Easy Vegan Keto Panna Cotta Recipe with Coconut & Almond

How can panna cotta be keto and vegan?

The secret to making this pannacotta keto and vegan obviously lies in replkacing the traditional dairy cream with a vegan alternative, as well as using a sugar alternative / sweetener to eliminate the main source of carbs.

In this recipe, I’ve used coconut cream, almond and full-fat coconut milk (the kind that comes in a can) as the base. This gives it a lovely rich, creamy texture that is a fairly close replica of a traditional version.

I’ve also used powdered erythritol as the sweetener

Essential Equipment for Making Keto Panna Cotta

Whipping up this dreamy, creamy keto panna cotta, requires a couple of key players in your kitchen lineup.

First and foremost, a good food processor with an S-blade is your secret weapon for transforming those blanched almonds into a smooth, almost buttery base. It’ll make this recipe a breeze. Think of it as the magic wand that unlocks the nutty goodness.

That said, I know not everyone has a food processor, so here are your alternative options:

1. High-Powered Blender:
• A high-powered blender (like a Vitamix or Blendtec) can achieve a similar result.
• You may need to add a small amount of almond milk or coconut oil to help the blending process and prevent it from becoming too dry.
• Pulse the almonds frequently and scrape down the sides to ensure even processing.
2. Coffee Grinder (Clean):
• A clean coffee grinder can grind the almonds into a fine meal.
• You’ll need to work in small batches.
• Be careful not to overheat the grinder.
• While it will make a fine meal, it will be hard to make a buttery paste.
3. Mortar and Pestle (Most Laborious):
• This is the traditional method and requires significant effort.
• Grind the almonds in small batches using a circular motion.
• It’s challenging to achieve a completely smooth, buttery paste with this method, but you can get a very fine grind.
4. Pre-Made Almond Butter (Simplest but with Considerations):
• For the easiest option, use unsweetened, smooth almond butter.
• Be sure to choose a brand with minimal ingredients (just almonds).
• Be aware that this will change the texture of the finished dish, and may make it more dense.
• This will also eliminate the step of processing the almonds.
• If using this method, the almond milk could also be removed from the recipe.

It’s important to note that the texture you end up with will vary significantly depending on the method you choose. For the smoothest almond butter, and the smoothest keto panna cotta, the high-powered blender is your best alternative to a food processor.

Whichever alternative you go with, you’ll want to work in small batches and be patient.

Then, to make this recipe similarly easy and classy, you’ll need ramekins. These charming little dishes are the perfect vessels for your panna cotta to set into individual portions of pure delight. They’ll hold your creamy creation as it chills to perfection, ready to be unveiled as a stunning, keto-friendly dessert.

What can be substituted to address any food allergies?

Nuts will be the main thing one may have to avoid in this recipe. If you’re looking for a nut free swap, you can try subbing out the almonds for seeds such as sunflower seeds. This modifies the flavour and texture substantially though…

A less common issue will be the coconut. If coconut is an issue for you, try cashew cream instead.

Tips for Success

• Use Full-Fat Vegan Cream: For the best texture, use full-fat coconut milk (the kind that comes in a can) or cashew cream.
• Adjust Sweetener: Sweeteners vary in intensity, so adjust the amount to your taste.
• Don’t Overheat: Be careful not to boil the mixture after adding the agar agar, as this can affect its setting ability.
• Be Patient: Allow the panna cotta to chill for several hours to ensure it sets properly.