Save Pin This Hojicha Panna Cotta Parfait is a refined, layered dessert that brings a touch of Japanese fusion to your table. Featuring a base of creamy panna cotta infused with the smoky, roasted notes of hojicha tea, it is beautifully complemented by fresh berries and a crunchy granola layer for a delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Save Pin Whether you are looking for a light end to a dinner or a special afternoon treat, this parfait delivers on both taste and presentation. The 340-calorie serving provides a satisfyingly rich experience without being overly heavy, making it a versatile choice for any dessert occasion.
Ingredients
- 400 ml heavy cream
- 100 ml whole milk
- 2 tbsp hojicha tea leaves (roasted green tea)
- 60 g granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp powdered gelatin
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 150 g mixed fresh berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for maceration)
- 80 g granola (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Gelatin
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat Cream and Milk
- In a saucepan, combine cream and milk. Heat gently over medium heat until just below boiling.
- Step 3: Infuse Hojicha
- Add hojicha tea leaves and let steep for 10 minutes, covered. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing to extract maximum flavor. Discard tea leaves.
- Step 4: Sweeten
- Return infused cream to the saucepan. Add sugar and heat until dissolved, but do not boil.
- Step 5: Combine
- Remove from heat. Stir in bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved, then add vanilla extract.
- Step 6: Set
- Pour the mixture into 4 serving glasses, filling each just under halfway. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, until set.
- Step 7: Prepare Berries
- Meanwhile, toss berries with sugar if desired and let macerate for 10 minutes.
- Step 8: Layer
- Once panna cotta is set, layer a spoonful of granola over each, then add a generous layer of berries.
- Step 9: Finish
- Optionally, repeat layers for a taller parfait. Serve chilled.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
When steeping the tea leaves, ensure the saucepan is covered to keep the heat in and maximize infusion. Pressing the leaves gently during straining helps capture the full depth of the roasted green tea flavor without introducing bitterness.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan alternative, use coconut cream and milk instead of dairy and substitute gelatin with agar-agar. If you prefer a more vibrant green tea flavor, you can replace the hojicha with matcha powder. Additionally, ensure you use gluten-free granola if you have gluten sensitivities.
Serviervorschläge
For the best experience, assemble the granola and berry layers just before serving to ensure the granola stays perfectly crisp. You can present these in tall glasses to showcase the beautiful layers of cream, grain, and fruit.
Save Pin With its earthy undertones and vibrant berry topping, this Hojicha Panna Cotta Parfait is a standout dessert that is as delicious as it is beautiful. Enjoy this chilled treat as a refreshing conclusion to your next meal.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → What does hojicha taste like?
Hojicha is roasted Japanese green tea with a deep, earthy flavor profile. Unlike standard green tea, it has toasty, nutty notes with low caffeine and subtle sweetness. The roasting process reduces bitterness, making it perfect for desserts where you want warmth rather than grassiness.
- → Can I make this parfait ahead of time?
The hojicha panna cotta base needs at least 4 hours to set properly, so it's ideal to prepare it the day before. However, assemble the parfait with granola and berries just before serving to maintain the crunch. The components store separately for up to 2 days.
- → What can I use instead of gelatin?
For vegetarian alternatives, agar-agar works beautifully as a plant-based gelling agent. Use about 1 teaspoon of agar powder for the same firmness. Coconut cream makes an excellent dairy-free substitute for heavy cream while complementing the roasted tea flavors.
- → How do I steep hojicha properly?
Heat your cream and milk mixture until just below boiling, then add the tea leaves. Cover and steep for 8-10 minutes to extract maximum flavor without bitterness. Strain thoroughly through a fine mesh sieve, pressing the leaves to capture all the infused liquid.
- → What berries work best in this parfait?
Mixed berries create lovely color contrast and varied flavors. Strawberries offer sweetness, blueberries provide mild tartness, while raspberries add brightness. Seasonal fruits like sliced peaches or mandarin oranges also complement the earthy hojicha notes beautifully.
- → Can I use matcha instead of hojicha?
Absolutely. Matcha creates a vibrant green version with more grassy, vegetal notes. Use ceremonial or culinary grade powder dissolved directly into the warm cream mixture. The flavor will be more pronounced and the color dramatically different, but equally delicious.