AIP Coconut Matcha Panna Cotta

This AIP Coconut Matcha Panna Cotta is based on a traditional creamy panna cotta but uses coconut milk and cream to replace the dairy. The addition of matcha gives this dessert a delicious Japanese twist.

What is matcha panna cotta?

Panna cotta means ‘cooked cream’ in Italian. It’s traditionally a made with heavy cream and thickened with gelatin powder then flavored with vanilla. However, this is flavored with powdered matcha which gives it an earthy flavor.

Is matcha good with vanilla?

Absolutely. And like I said above, traditionally panna cotta is flavored with vanilla.

What flavors go best with matcha?

Coconut goes well with matcha, so it makes sense to use it in this green tea panna cotta recipe.

What fruit goes well with matcha?

Tropical flavors (passionfruit, kiwi, mango pineapple, etc.) go well with matcha. I really like how the tang of the tropical fruit contrasts with the earthy flavor of the matcha. But I also like berries and mint like I used as a garnish in this specific recipe. However, I’ve also used star fruit and green grapes as garnishes before and they were a delicious combination as well.

Is panna cotta healthy?

When you use the highest quality ingredients and a nutritive sweetener, the outcome with be better for you than the alternative. But this is still a dessert. It’s filled with honey. And sugar is sugar. It should be consumed in moderation.

Why didn’t my panna cotta set?

There are a few reasons why your matcha green tea panna cotta didn’t set. First, make sure you used gelatin and not collagen peptides. Second, did you use a tablespoon or a teaspoon? The recipe calls for a tablespoon. Third, make sure the gelatin has dissolved. If the gelatin didn’t dissolve, it would make sense that it didn’t set. And lastly, has the dish completely cooled? If it’s too warm, then it won’t set. Or it could just melt in the heat.

Matcha Panna Cotta Ingredients

• Coconut Milk
• Coconut Cream
• Honey
• Unflavored Gelatin: Make sure to use a high-quality gelatin.
• Salt
• Matcha Powder: For best results, use Pique Tea Matcha. You can get 5% off using the code BETH5.

How to make Coconut Matcha Panna Cotta

1. Heat the coconut milk, cream, and honey in a saucepan until hot but not boiling.

2. Slowly sprinkle the gelatin over the hot mixture while stirring to avoid lumps. It helps to use a whisk.

3. Once the mixture is totally combined, remove from the heat. Slowly sprinkle the salt and matcha powder over the hot mixture while stirring to avoid lumps. It helps to use a whisk.

4. Carefully pour the coconut mixture into a small casserole dish (8-10 ramekins or 4-6 stemless wine glasses). 

5. Cover then set aside in refrigerator for about 4 hours or until firm and chilled. Garnish and serve.

Tips for making the best Matcha Panna Cotta

• Make sure that you use AIP friendly coconut milk and cream.
• Make sure to use full fat, unsweetened, canned coconut milk and cream that is at least 60% coconut. You don’t want any added sweetener as you’re adding plenty of honey. Canned coconut milk and cream that is also mostly coconut is very important. If you use a watered-down coconut milk or cream the coconut panna cotta will separate. For the best results I recommend canned Aroy-D Coconut Milk and Savoy Coconut Cream. However, Aroy-D and Saovy are no longer AIP compliant. They have emulsifiers that help keep the coconut milk from separating which also helps the panna cotta from separating. If you still want to make this recipe with AIP compliant coconut milk/cream then please be prepared for your panna cotta to separate.
• If you're not confident in your ability to dissolve the powdered gelatin, you can add it to a small bowl with about 1/4 cup of the coconut milk and let it bloom before you begin the recipe.
• To make vegan matcha panna cotta with agar agar, replace the gelatin with 1 tablespoon of agar agar powder or flakes. And replace the honey with maple syrup. To dissolve agar, it needs to be boiled, so add it directly into the saucepan with the coconut milk, coconut cream, maple syrup (step 1 and 2) and bring the coconut milk mixture to a boil. Boil for 2-3 minutes before removing from the heat.
• To garnish, place berries, mint leaves, and edible flowers around the edges of the dish. And if you can tolerate seeds, black sesame would be pretty garnish as well. Just keep in mind sesame and seeds in general are not allowed during the AIP elimination phase.
• I used fruit and mint to garnish the panna cotta but you can use whipped cream, if you prefer.
• For best results, use Pique Tea Matcha. It’s a fine tea powder that dissolves well.

AIP Matcha Recipes You Must Try at Home

• Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
• AIP Coconut Milk Matcha Latte
• AIP Matcha Bubble Tea

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Helpful Info for All Recipes

• I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise.
• I always use Himalayan sea salt or Celtic sea salt, unless otherwise noted.
• The majority of my recipes are strict AIP or include notations for reintroductions. However while I make every effort to label non-AIP ingredients and recipes sometimes they slip past me. If you have questions, please ask in advance.

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