This Lavender Chocolate Panna Cotta with Blueberry Jello is an elegant, multi-layered dessert that blends floral, fruity, and rich chocolate notes in every spoonful. It’s the kind of sweet treat that feels fancy enough for dinner parties but is surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
Panna cotta, which means “cooked cream” in Italian, is known for its silky-smooth texture and delicate flavor. Here, we infuse the cream with dried lavender to give it a light floral aroma that beautifully balances the richness of the chocolate.
Layered on top is a naturally sweet and slightly tart blueberry jello made from real blueberries and fruit juice. It adds contrast in both color and flavor, turning this dessert into a visual and culinary showstopper.
The chocolate layer is made with semi-sweet chocolate and a hint of vanilla. It’s creamy and comforting, with just enough bittersweet depth to please both kids and adults alike.
What’s amazing about this dessert is that it’s made without gelatin — we use agar-agar powder instead, making it vegetarian-friendly. It sets beautifully and holds its shape while still being luxuriously creamy.
Each layer needs time to set, which makes this the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day in advance and wow your guests with minimal effort on the day of serving.
Lavender, if used in moderation, brings a subtle sophistication to desserts. Here, it’s steeped in the milk and cream before straining, so you’re left with its aroma but none of the bits.
This dessert is a celebration of color — soft purple lavender cream, rich brown chocolate, and vibrant blueberry — each one playing a role in creating an elegant presentation.
It’s also a wonderful option for spring and summer gatherings. The flavors are light and refreshing, yet indulgent enough to satisfy a dessert craving.
Feel free to customize this panna cotta with your preferred milk — coconut milk or oat milk can also be used for a dairy-free version.
Not only is this panna cotta gluten-free, but it’s also lower in sugar compared to many traditional layered desserts. The natural sweetness from blueberries goes a long way.
This recipe makes individual portions, so it’s easy to serve and enjoy without the need for slicing or scooping. Just unmold or serve in glasses for a stunning effect.
Whether you’re a fan of floral desserts or simply want to try something new, this panna cotta offers a unique twist on traditional custards.
It’s an Instagram-worthy dessert that actually lives up to the hype in both flavor and texture — creamy, light, and a bit adventurous.
Servings: 4 individual panna cotta cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (minimum)
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Lavender Chocolate Panna Cotta:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or coconut milk)
- 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender
- 2 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder
For the Blueberry Jello Layer:
- 1 cup blueberry juice or 100% grape juice
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 teaspoon agar-agar powder
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and lavender. Bring to a gentle simmer, then turn off the heat and steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain out lavender. Return liquid to heat and whisk in agar-agar. Simmer for 2 minutes until agar-agar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and stir in chocolate until melted and smooth.
- Pour into serving glasses or molds. Refrigerate for 1.5 to 2 hours until set.
- Meanwhile, for the jello layer, combine blueberry juice, blueberries, and agar-agar in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Sweeten if desired.
- Cool slightly, then pour gently over the chocolate panna cotta layer.
- Chill for another 2 hours or until fully set.
Tips:
- Use food-grade dried lavender; avoid overly perfumed or non-culinary types.
- Let each layer cool slightly before pouring to avoid mixing.
- Serve in clear glasses or jars for a stunning visual effect.
- Add a mint sprig or whipped cream on top before serving.
- Agar-agar sets more firmly than gelatin — don’t overdo it.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Elegant yet easy to make
- Floral, fruity, and chocolatey all in one
- Perfect for parties, brunch, or date nights
- Vegetarian and gluten-free
- Visually stunning and unique
Summary:
This Lavender Chocolate Panna Cotta with Blueberry Jello is a dreamy, multi-layered dessert that combines floral lavender, creamy chocolate, and juicy blueberry for a show-stopping sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
