Mango Panna Cotta Recipe

No-Bake, No-Stress: This Mango Panna Cotta Is the Easiest Fancy Dessert Ever

There’s something about summer that just begs for light, refreshing desserts. And if you’re anything like me—constantly balancing work, family, and a love for food—you want something that looks elegant but doesn’t take all day to make. Enter: Mango Panna Cotta. This silky, fruity, no-bake dessert is a total game changer.

As a food writer and home cook, I’ve spent years testing desserts that promise “easy” and “impressive.” Some flop, some fly, but this one? This is a forever favorite. The creamy coconut panna cotta base, topped with a vibrant mango layer, is as photogenic as it is delicious. And the best part? It’s healthy, vegan-friendly, and absolutely no-stress—ideal for summer, perfect for your dessert table, and guaranteed to wow your guests.

This is not just another panna cotta recipe mango fans will scroll past—this is one you'll save, share, and make on repeat.

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What Is Panna Cotta?

Panna cotta, meaning “cooked cream” in Italian, is a traditional dessert made by simmering cream with sugar and a setting agent (typically gelatin), then chilling it until it becomes firm but jiggly.

In this recipe, I’m giving panna cotta a tropical twist. We’re using full-fat coconut milk in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free base, and agar agar—a natural gelling agent derived from seaweed—instead of gelatin. That makes this version vegetarian, lighter, and wonderfully summery.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Mango Panna Cotta

No oven required—perfect for hot weather or when you're short on time.

Made with agar agar—no gelatin, no animal products.

Coconut and mango combo—rich, creamy, and fresh with real fruit flavor.

Ideal for entertaining—serve in glasses or jars for your next dessert table.

Healthy & dairy-free—no refined sugar if you opt for maple syrup.

Trust me, this is the best summer dessert to keep in your back pocket.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Exact Measurements)

Coconut Panna Cotta Base:

1 ½ cups full-fat coconut milk

¼ cup maple syrup (or honey)

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

½ tsp agar agar powder

Mango Layer:

1 cup mango purée (from 2 ripe mangoes)

1 tbsp water

¼ tsp agar agar powder

1 tbsp maple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness of mango)

Garnish (Optional):

Fresh mango chunks

Mint leaves

Toasted coconut flakes

How to Make Mango Panna Cotta (Mango Layer on Top)

This two-layer beauty is all about timing. We’ll start with the creamy coconut base, let it set, then finish with the golden mango top.

Step 1: Make the Coconut Panna Cotta Base

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together:

• 1 ½ cups coconut milk
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp agar agar powder

2. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes to fully dissolve the agar agar.

3. Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes, then pour into 4–6 serving glasses or jars, filling each about two-thirds of the way.

4. Transfer to the fridge and chill for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until fully set. The surface should feel firm to the touch.

Step 2: Prepare the Mango Layer

1. Blend 2 ripe mangoes until smooth (you need 1 cup of purée).

2. In a small saucepan, mix:

• 1 cup mango purée
• 1 tbsp water
• ¼ tsp agar agar powder
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (if your mangoes aren’t super sweet)

3. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for about 1–2 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and let cool for 5–10 minutes—just enough to avoid melting the coconut layer.

5. Pour the mango mixture gently over the fully set coconut panna cotta base.

6. Return to the fridge for another hour until the mango layer is firm.

Step 3: Garnish & Serve

Top with fresh mango, toasted coconut, or mint. Serve chilled and enjoy that stunning two-layer look—and creamy, fruity bite.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Panna Cotta

Go for ripe mangoes. Look for soft, fragrant mangoes with vibrant yellow-orange flesh (Alphonso or Ataulfo are amazing).

Use full-fat coconut milk. It gives the panna cotta its creamy richness. Avoid “lite” versions.

Watch the agar agar. Too much can turn your dessert rubbery. Stick to the exact measurements.

Layer slowly. Pour mango over a spoon to disperse it gently and prevent mixing.

Essential Tools to Make It Even Easier

Here are my favorite Amazon finds that take this recipe from simple to simply stunning:

1. Agar Powder Telephone Brand Agar 25g

A pantry must-have if you’re moving away from gelatin. This powder dissolves easily and sets quickly, giving your desserts a beautiful finish without altering the flavor.

Buy on Amazon

Stock your pantry with this vegan-friendly gelling agent—it’s your secret weapon for no-bake desserts.

2. yarlung 9 Pack Small Glass Dessert Bowls

These chic glasses show off the layered colors of your panna cotta beautifully, making them perfect for dinner parties, brunches, or that Instagram shot.

Buy on Amazon

Upgrade your presentation game and turn a simple dessert into a showstopper.

3. Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender

Smooth mango purée is key here. This small but powerful blender does the job perfectly—no chunks, no mess, just a silky fruit layer every time.

Buy on Amazon

Say goodbye to lumpy fruit purée—this blender makes it foolproof.

Variations to Try

You can absolutely make this recipe your own with these fun spins:

Berry Topper – Swap mango for blended strawberries or raspberries.

Pineapple-Coconut – Add a thin layer of pineapple jelly for a piña colada vibe.

Mini Jar Versions – Perfect for portion control and ideal for party dessert tables.

Coconut Chocolate – Add a layer of dark chocolate ganache beneath the mango.

Why It’s the Best Summer Dessert

You get the richness of a classic Italian panna cotta with the freshness of seasonal fruit—and without turning on the oven. It’s ideal for:

Brunch spreads

Picnics and BBQs

Girls’ nights in

Baby showers or birthdays

And let’s be real: it just makes you look like you have it all together when you bring this to the table.

Final Thoughts: From My Kitchen to Yours

When I first tested this version of mango panna cotta, it was one of those spur-of-the-moment kitchen experiments. I had leftover coconut milk, ripe mangoes, and just enough agar agar in the cupboard. One hour later, I was in love.

Now it’s one of my signature summer desserts, and I’ve shared it at everything from casual cookouts to elegant dinner parties. It’s that one recipe that never fails—and always impresses.

So the next time you're craving something light but luxurious, give this a go. Whether you're an experienced home cook or just finding your rhythm in the kitchen, this easy panna cotta recipe mango style is a foolproof hit.