There’s something magical about lavender. Its delicate floral aroma instantly elevates even the simplest dish, and when paired with the golden sweetness of honey, the result is nothing short of extraordinary. At The Carolina Honey Bee Company, we take that magic one step further with our Lavender-Infused Honey—a product that embodies both the warmth of the hive and the calming beauty of lavender blossoms.
Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite ways to showcase this specialty honey: a Lavender-Honey Panna Cotta. Smooth, creamy, and kissed with just the right hint of floral sweetness, it’s an elegant dessert that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make.
Lavender-Honey Panna Cotta Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup Carolina Honey Bee Company Lavender-Infused Honey (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ tsp unflavored gelatin powder
- 3 tbsp cold water
- Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries work beautifully)
- Small sprigs of fresh lavender (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Bloom the gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 3 tbsp cold water and let sit for 5 minutes until softened.
- Heat the cream mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream, milk, and lavender-infused honey. Stir gently until the mixture is hot but not boiling (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Incorporate the gelatin: Whisk the softened gelatin into the warm cream mixture until fully dissolved.
- Pour & set: Divide the mixture into ramekins or elegant glasses. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until fully set.
- Garnish & serve: Just before serving, drizzle a little extra lavender honey on top, add fresh berries, and garnish with a lavender sprig for a beautiful, aromatic finish.
Serving Notes
This panna cotta is wonderfully versatile:
- Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine for a dinner party.
- Serve it alongside shortbread cookies for a rustic afternoon treat.
- Or keep it minimal, letting the Carolina Honey Bee Company Lavender-Infused Honey shine in its purest form.
Why Lavender-Infused Honey?
Lavender adds a subtle, floral depth that sugar alone could never achieve. The infusion of lavender into our raw honey creates a delicate balance—sweet, but not cloying; floral, but not overpowering. It’s a flavor that lingers, creating an experience rather than just a dessert.
At The Carolina Honey Bee Company, we believe food should connect us to both the earth and the hive. This recipe is a perfect example of how one ingredient—when it’s truly special—can transform a classic dish into something memorable.
Try this recipe at home and let the soothing flavors of lavender and honey transport you. Trust me—it’s a spoonful of pure elegance.