OK, perhaps calling these creations panna cotta is slightly misleading as they contain no cream, no dairy, no sugar and no gelatine (and surely bring no guilt feeling) but they are so light and delicious, and full of tropical flavours. 

My fake panna cotta-s here are so simple that I must admit, the pretty look is a bit deceitful too. The ingredients are just a few – almond milk, coconut, mango, honey and vanilla. And of course my new magical ingredient – agar-agar. The cooking method is embarrassingly simple too.

Ingredients: 

1cup coconut milk 

1/2 cup almond milk 

1 vanilla pod 

3 tbsp. of honey or agave syrup for a vegan option. Add a bit more for a sweeter taste. 

3/4 tsp. agar-agar 

For the mango layer: 

1 small ripen mango – pureed 

1/2 tsp. agar-agar 

1/4 cup water 

For the base layer mix all ingredients in a pan and place over medium heat and bring to the boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes while continuously stirring. Remove from heat and let it cool down. Add a bit more honey/agave syrup if it needs a bit more sweetness. I also added some desiccated coconut, just to give an extra tropical touch.

Once cooled down pour into your cups of choice and let them set in a fridge. Getting the diagonal effect is easy – simply place the cups on an angle before pouring the liquid in. Make sure they are stable though. Then pour equal amounts of cream in each cup and let them set completely before putting the cups in upright position and pouring the top layer.

While your base layer in setting, prepare the mango layer. Puree the mango and place in a pan with the honey, agar-agar and water. Place over medium heat and bring to the boil. In a similar manner let it simmer for few minutes, then remove from the heat and let it cool down completely.

Once ready pour over the coconut layer and let it set. Just before it has set completely, place some mango slices in for decoration. I also added some chopped pistachios to add some nice colour.

See! So easy, light, totally dairy-, gluten- and sugar-free and oh so delicious! Enjoy! 🙂