A delicious Coconut Pandan or Panna Cotta Recipe made with 5 ingredients. You can, of course, add some whipped cream and sugar-free chocolate chips for topping, but this pandan dessert is delicious and filling to eat by itself.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pandan Dessert
- Incredible texture. It delivers a rich, silky, creamy texture that feels indulgent while staying low in carbs.
- Unique flavor. It features the unique floral, nutty aroma of pandan, giving the dessert an exotic Southeast Asian twist.
- Simple to make. It’s incredibly easy to make. Just heat, mix, pour, and chill.
- Low carb dessert. It uses keto-friendly sweeteners, so you can enjoy dessert without spiking your blood sugar.
low carb pandan panna cotta is a creamy, aromatic, and effortless dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising your low-carb goals.
What is Panna Cotta
Panna Cotta is an Italian Custard dessert that is served cold. It is thickened with gelatin and often infused with aromatics for even more delicious taste. Common infusions are vanilla, orange extract, or even coffee. What I have done is flavored my Panna Cotta with Pandan Extract and used full fat coconut milk as a fat bomb and for flavor.
What is Pandan Extract?
Pandan is made from Pandan leaves that are found in Southeast Asia. Pandan has a sweet flavor with a floral hint. Most Pandan recipes are dessert or sweet dishes rather than savory.
If you don’t have pandan extract, you can try vanilla or orange extract, but you REALLY want that pandan. The pandan will have artificial extracts. BUT. You will be using about 4-5 drops which means less than a drop per serving. So #TrustUrvashi and give it a try. 🙂
Ingredients You’ll Need
My Coconut Pandan is a fat bomb recipe to enjoy as a delicious dessert and will keep you full. Use full fat, canned coconut milk for this, not the coconut milk from a cardboard carton.
5 ingredients will make this dessert come together! 5! I use gelatin, hot water, Truvia , Pandan Extract , and Coconut Milk . That’s it. If you are used to cooking along with me, then you probably have most of those ingredients on hand.
How to Make Coconut Pandan
- Use hot water to dissolve the gelatin. You can bring a small pot of water to a boil and then whisk in the gelatin. Make sure all the gelatin is dissolved! Depending on the texture of how you like your desserts, you can whisk until just incorporated for a smooth panna cotta, or whisk until the mixture is bubbly and frothy for a light and airy texture.
- Once the gelatin is dissolved, you will add in the full-fat coconut milk, Truvia, and 3 to 4 drops of Pandan Extract. Mix until just combined, and then pour into these cute serving or appetizer cups .
- You can serve the panna cotta in the cups themselves, with their cute little spoons. But if you want to get fancy as Roger did, here’s what works to unmold them. Break the vacuum seal that the panna cotta forms with the cup. Turn them upside down, and place a plate on the mouth of the cup just in case! Use a sharp knife, and cut a small slit into the bottom of the cup. The pudding will slide down gracefully into the plate. Lick the appetizer cup clean if no one is watching, and garnish the dessert.
Tips for Working With Gelatin
Gelatin is little granules that need dissolving in liquid to help a recipe set up or firm up. Gelatin needs to be dissolved in a warm liquid to “bloom” and then used right away. Your recipe will probably not turn out smooth as expected if you don’t use it right away.
I would recommend having everything you need for the recipe including the serving dishes so that you can move quickly before the gelatin sets. Once everything is in the serving dish, immediately put it in the refrigerator to help the gelatin finish setting up.
Tips And Tricks
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your pandan panna cotta sets perfectly, tastes amazing, and has that signature silky-smooth texture:
- Perfect Make-ahead, it stores beautifully.
- Whisk, whisk, whisk until that gelatin is completely dissolved!
- To break the seal the Panna Cotta forms in the serving cup, use a plate on the mouth side of the cup, turn it over, and cut a slit in the bottom of the cup. The Pandan will slide right out onto the plate.
Variations
Here are some fun and flavorful variations to help you customize your pandan panna cotta, whether you prefer it creamier, lighter, or paired with bold complementary flavors:
- Pandan Mango- You can add a layer of pureed fresh mango or serve with diced mango on top for a bright, fruity contrast.
- Pandan Matcha- You can whisk in ½–1 teaspoon of matcha powder to create an earthy, green-tea version that pairs beautifully with pandan’s floral notes.
- Pandan Chocolate- You can mix in a spoonful of unsweetened cocoa powder or top with a sugar-free chocolate ganache for a decadent, low-carb treat.
What To Serve With Coconut Pandan
I like to keep any additional toppings simple and low-carb. I use whipped cream and Lily’s sugar-free chocolate chips . Or, you can do a lovely drizzle of Choc Zero chocolate syrup .
