This Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Berry Foam is one of those desserts you'll keep making. Why? Because it always works. It looks like you've spent hours in the kitchen, but it's super simple. You only need a few ingredients, and you can make it ahead. Great if you've got people over or a special dinner.
The panna cotta is soft and creamy, with a fresh flavor from the buttermilk. And that berry foam? It's light and fruity. A dessert that looks fancy, but is easy to make. Just like my raspberry brownie tiramisu, this is a dessert that will make everyone happy.

Creamy Buttermilk Panna Cotta Recipe - with Fruity Berry Topping
The first time I made this, I had some leftover buttermilk in the fridge. I had used it for my no-knead soda bread. I would rather not waste it, so I tried something different. Mixing cream and buttermilk sounded like a weird combo, but it turned out great. The texture is so soft, almost like a cloud. And it's lighter than the classic all-cream version.
Since then, I've made it for many dinner parties. It's perfect to prep ahead. And the berry foam on top makes it look like a little cake. But light, and not too sweet.
Tips for Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Berry Foam
- Always use fresh gelatin - they give the best smooth texture.
- Don't boil the cream - as soon as it starts to bubble, turn off the heat.
- Make sure the gelatin dissolves completely - whisk well for a smooth mix.
- Use full-fat milk and buttermilk - the combo gives a creamy but fresh taste.
- Pick unsweetened berry juice - sweetened juice will make the foam too sweet.
- Let the panna cotta set for at least 3 hours in the fridge, longer if possible.
- Make the berry foam just before serving - it stays airy and light that way.
- I test every recipe on my blog, so you can count on it turning out great!

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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Ingredients
For the panna cotta
- 1 tablespoon gelatin powder, or 1 tablespoon agar agar powder
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¾ cup buttermilk
For the berry foam
- 2 eggs, size L
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ⅔ cup berry juice, unsweetened
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
Make the panna cotta
- Soak the gelatin powder in 2 tablespoons of cold water for 5 minutes.1 tablespoon gelatin powder
- Heat the cream in a saucepan. Add sugar and vanilla. Stir until the sugar dissolves.⅔ cup heavy cream, ½ cup sugar, 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- When it starts to bubble, remove from heat.
- Stir the gelatin into the warm cream mixture. Whisk until you've got a smooth liquid.
- Add the milk and buttermilk. Whisk well.¾ cup whole milk, ¾ cup buttermilk
- Pour into small molds and chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours.
Make the berry foam
- Whisk the eggs with sugar in a heatproof bowl until light and fluffy.2 eggs, ⅓ cup sugar
- Place the bowl over a pan of hot water (double boiler). This is called au Bain-Marie.
- Add berry juice and water. Keep whisking.¼ cup water, ⅔ cup berry juice
- Heat until the mixture thickens and turns into foam. Don't let it boil!
Serve
- Carefully remove the panna cotta from the molds. Spoon 3 tablespoons of berry foam on top.
- Serve the rest of the foam in a little bowl on the side.
Notes
- Panna cotta: You can make the panna cotta up to 2 days ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge.
- Berry foam: The berry foam is best made fresh on the day of serving.








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