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This easy limoncello panna cotta recipe was first published on August 14, 2023.

The easiest dessert you need in your life is this limoncello panna cotta. This delicious panna cotta limoncello dessert is perfect to make after dinner, to prepare ahead for when you have guests and also one of the most versatile desserts to whip up in minutes and leave in the fridge to rest.

There are plenty of limoncello dessert recipes around, but I found that panna cotta and liqueur really work magic! This dessert with limoncello enhances one of the most well-known liqueurs in Italy and that gives a new way to enjoy this drink. And even better when you use your own homemade limoncello recipe!

from top, two panna cottas with lemon zest on a plate, hand reaching with a spoon, towel under

Table of Contents

What is panna cotta?

Panna cotta is a delicious Italian dessert, traditional of Piedmont in North Italy. Its history is not very clear and only made it in the cookbooks and restaurants in the 1960s. Some stories also mention that it was invented in the early 20th Century by a Hungarian woman living in Italy.

Even if its origins are not the clearest, Piedmont has been considering this one of their traditional dessert recipes. This delicious cream thickened with gelatin is often aromatised with different ingredients like caramel, coffee or fruits. Making this sweet dessert a very versatile base to play with, and that’s how this limoncello panna cotta came to be. (Wikipedia)

What is limoncello liqueur?

Limoncello is an Italian lemon liqueur typical of the South of Italy, in particular from the Amalfi coast, Sorrento, Naples Gulf and Sicily. It’s a wide world known liqueur and the second most drank in Italy.

Usually, this drink is used as an after a meal or what we call in Italy ‘digestivo’, which helps with digestion and leaves your mouth fresh. It’s served in small glasses and sipped slowly. It can also be a base for cocktails and desserts.

You can also find different types of limoncello made with different fruits from oranges to tangerines. In this limoncello panna cotta, we are going to use the homemade limoncello recipe we shared last week.

What ingredients do I need to make this limoncello panna cotta?

For this citrus panna cotta you will need heavy cream and sugar. Then you will need gelatin sheets, lemon yoghurt and limoncello. Lastly, you will need lemon zest and mint.

ingredients for limoncello panna cotta in small bowls and a white towel under

Can I substitute anything in this limoncello panna cotta?

You absolutely can! You can substitute the following:

heavy cream: you can substitute it for vegan cream like coconut cream to make this limoncello panna cotta vegan;
gelatin sheets: you could use gelatin powder instead, or anything like agar agar, cornstarch or pectin (we only tried it with gelatine sheets, so we cannot assure you the same texture and flavour);
lemon yoghurt: you could use plain yoghurt and add the flavouring on the side with more lemon zest or lemon juice;
limoncello: you could use any liqueur you like, like pistachio liqueur or lavender liqueur, or even avoid the alcohol. For a summer vibe, you could use orange or mandarin liqueur;
lemon zest and mint: you can pick any topping you like for this recipe, we decided to go for a simple one and also to keep it fresh and enjoyable.

How do I make limoncello panna cotta?

Begin by putting the gelatin in cold water for ten minutes to let it soften up in a small bowl. In the meantime, in a saucepan over medium heat, bring to a boil the granulated sugar and heavy cream and keep mixing. When it reaches boiling point, turn it off and let it get lukewarm.

Strain the gelatin with your hands. Add to the same mixture the yoghurt, gelatin, heavy cream, lemon zest and limoncello. Mix well to combine. Lastly, pour in your mould or container (any glass can work too) of choice. Let it rest in the fridge for 3-4 hours.

When ready to serve, unmould your limoncello panna cotta add any toppings like mint and lemon zest and serve. Enjoy!

from top, two panna cottas with lemon zest on a plate, towel under, lemons and a jug around

Can I make this limoncello panna cotta without alcohol?

You can indeed make this a non alcoholic panna cotta! If you are going for a dessert that even kids can enjoy, you can absolutely avoid the liqueur in there and go for a stronger lemon flavour.

What else can I have on my panna cotta?

Panna cotta is one of those easy desserts that are so versatile and call for plenty of different toppings, some of the ones you should try:

fresh fruits: anything from fresh berries to small chunks of fruits can give your limoncello panna cotta an added layer of flavour on top;
seeds & nuts: you can pick from pumpkin seeds to pomegranate seeds for something different than usual. Or add a handful of nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts, or even pistachios and almonds;
sauce: caramel is a classic combo for panna cotta, or a coffee or chocolate sauce for an even more indulgent dessert;
cream: add another layer of deliciousness with a cream like a pistachio cream;
exotic taste: try with passion fruit or mango chunks to flavour summer in a cup;
natural: just add some vanilla and have it as it comes, simple panna cotta can never go wrong;
crumble: I love to have mine with crumble on top, add some honey on top and it’s the easiest and most delicious you can go;
syrup: Maple syrup or any flavoured syrups you love can go well with panna cotta, from fruit syrup to something more Christmassy like this gingerbread syrup.

Can I make this limoncello panna cotta ahead? Can you freeze panna cotta?

You can make it ahead indeed! It can last in the fridge for up to 3 days, so making your dessert in advance or keeping some in the fridge for after dinner is more than doable.

And you can also freeze it! So it’s a win-win, in this case, it will last for up to two months, just make sure that:

you freeze toppings separately to your panna cotta;
you double cling film each one and freeze them in a freezer-safe container. Also, add a date on them for best keeping;
you defrost them slowly in the fridge, NOT on your counter as it contains dairy and could spoil. (Freeze It)

More easy dessert ideas like limoncello panna cotta you should try:

Easy Limoncello Panna Cotta

Cristina

Most delicious limoncello panna cotta, the quickest dessert and the most versatile that you can make ahead and even freeze.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Dessert

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

80 g sugar
3 gelatin sheets
125 g lemon yoghurt
500 ml heavy cream
1/4 cup limoncello liqueur
5 g lemon zest
6 mint leaves

Instructions

Begin by putting the gelatin in cold water for ten minutes to let it soften up in a small bowl.
In the meantime, in a saucepan over medium heat, bring to a boil the granulated sugar and heavy cream and keep mixing. When it reaches boiling point, turn it off and let it get lukewarm.
Strain the gelatin with your hands.
Add to the same mixture the yoghurt, gelatin, heavy cream, lemon zest and limoncello. Mix well to combine.
Lastly, pour in your mould or container (any glass can work too) of choice. Let it rest in the fridge for 3-4 hours.
When ready to serve, unmould your limoncello panna cotta add any toppings like mint and lemon zest and serve. Enjoy!

Notes

You can make the panna cotta ahead and it will last in the fridge for up to three days.
You can freeze the limoncello panna cotta for up to two months (see notes for details).

Keyword limoncello panna cotta

panna cotta on a plate, towels and lemons around, limoncello jug in the background

Have you ever tried limoncello panna cotta? Do you like panna cotta as a dessert? Do you like limoncello? Let me know in the comments if you get to try this easy dessert recipe!