Craving a luxurious dessert that won’t derail your low-carb lifestyle? Look no further than this Keto Panna Cotta Recipe, a smooth and creamy Italian treat reimagined for keto dieters. Traditionally made with sugar and cream, panna cotta translates to “cooked cream” in Italian, and this version delivers the same silky texture and decadent flavor—minus the carbs. By swapping out sugar for keto-friendly sweeteners and using high-fat, low-carb dairy products, this dessert becomes a perfect choice for anyone following a ketogenic diet. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself after a long day, keto panna cotta is the ultimate in elegant, guilt-free indulgence.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 250
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Total Fat: 24g
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Saturated Fat: 15g
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Cholesterol: 80mg
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Carbohydrates: 3g
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Fiber: 0g
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Net Carbs: 3g
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Protein: 3g
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Sugar: 1g (naturally occurring from cream)
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Prep Time, Active Time, Resting Time, and Total Time
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Active Time: 5 minutes
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Resting/Chilling Time: 4 hours (minimum)
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Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Cuisines, Course, Servings, and Calories
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Cuisine: Italian
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Course: Dessert
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Servings: 4
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Calories (Per Serving): 250
Equipment Needed
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Small saucepan
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Whisk
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Heat-proof mixing bowl
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4 ramekins or silicone molds
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Fine mesh strainer (optional)
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Refrigerator
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups heavy cream (use organic or grass-fed if possible)
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½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any other low-carb milk alternative)
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¼ cup erythritol or monk fruit sweetener (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 ½ tsp unflavored gelatin powder
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2 tbsp cold water
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Optional garnish: fresh berries (low-carb like raspberries or blackberries), mint leaves, or a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin
Start by adding 2 tablespoons of cold water to a small bowl. Sprinkle 1 ½ teaspoons of unflavored gelatin over it and let it sit for 5 minutes. This step, called “blooming,” allows the gelatin to absorb the water and soften.
Step 2: Heat the Cream Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, unsweetened almond milk, and sweetener. Warm the mixture over medium heat, whisking continuously until the sweetener fully dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling (about 3–5 minutes).
Step 3: Add Gelatin and Vanilla
Once the cream mixture is hot, remove it from the heat. Add the bloomed gelatin and vanilla extract, whisking until the gelatin completely dissolves. If desired, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to ensure a silky texture.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Divide the mixture evenly between 4 ramekins or silicone molds. Let them cool to room temperature for 15–20 minutes, then cover each ramekin with plastic wrap. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or until the panna cotta is fully set.
Step 5: Serve
To unmold, gently run a knife around the edge of each panna cotta and invert onto a plate. If using silicone molds, a light press on the bottom should pop them out. Garnish with a few fresh berries, a sprig of mint, or sugar-free chocolate sauce for extra flair.
Tips for Perfect Keto Panna Cotta
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Don’t boil the cream: Overheating can ruin the texture and flavor of your panna cotta. Keep it just below boiling.
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Use a fine mesh strainer: If you want the creamiest texture, strain your mixture before pouring it into molds.
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Sweetness level: Adjust the sweetener to your liking. Some prefer a more subtle sweetness, while others enjoy a dessert-forward flavor.
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Flavor variations: Add citrus zest, espresso powder, or a splash of rum or brandy (keto-friendly in small amounts) for a unique twist.
Make It Your Own: Flavor Variations
Here are a few ways to elevate your keto panna cotta:
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Chocolate Keto Panna Cotta: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder while heating the cream.
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Berry Swirl Panna Cotta: Blend a few low-carb berries and swirl into the molds before chilling.
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Coffee Panna Cotta: Replace ¼ cup of almond milk with strong brewed coffee or espresso.
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Coconut Cream Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free keto panna cotta.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: With only 3g net carbs per serving, this dessert won’t kick you out of ketosis.
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Quick to Prepare: Takes only 15 minutes of active effort. The rest is chill time!
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Customizable: From chocolate to citrus, you can flavor it any way you like.
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Elegant & Impressive: Perfect for parties, date nights, or a solo indulgence.
Storing and Freezing
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Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: While panna cotta can be frozen, the texture may slightly change upon thawing. Freeze in airtight containers and defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Panna Cotta Recipe proves that indulgent desserts don’t have to come with guilt. It’s a beautifully simple, make-ahead treat that aligns perfectly with your keto goals. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, this dessert offers elegance, flavor, and convenience all in one creamy package. Serve it after a hearty low-carb meal or share it at your next gathering—everyone will be amazed it’s actually low-carb!

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.