Looking for a light, creamy plant-based dessert without coconut or soy? This vegan panna cotta made with homemade sunflower milk is smooth, neutral in flavor and easy to customize with fresh fruit, berry sauce or a simple syrup. Perfect for anyone following a Mediterranean-inspired or dairy-free lifestyle.

About This Vegan Panna Cotta Recipe

• Category: Dessert
• Diet: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ soaking time)
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour

Vegan Panna Cotta Base: Homemade Sunflower Seed Milk

Ingredients Sunflower Milk

• 1 cup (150–160 g) hulled sunflower seeds
• 4 cups water (950 ml)
• Pinch of salt

Optional for desserts:

• 1–2 tsp maple syrup (5–10 ml)
• ¼ tsp vanilla powder or 1–2 tsp vanilla extract (1–2 tsp / 5–10 ml)

Instructions Sunflower Milk

1. Soak sunflower seeds in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Using homemade milk makes this Vegan Panna Cotta smoother and more balanced.
3. Drain and rinse well.
4. Add seeds, water, salt, and optional sweeteners to a blender.
5. Blend on high speed for about 1 minute until smooth.
6. Strain through a nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or fine sieve.

Storage

Keep refrigerated up to 3 days. Shake before using. The leftover pulp can be added to porridge, baking, or savory dishes.

Vegan Panna Cotta

Vegan Panna Cotta Ingredients

• 2 cups plant milk (500 ml) — sunflower milk recommended
• 1–2 tbsp sugar (15–30 ml)
• 2 tsp agar-agar powder (approx. 4–5 g, follow package instructions)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (2–3 ml), or to taste
• Optional: small strip lemon zest

How to Make Vegan Panna Cotta

1. Pour the plant milk into a saucepan and add sugar, vanilla and lemon zest if using.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Once the liquid reaches a gentle boil, add agar-agar and simmer for about 1 minute while stirring.
4. Remove from heat and pour into serving cups, leaving about ½ inch (1 cm) space at the top.
5. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until fully set.

Serving Suggestions

Top with fresh berries, fruit puree, jam, or a light syrup.
To unmold, briefly dip the cups into hot water and gently invert onto a plate.

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Chef’s Notes

• Agar-agar must be heated to activate — do not skip the simmering step.
• The texture firms up more in the refrigerator.
• For a softer panna cotta, slightly reduce the agar-agar amount.

Nutrition Information

Vegan Panna Cotta Nutrition (Approximate)

Calories: 165 kcal
Fat: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Protein: 4 g
Sugar: 9 g
Fiber: 2 g