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.
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.
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.
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.
This lower sugar black sesame panna cotta combines protein-rich Greek yogurt, bold sesame flavor, and spooky lychee ‘eyeballs’ for an elegant Halloween treat.
Sprinkle gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold milk in a small bowl and let sit for 5 minutes until bloomed.
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.
Remove from heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until dissolved completely. Once slightly cooled, whisk in the yogurt and vanilla extract until smooth.
Divide mixture evenly into 4 small ramekins or clear cups. Cover and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or until fully set.
Gently insert a blueberry or grape into each lychee to resemble an eyeball.
Top each panna cotta with two lychee eyeballs. Serve chilled for a spooky, elegant finish.
With its stunning dark hue, creamy mouthfeel, and eerie lychee eyes, this panna cotta brings flair and flavor to your Halloween spread. It balances indulgence and health with elegance that transcends the holiday.
Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped coconut cream, or a sprinkle of crushed toasted sesame seeds. Try infusing the milk with a hint of ginger or star anise for a spiced twist. You can even freeze it in popsicle molds for a spooky frozen treat.
Feel free to customize! Add chia seeds for texture, swirl in a touch of matcha or cocoa, or make it part of a Halloween dessert platter. Whether you lean into the spooky or simply savor the flavor, let this dessert be your canvas.