Hojicha Panna Cotta

Hojicha Panna Cotta is a Japanese-inspired dessert that combines the creamy richness of traditional panna cotta with the smoky, roasted flavours of hojicha – a green tea that’s been roasted to give it a warm, earthy taste. This recipe is so simple, even my Mom approves!

The smooth, velvety texture of the panna cotta is subtly infused with the distinctive, slightly caramelized notes of hojicha, creating a beautiful balance of flavours. Hojicha Panna Cotta offers a unique twist on a classic dessert, perfect for those who enjoy both tea and delicate sweets.

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What is Hojicha Panna Cotta?

Hojicha Panna Cotta is a silky, custard-like dessert infused with hojicha, a roasted Japanese green tea. Unlike traditional matcha, hojicha has a warm, earthy flavor with hints of caramel and nuttiness, which pairs beautifully with the creamy panna cotta base. This dessert is perfect for those who enjoy the depth of roasted tea with a lighter, refreshing texture.

Here’s Why You Will Love Hojicha Panna Cotta

• Flavourful: The roasted hojicha tea adds a cozy, nutty richness to the creamy panna cotta, creating a balance of earthy and sweet notes.
• Easy to Prepare: Despite its elegant appearance, panna cotta is straightforward to make. You’ll need only a few steps to create this impressive dessert.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Hojicha panna cotta can be enjoyed on its own, topped with fresh fruits, or paired with syrups like black sesame or honey for added depth.
• No baking is involved. I mean, I love to bake, don’t get me wrong. But with this recipe, all you need to do is mix and chill.
• No fancy equipment needed: All you need are basic kitchen items: one pot, measuring cups and spoons and ramekins or serving glasses.
• Great for preparation: This dessert is great for making ahead if you are hosting a dinner party, as it needs time to chill and set.
• Treat yourself: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to something special, hojicha panna cotta is a dessert that’s sure to impress. Its delicate, balanced flavours make it a perfect ending to a meal.

Equipment and Tools to Make Hojicha Panna Cotta

Pot: To heat up cream and milk

Measuring spoons and cups: To measure ingredients

Small ramekins or servings: For setting panna cotta

Ingredients

Alright, let’s make our shopping list! To make this recipe, you will need…

Heavy cream: The base of panna cotta, lending a smooth, luxurious texture.

Milk: Lightens the creaminess slightly for a balanced taste. Use your milk of choice but I use whole milk for this recipe.

Hojicha tea bags: For that signature roasted flavour.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the hojicha.

Gelatin: The key ingredient that sets the panna cotta into a silky, spoonable consistency.

How to Make Hojicha Panna Cotta

Let’s make this dish!

Steep the Hojicha: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sugar. Heat over medium until just below boiling. Remove from heat and add hojicha tea bags. Let it steep for about 10 minutes. Remove tea bags and squeeze to extract additional flavour.

Combine Gelatin and Cream: While the cream is infusing, bloom the gelatin by sprinkling it over the 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften, then stir it to the warm milk mixture until dissolved.

Pour and Set: Divide the mixture evenly among 6 ramekins. Allow to come to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours until set.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve straight from the ramekin or unmold onto a plate, garnished with dusting of cocoa powder and roasted peanuts.

Hojicha Panna Cotta Options and Substitutions

Want to mix things up with this recipe?

• Vegan Option: Substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and plant-based milk, and use agar-agar instead of gelatin.
• Sweetness Adjustments: Adjust the sugar based on your preferred level of sweetness, or try alternatives like honey or maple syrup.
• Flavour Variations: Add a dash of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, spiced twist, or mix in black sesame paste for an extra layer of flavour. Try pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream, some toasted nuts, or even a splash of yuzu for a citrusy contrast.
• Hojicha Syrup: For a sweet and aromatic drizzle, try making a simple syrup infused with hojicha tea. You can brew hojicha tea, then reduce it with sugar to create a rich syrup to pour over the panna cotta for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Hojicha Panna Cotta can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, make sure the surface is sealed to prevent it from absorbing other flavours in the fridge.

Make Ahead Options

This dessert is great for making ahead, as it needs time to chill and set. Prepare it up to 2 days before serving, then store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.

Recipe Tips

Be gentle with the gelatin: Avoid boiling the mixture after adding gelatin, as it can prevent proper setting.

Experiment with toppings: Try topping your panna cotta with matcha powder, fresh berries, or crushed nuts for texture and contrast.

Use hojicha loose leaf or powder: If you don’t have hojicha tea bags, use 3 tbsp hojicha tea loose leaves or 1 tbsp hojicha powder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hojicha Panna Cotta taste like? Panna cotta is known for its simplicity and elegance—just a few basic ingredients like cream, milk, sugar, and gelatin come together to create a smooth, delicate custard-like dessert. The infusion of hojicha into the cream mixture creates a luscious, custardy dessert with a deep, comforting flavour profile. It’s like enjoying a warm cup of hojicha but in the form of a cool, silky treat—a perfect balance of creamy and smoky. You will love this!

What is hojicha? Hojicha is a type of green tea that’s roasted at high temperatures, giving it a warm, toasty flavour profile. It has a rich, almost caramelized taste with a smoky undertone. The roasting process reduces the tea’s bitterness, making it smoother and less caffeinated. Its slightly sweet, earthy taste pairs beautifully to panna cotta, which traditionally has a gentle flavour.

Can I make this with matcha instead of hojicha? Yes! Matcha will give a bright green color. However, it’s recommended to reduce the amount, as matcha has a stronger taste than hojicha.

How can I unmold panna cotta without breaking it? Apply a thin layer of neutral oil around the ramekin before pouring the panna cotta in. Once set, run a thin knife around the edges, then dip the ramekin’s base briefly in hot water to loosen. Gently invert onto a plate to serve.

What other flavours pair well with hojicha? Hojicha pairs beautifully with vanilla, black sesame, chocolate, and even floral notes like lavender.

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Lastly, if you make my Hojicha Panna Cotta be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a star rating! I love to hear from you guys and respond to each and every comment. Also, don’t forget to tag me @cookwith.chopsticks and #cookwithchopsticks on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you have made makes me sooooo happy! You can also follow along on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest.