Gluten-Free Coconut Panna Cotta with Agar

This silky smooth, dairy-free panna cotta, a light and elegant dessert that melts in your mouth. Its delicate vanilla flavor is perfectly complemented by a vibrant berry topping for a delightful contrast in taste and texture.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Total: 245 min Serves: 4

At a glance: This easy desserts recipe yields 4 servings in about 4h 5m (20 min prep, 10 min cook). It uses 5 ingredients — including full-fat coconut milk, granulated sugar or maple syrup, agar-agar powder — and walks through 6 steps. Updated October 25, 2026. Browse more desserts recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Shop links in the ingredient list are affiliate links and do not change the recipe.

Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Coconut Panna Cotta with Agar: When preparing this desserts recipe, agar-agar powder and vanilla extract are the packaged items here, so choose ones labeled gluten-free. Use a saucepan and whisk washed after any flour-thickened sauce, and keep the berry topping plain.

Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Coconut Panna Cotta with Agar: This panna cotta is naturally free from gluten-containing grains, relying on agar-agar for its setting properties instead of traditional thickeners.

Scale Recipe:

servings

Ingredient amounts update automatically

Ingredients

Shop links on this page are for full-fat coconut milk, granulated sugar or maple syrup, agar-agar powder. Buy the package that says gluten-free. A shared production line is the usual risk with these pantry items. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm the product is labeled gluten-free before you buy.

2 cups full-fat coconut milk Shop
0.5 cup granulated sugar or maple syrup Shop
0.75 tsp agar-agar powder Shop
1 tsp pure vanilla extract Shop
1 cup fresh berries (for topping)

Instructions

1 In a medium saucepan, whisk together the full-fat coconut milk and granulated sugar or maple syrup until well combined. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the sugar to begin dissolving.
2 Sprinkle the agar-agar powder evenly over the surface of the coconut milk mixture. Let it bloom for about 5-10 minutes without stirring, allowing it to absorb some of the liquid and hydrate.
3 Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, whisking constantly. Keep it at a gentle boil, still whisking, for 2 minutes so the agar-agar fully dissolves and the liquid has thickened slightly. You should notice a subtle change in viscosity.
4 Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The aroma of vanilla should become noticeable.
5 Carefully pour the panna cotta mixture into four individual ramekins or serving glasses. Allow them to cool at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, then cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until firm and set. The panna cotta will firm up considerably as it chills.
6 Just before serving, top each panna cotta with fresh berries. The vibrant colors of the berries will provide a beautiful contrast to the creamy white panna cotta.

Nutrition (per serving)

320

Calories

Protein

46g

Carbs

22g

Fat

Fiber

90mg

Sodium

Tips & Notes

Simmer the agar for the full 2-3 minutes, as step 3 says. Agar only sets once it has boiled.
Agar sets as it cools at room temperature, so pour it into the ramekins right away.
Run a thin knife around the edge and dip the ramekin briefly in warm water to unmold.

Common questions

What cross-contamination risk is specific to Gluten-Free Coconut Panna Cotta with Agar?

Check full-fat coconut milk, granulated sugar or maple syrup, agar-agar powder before they go into Gluten-Free Coconut Panna Cotta with Agar. Agar-agar powder and vanilla extract are the packaged items here, so choose ones labeled gluten-free. Use a saucepan and whisk washed after any flour-thickened sauce, and keep the berry topping plain.

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