How Long Does It Last?
Coconut pandan panna cotta lasts for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored in airtight containers or covered ramekins.
The gelatin helps the dessert maintain its structure, while the natural fats in the coconut milk and cream keep it smooth and creamy.
Can You Freeze It?
You can freeze coconut pandan panna cotta, but it’s not ideal. Freezing changes the texture because gelatin-based desserts tend to become grainy or watery once thawed, and the coconut milk may separate slightly.
More Low Carb Desserts
- Low Carb Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
- Keto Lemon Pound Cake
- Low Carb Mug Cakes
- Sugar Free Jello Mousse
- Almond Flour Cookies
Coconut Pandan Panna Cotta | Easy Pandan Dessert
Equipment
- Silicone Whisk
- Appetizer cups
Ingredients
Coconut Pandan | Panna Cotta
- ▢ 1 envelope Unflavored Gelatin
- ▢ 1/2 cup hot water
- ▢ 1 14 oz can Full-Fat Coconut Milk
- ▢ 1/4 cup Truvia
- ▢ 3-4 drops Pandan Extract
Optional Toppings
- ▢ Whipped Cream
- ▢ Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips
- ▢ chocolate syrup
Instructions
Whisk the gelatin in the hot water. Once it has dissolved, whisk in the coconut milk, truvia, and drops of Pandan Extract.
Pour mixture into small 5-ounce appetizer cups and chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours until set.
Add additional toppings if using.
For a light and frothy texture, whisk until you see lots of bubbles.
For a more traditional smooth Panna Cotta, just mix until everything is incorporated.
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Coconut Pandan Panna Cotta | Easy Pandan Dessert
Ingredients
Coconut Pandan | Panna Cotta
- 1 envelope Unflavored Gelatin
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1 14 oz can Full-Fat Coconut Milk
- 1/4 cup Truvia
- 3-4 drops Pandan Extract
Optional Toppings
- Whipped Cream
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips
- chocolate syrup
Instructions
Whisk the gelatin in the hot water. Once it has dissolved, whisk in the coconut milk, truvia, and drops of Pandan Extract.
Pour mixture into small 5-ounce appetizer cups and chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours until set.
Add additional toppings if using.
For a light and frothy texture, whisk until you see lots of bubbles.
For a more traditional smooth Panna Cotta, just mix until everything is incorporated.
Coconut Pandan Panna Cotta | Easy Pandan Dessert https://twosleevers.com/coconut-pandan-panna-cotta/
Try this tangy, sweet, spicy roasted pearl onions recipe with balsamic vinegar. They are a snap to make in your air fryer for an easy, vegan side dish.
Why You’ll Love These Perfect Pearl Onions
I am a huge fan of side dishes made in an air fryer. Since most of my recipes ask you to throw things into an air fryer and just go, it’s easy enough to get a side dish cooking while your main dish cooks.
This roasted pearl onions recipe takes one of my favorite things–onions–and makes them the star of the dish by themselves.
While onions can be pungent, if prepared correctly, they can take on a wonderful, slightly sweet flavor. Air frying pearl onions makes them sweet on the inside, and crispy in bits on the outside. If you ask me, this is a killer combination.
I’ve also since discovered that many people love Roasted Pearl Onions just as much as I do, largely due to this sweetness. They truly make for a tasty side dish with most meals. The roasting brings out a delicious aspect of onions that many people might be unaware of.
Can You Cook Pearl Onions In The Air Fryer?
I wasn’t sure how these Roasted Pearl Onions were going to turn out in the Air Fryer. The Air Fryer has never let me down before so I had high hopes. I was a little concerned they would burn before they cooked, but as long as you use FROZEN pearl onions, and set the temperature to 400F, your pearl onions will turn out really well.
I think in fact, that an air fryer is perfect for air frying pearl onions, or even regular onions, largely because the hot, dry heat in the airfryer, thanks to the fan, helps them caramelize faster than they would in a moister environment, like in a saucepan on the stove.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Frozen Pearl Onions - The star ingredient of the dish. Frozen pearl onions roast beautifully in the air fryer, becoming sweet, tender, and lightly caramelized. Using frozen onions eliminates the need to peel fresh ones, making the recipe quick and convenient.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil - Helps the onions roast evenly and develop a golden, caramelized exterior. The oil also carries the seasonings and herbs, ensuring each onion is well coated and flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar - Adds tangy sweetness and depth. As the onions roast, the balsamic reduces slightly, creating a glossy coating and enhancing natural caramelization.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt - Seasons the onions and brings out their natural sweetness. Kosher salt also helps draw moisture to the surface, aiding in browning.
