Introduction
This eerie yet elegant dessert fuses creamy Greek yogurt panna cotta with rich black sesame paste, creating a protein-packed treat that’s hauntingly beautiful. Topped with lychee “eyeballs,” this silky panna cotta is a Halloween showstopper—gothic yet graceful, nutritious yet indulgent. It dances between spooky and sophisticated, ideal for health-conscious ghouls craving something sweet.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Panna cotta, meaning “cooked cream” in Italian, is a staple in Italian dessert culture, known for its silky, delicate texture. This version draws from East Asian flavor palettes—black sesame and lychee—bringing a cross-cultural twist to the creamy classic. Black sesame is prized in Chinese and Japanese cuisine for its nutty depth and health benefits, while lychee adds a haunting translucence and subtle floral sweetness.
Unique Ingredients and Flavors
The bold nuttiness of black sesame pairs beautifully with the tangy creaminess of Greek yogurt. Unflavored gelatin gives structure without altering taste, and monk fruit sweetener or maple syrup keeps it low sugar without sacrificing flavor. Lychees are peeled and pitted, then filled with blueberries or black grapes to resemble “eyeballs,” adding spooky charm and refreshing juiciness.
Cooking Techniques
This panna cotta requires gentle heating and precise whisking to incorporate the sesame paste and gelatin smoothly. The key is to never boil the mixture, as overheating can ruin the delicate structure. Chill time is crucial—plan ahead to give your dessert 4-6 hours to set perfectly. The final result is a custard-like texture that melts in the mouth with dramatic flair.
Black Sesame Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta – Lower Sugar
Description
This lower sugar black sesame panna cotta combines protein-rich Greek yogurt, bold sesame flavor, and spooky lychee ‘eyeballs’ for an elegant Halloween treat.
Ingredients for Black Sesame Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta – Lower Sugar
Panna Cotta Base
Lychee Eyeball Topping
Instructions
Preparing the Panna Cotta
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Bloom the Gelatin
Sprinkle gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold milk in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes until bloomed.
This step ensures smooth integration into the warm mixture. -
Heat and Combine Ingredients
In a saucepan, gently heat the remaining milk, cream, black sesame paste, and sweetener over low heat until steaming (do not boil). Stir constantly to blend sesame paste.
Keep temperature under 120°F to avoid separating dairy. -
Add Gelatin and Yogurt
Remove from heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until dissolved completely. Once slightly cooled, whisk in the yogurt and vanilla extract until smooth.
Let it cool slightly before adding yogurt to prevent curdling. -
Pour and Chill
Divide mixture evenly into 4 small ramekins or clear cups. Cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or until fully set.
Clear glasses allow the black color to shine through for spooky effect.
Preparing the Eyeballs and Serving
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Prepare Lychee Eyeballs
Gently insert a blueberry or grape into each lychee to resemble an eyeball.
Do this just before serving for best appearance. -
Garnish and Serve
Top each panna cotta with two lychee eyeballs. Serve chilled for a spooky, elegant finish.
Optional drizzle of black sesame paste or honey for dramatic presentation.
Note
- Do not skip blooming the gelatin—it prevents grainy texture.
- Black sesame paste can stain; handle carefully to avoid mess.
- Let the panna cotta cool slightly before adding yogurt to keep it silky.
- To make it vegan, try agar-agar and coconut yogurt (results may vary).
- Store panna cotta in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered tightly.
- For a stronger sesame taste, increase paste to 3 tablespoons.
- Serve in clear dessert glasses for a dramatic monochrome effect.
- You can use silicone molds for a shaped unmolded presentation.
