3-Ingredient Honey Ricotta Panna Cotta

This luxuriously creamy ricotta panna cotta comes together with just 3 simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Perfect for a light but indulgent Valentine’s Day treat, this Italian-inspired dessert offers a silky texture and delicate honey-vanilla flavor that rivals traditional cheesecake – all while being naturally low-carb friendly. Enjoy it on its own or crowned with fresh berries for an elegant finale to your romantic dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 3-4 tablespoons honey (or powdered sweetener for low-carb option)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Prep Time

• 5 minutes
• 2+ hours chilling time

Instructions

Food Processor Method (Recommended for Creamiest Results)

1. Add the ricotta cheese to your food processor bowl.
2. Pour in the honey (starting with 3 tablespoons) and add the vanilla extract.
3. Process on high for 2-3 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, adding the remaining tablespoon of honey if desired.
5. Continue processing until completely smooth and silky – about 4-5 minutes total.
6. Spoon the mixture into serving dishes and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.

Hand Mixing Method

1. In a medium bowl, add the ricotta cheese and beat with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until loosened.
2. Drizzle in the honey and vanilla extract.
3. Vigorously beat the mixture for 3-4 minutes until as smooth as possible.
4. Note: The texture may remain slightly grainier than when using a food processor.
5. Spoon the mixture into serving dishes and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Ricotta Dessert

There’s something magical about transforming humble ingredients into an elegant dessert that feels far more sophisticated than the effort required. As someone who’s prepared this ricotta panna cotta countless times for dinner parties, romantic evenings, and those moments when I just need something sweet yet not overwhelmingly decadent, I can tell you – this dessert never disappoints.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Unlike traditional panna cotta that requires heating cream and using gelatin (with all its potential pitfalls), this version relies on ricotta’s natural structure to create a spoonable, creamy dessert that holds its shape beautifully. It’s essentially a “cheater’s panna cotta” that delivers all the same pleasure with a fraction of the work.

The ricotta provides a wonderful protein-rich base, making this dessert substantially more nutritious than many alternatives. When made with honey, it offers natural sweetness with nuanced floral notes that plain sugar simply can’t match. And for those following a low-carb lifestyle, swapping the honey for a powdered sugar-free sweetener creates a keto-friendly treat that still feels indulgent.

The delicate vanilla flavor and subtle sweetness make it the perfect canvas for seasonal fruit or additional flavorings. Most importantly, it’s a dessert that feels special enough for Valentine’s Day but easy enough for any ordinary Tuesday when you deserve something wonderful.

Expert Tip: Make Ahead for Best Results

I’ve found that preparing this dessert the day before serving produces the most exceptional texture and flavor. The extra hours in the refrigerator allow the vanilla to fully permeate the ricotta, and the texture becomes even silkier with time. If you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s dinner, having this dessert ready and waiting in the refrigerator is one less thing to worry about when preparing your main course.

Variations and Flavor Ideas

Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless flavor variations, many inspired by reader suggestions that were too delicious not to share:

Classic Vanilla

The standard version with pure vanilla extract creates a delicate, classic dessert that pairs with virtually any topping.

Citrus Infusions

• Lemon: Replace the vanilla with 1 teaspoon lemon extract and add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest for a bright, refreshing variation.
• Limoncello: For an adult version, add 1 tablespoon limoncello liqueur along with the vanilla for a sophisticated twist.

Nutty Decadence

• Almond: Substitute ½ teaspoon almond extract for half the vanilla, then top with sliced almonds and a few dark chocolate chips for a dessert reminiscent of Italian amaretti cookies.

Warm Spices

• Cinnamon: Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon to the mixture, then swirl in 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice before chilling. Top with chopped maraschino cherries for a festive look.

Northern Italian Inspiration

• Create a stunning parfait by layering the almond-flavored ricotta with macerated strawberries – a nod to the traditional strawberry and ricotta desserts of Northern Italy.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate this simple dessert into something truly extraordinary, presentation makes all the difference:

• Serve in champagne coupes or wine glasses for an elegant Valentine’s Day presentation
• Create a striking color contrast with fresh berries scattered across the top
• Spoon homemade blueberry compote over the chilled dessert
• For chocolate lovers, top with chocolate whipped cream or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate
• Add texture with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or toasted hazelnuts
• Decorate with a sprig of fresh mint and a light drizzle of honey for an elegant finishing touch
• For an unforgettable presentation, serve in heart-shaped ramekins paired with chocolate-dipped strawberries

Perfect Pairings

This delicate honey ricotta panna cotta pairs beautifully with:

• A glass of Moscato d’Asti or your favorite sweet sparkling wine
• A shot of espresso for an Italian-inspired finale
• A small glass of vin santo or dessert wine
• Fresh berry tea or a vanilla-infused herbal tea

Storing Leftovers

This ricotta dessert will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. The texture may firm up slightly over time, so I recommend giving it a gentle stir before serving if you’ve stored it in a larger container rather than individual portions.

While technically freezable, freezing changes the texture significantly. Instead, if you’re interested in a frozen version, check out my ricotta-based frozen yogurt recipe which is specifically formulated to maintain a creamy texture when frozen.

Recipe FAQs

Can I mix this dessert by hand?

Yes, though using a food processor will yield the smoothest, creamiest texture. If mixing by hand, be prepared for a slightly grainier result and expect to put in some elbow grease for 3-4 minutes of vigorous stirring.

Can I use low-fat ricotta?

While possible, whole milk ricotta produces a significantly more luxurious result. The higher fat content creates that silky panna cotta texture that makes this dessert special. If using low-fat ricotta, you might find the texture slightly less creamy.

Can I make this dessert completely sugar-free?

Absolutely! Replace the honey with a powdered (not granulated) sugar-free sweetener like powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. The powdered form ensures a smooth texture without grittiness. Start with 2-3 tablespoons and adjust to taste.

How can you tell if your ricotta is fresh?

Fresh ricotta should have a fresh, slightly sweet aroma. If it has a sour or unpleasant odor, it’s no longer fresh.

Can this dessert be made dairy-free?

Traditional ricotta is essential for the authentic texture of this dessert. However, if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, I recommend trying my coconut panna cotta recipe instead, which uses coconut cream and a small amount of gelatin.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Makes 4)

• Calories: Approximately 215
• Protein: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 14g (with honey) or 4g (with sugar-free sweetener)
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 14g (with honey) or 0g (with sugar-free sweetener)

This light but indulgent Valentine’s Day dessert provides a satisfying sweet ending without the heaviness of traditional cheesecake or the complexity of traditional panna cotta. The protein content from the ricotta also makes it more satiating than many desserts, helping you feel satisfied with a modest portion.

Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, hosting an Italian-themed dinner, or simply craving something creamy and delicious, this ricotta panna cotta delivers elegant results with minimal effort – the perfect combination for any home cook who values both flavor and simplicity.