- 1/3 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper - Adds gentle heat and earthy warmth that balances the sweetness of the onions and balsamic glaze.
- 2 teaspoons Finely Chopped Fresh Rosemary - Provides fragrant, piney, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with roasted onions. Rosemary enhances the aroma and adds a fresh herbal note to the finished dish.
How To Make Roasted Pearl Onions
- Coat onions. Place onions in a medium bowl. Pour in olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Toss to coat.
- Add to air fryer. Transfer the seasoned onions to the air fryer basket.
- Roast to perfection. Set the air fryer to 400°F for 18-20 minutes or until onions are tender and lightly charred, stirring once or twice during the cook time.
Tips and Tricks for Making Air Fryer Onions
Roasting pearl onions in the air fryer is quick and effortless, but these simple tips will help you achieve perfectly browned, flavorful onions with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.
- Use frozen pearl onions. Do not thaw them before you start. The steam from the thawing onions helps them cook.
- Use the sweetest balsamic vinegar you have at hand.
- You can mix up all the ingredients ahead of time and put the mixture in the fridge until you are ready to cook.
- I used this air fryer to make these onions.
- This is the balsamic vinegar I used.
Variations
Roasted pearl onions are incredibly versatile, and these easy variations let you change the flavor profile to match your meal—whether you want something rich and caramelized, bright and zesty, or savory and herbaceous.
- Honey Balsamic Pearl Onions - Add 1–2 teaspoons of honey to the balsamic mixture before roasting for extra caramelization and sweetness.
- Garlic Herb Pearl Onions - Toss the onions with 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves and replace rosemary with thyme or parsley for a classic, aromatic blend.
- Savory Butter-Roasted Pearl Onions - Swap the olive oil for 2 tablespoons melted butter for a richer, deeper flavor.
What To Eat With Roasted Pearl Onions
Roasted pearl onions are wonderfully versatile. Their sweet, caramelized flavor and tender texture pair beautifully with a wide variety of main dishes, vegetables, and holiday classics. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:
- Roast Beef or Prime Rib - Their sweetness complements the richness of hearty roasted meats.
- Grilled or Roasted Chicken - Pearl onions add a flavorful, slightly tangy side to simple roasted poultry.
- Pork Tenderloin or Pork Chops - The caramelized edges pair beautifully with savory pork dishes.
- Steak or Lamb Chops - A perfect steakhouse-style side that brings brightness to rich red meat.
- Meatloaf - Adds a sweet-savory contrast to a comforting classic.
How Long Do They Last?
Roasted pearl onions store surprisingly well, making them a great make-ahead side dish for busy weeknights or holiday meals.
When kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, roasted pearl onions will last 3 to 4 days. Their flavors often deepen as they sit, and the balsamic or seasoning blend becomes even more pronounced.
To reheat, warm them gently in the air fryer, oven, or microwave until heated through.
Can You Freeze Them?
If you’d like even longer storage, roasted pearl onions can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though they may soften slightly upon thawing.
More Spectacular Sides
- If you’re looking for more awesome vegan-friendly side dishes, check out my Rosemary Roasted Potatoes . They’re a super easy side dish and are a great use for those extra potatoes in your pantry.
- If you’re want to keep things low carb and are looking for more great side options, try my Air Fried Cauliflower with Tahini . It makes a great side dish, a healthy snack or just a way to use up extra cauliflower in your fridge.
Did I mention that these Roasted Pearl Onions are vegan . Not to mention, they’re also low carb and make for a healthy snack or side dish. You won’t want to skip this recipe.
Roasted Pearl Onions Recipe | Air Fryer Pearl Onions
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 14.5 oz ( 1 14.5 ounce ) Frozen Pearl Onions
- ▢ 2 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) Olive Oil
- ▢ 2 tablespoons ( 2 tablespoons ) Balsamic Vinegar
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon ( 0.5 teaspoon ) Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/3 teaspoon ( 0.33 teaspoon ) Ground Black Pepper
- ▢ 2 teaspoons ( 2 teaspoons ) finely chopped fresh rosemary
Instructions
Place onions in a medium bowl. Pour in olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Toss to coat.
Transfer the seasoned onions to the air fryer basket.
Set the air fryer to 400°F for 18-20 minutes or until onions are tender and lightly charred, stirring once or twice during the cook time.
Use frozen pearl onions. Do not thaw them before you start. The steam from the thawing onions helps them cook.
Use the sweetest balsamic vinegar you have at hand.
You can mix up all the ingredients ahead of time and put the mixture in the fridge until you are ready to cook.
I used this air fryer to make these onions.
This is the balsamic vinegar I used.
