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As a lover of both good food and wine, I’m always searching for ways to combine the two in unexpected and delightful ways. This Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Riesling Raisins is one of those magical recipes that brings together rich, creamy textures and a touch of wine-infused sweetness that’s sure to impress your guests.
The tangy buttermilk balances the sweetness of the cream, creating a luscious, velvety base that’s perfect for soaking up the honeyed, fruit-forward notes of the Riesling-soaked raisins. Topped with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, this dessert is as visually appealing as it is delicious, with the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and a hint of crunch.
What’s even better? It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy your evening. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply indulging in a quiet evening at home, this dessert is a delightful way to end any meal. Plus, the Riesling raisins add a lovely wine pairing element, which is always a win in my book.
So, pour yourself a glass of Riesling, whip up this indulgent treat, and let the flavors of this dessert transport you to your very own wine-and-food pairing heaven.
What is Panna Cotta?
Panna cotta, which means "cooked cream" in Italian, is a classic Italian dessert made by simmering cream, milk, and sugar, then adding gelatin to create a smooth, silky texture that sets into a delicate custard. It’s known for its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency and is often flavored with vanilla, coffee, or citrus. What makes panna cotta so versatile is its ability to be paired with a wide range of toppings, from fresh fruit and berries to wine-soaked raisins or a drizzle of chocolate. Its light yet indulgent nature makes it the perfect finish to any meal.
How to Make Panna Cotta
Making panna cotta is surprisingly simple, yet the results are always impressive. The process starts by gently heating cream and sugar to dissolve the sweetener, then infusing it with flavor—often vanilla or citrus. The key to its smooth texture lies in adding gelatin, which helps the mixture set without turning it rubbery or overly firm.
Once the mixture is prepared, it’s poured into molds or ramekins and left to cool and set in the refrigerator for several hours. The beauty of panna cotta is its versatility—you can flavor it with anything from a hint of vanilla to coffee, citrus zest, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
For a more exciting twist, like in the recipe I’m about to share, you can add fruit or wine-soaked raisins to complement the creamy base, adding depth and sweetness to the dessert. It's a simple, elegant dessert that pairs wonderfully with a variety of wines, making it perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get started with this Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Riesling Raisins recipe!
Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Riesling Raisins
Recipe Type:
Dessert
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
20 minutes
Servings:
2
Ingredients
- 3 sheets gelatin
- 2 cups cream
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split & scraped
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups Riesling
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 2 ounces pine nuts, toasted
Instructions
- In a bowl, add gelatin sheets and cover with ice cold water. Allow to sit until softened.
- In a sauce pot, combine the cream, sugar and vanilla bean. Bring to a simmer and remove from heat.
- Squeeze out the water from the gelatin and add gelatin to cream mixture. Add buttermilk and stir to combine.
- Strain and pour into 8 (4-ounce) ramekins or other desired container. Refrigerate until set.
- In a small pot, combine wine, honey and raisins. Bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes. Remove raisins from liquid and reserve. Reduce liquid to ¼ cup. Allow to cool and combine with raisins.
- Top each panna cotta with 2 tablespoons of the raisin mixture and sprinkle with ½ tablespoon pine nuts.
Seasonal Variations
Buttermilk panna cotta is a wonderfully adaptable dessert that can easily be adjusted to fit the flavors of any season. Here are a few variations to try depending on the time of year:
Spring
In the spring, fresh fruits come into full bloom, and you can take full advantage of their vibrant flavors. Swap out the Riesling raisins for fresh strawberries or raspberries macerated in a little honey and lemon juice. These bright, juicy berries will add a refreshing contrast to the creamy panna cotta. Top with a sprig of fresh basil or lemon zest for an added burst of fragrance and color.
Summer
Summer is all about ripe, sweet fruits. Consider using blueberries or blackberries for a more tart contrast, paired with a dash of lemon zest to brighten up the flavors. For an extra indulgence, you could even add a spoonful of lemon curd to the panna cotta before setting it. This addition would give it a citrusy punch that’s perfect for warm weather. You could also experiment with using a mango purée for a tropical twist.
Fall
For the cozy, comforting flavors of fall, replace the raisins with spiced figs or poached pears. Gently simmer the pears in a mixture of Riesling, honey, and cinnamon for a rich, autumnal topping. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top can also warm up the dessert, giving it a seasonal flair. This variation pairs wonderfully with a glass of slightly chilled Gewürztraminer or Chardonnay.
Winter
Winter calls for indulgent, warming flavors. Consider replacing the raisins with candied ginger or dark chocolate shavings for a rich contrast against the creamy panna cotta. For extra flavor, try incorporating a hint of orange zest or spices like cloves and star anise in the syrup. You could also swap out the pine nuts for toasted walnuts or pecans for a nuttier, heartier finish. A late-harvest Riesling would be a perfect wine pairing for this wintery version of panna cotta.
