

The beauty lies in its simplicity. With just a few wholesome ingredients, minimal tools, and no baking required, anyone can achieve a silky, picture-perfect panna cotta — no pastry chef credentials needed. Its gluten-free and dairy-free nature also makes it a fantastic option for guests with dietary restrictions.

If you’re feeling inspired to get creative, try pairing it with complementary desserts like Passion Fruit Oatmeal Cakes for a full tropical spread. Or serve alongside something cozy like Amish Breakfast Casserole to contrast the cold, fruity notes.

Join the Flavor Journey

Tried this recipe? We’d love to see your take on it!
👉 Drop your photos or twists in the comments — maybe you added cardamom or swapped in pineapple?
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