❤️ Introduction
Elegant, fresh, and deeply flavorful, this Vanilla Yogurt Panna Cotta paired with Balsamic Thyme Roasted Peaches and Nectarines is a dessert that perfectly balances creamy indulgence with summery brightness. It’s easy to prepare ahead, beautiful to present, and so good your guests will think it came from a gourmet patisserie. 🍑🌿
With the tang of Greek yogurt, the smooth richness of panna cotta, and a drizzle of roasted stone fruit glazed with honey and balsamic, this recipe is a celebration of texture, flavor, and fragrance. Whether you’re entertaining or treating yourself, this dish is pure magic on a spoon.

🛒 Ingredients
🍑 For the Roasted Peaches & Nectarines
- 4 peaches or nectarines (or a mix), sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of salt
🍮 For the Vanilla Yogurt Panna Cotta
- 2½ tsp unflavoured gelatin
- 4 tbsp cold water
- 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole-milk Greek yogurt
👨🍳 Directions
Step 1: Roast the Peaches & Nectarines
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Lay the peach/nectarine slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with the reduction and place thyme sprigs on top.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until softened and caramelized. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Panna Cotta
- Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let bloom for 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, heat milk or cream and sugar over medium heat until sugar dissolves (do not boil).
- Remove from heat and stir in gelatin and vanilla until fully dissolved.
- Whisk Greek yogurt in a bowl until smooth. Slowly incorporate the warm milk mixture.
- Pour into ramekins or glasses and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 3: Assemble & Serve
- Top each panna cotta with roasted fruit.
- Drizzle with additional honey.
- Garnish with fresh thyme.
⏱️ Servings & Time
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: ~5 hours
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve in clear glasses to show off layers.
- Add a scoop of vanilla or honey ice cream beside it.
- Finish with chopped pistachios or almonds.
- Sprinkle with edible flowers for presentation.
🔄 Variations
- Berry Topping: Use strawberries or blueberries instead of peaches.
- Herb Swap: Try rosemary or mint instead of thyme.
- Maple Roasting: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a richer caramel tone.
- Vegan Version: Use coconut milk and agar-agar instead of gelatin and dairy.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Store panna cotta and fruit separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Do not freeze; texture will change.
- Warm fruit in microwave for 30 seconds if preferred warm.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Can I use low-fat yogurt? Yes, but full-fat offers better texture.
- Do I need to peel the peaches? Optional — roasting softens skins.
- Can I use nectarines only? Absolutely, or a mix.
- What’s the best substitute for gelatin? Use agar-agar for a vegan version.
- Is balsamic too strong? It mellows beautifully when reduced and roasted.
- Can I add more fruit? Yes! Berries, figs, or plums work well.
- How long does it take to set? About 4 hours minimum.
- Is the yogurt flavor strong? It’s balanced and mild with cream and vanilla.
- Can I use honey Greek yogurt? Yes, just reduce the sweetener slightly.
- Can I make one big panna cotta? Yes, use a single dish and scoop to serve.

💡 Pro Tips
- Don’t boil your cream — just warm enough to dissolve sugar.
- Whisk yogurt well before combining for a smooth finish.
- Chill glasses before pouring for quicker set time.
- Roasting the fruit enhances flavor and creates a glossy finish.
🏁 Conclusion
Light yet luxurious, this Vanilla Yogurt Panna Cotta with Balsamic Thyme Roasted Peaches and Nectarines brings elegance to your table with minimal effort. From the silky spoonful of panna cotta to the sweet and tangy roasted fruit, it’s a combination that never fails to impress.
This is the kind of dessert that turns a weeknight dinner into a fine dining experience or steals the spotlight at your next brunch. Fresh, fragrant, and filled with flavor — it’s a seasonal masterpiece that deserves a permanent place in your dessert rotation.

Vanilla Yogurt Panna Cotta With Balsamic Thyme Roasted Peaches & Nectarines
Ingredients
🍑 For the Roasted Peaches & Nectarines
- 4 peaches or nectarines or a mix, sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme plus more for garnish
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey plus extra for drizzling
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of salt
🍮 For the Vanilla Yogurt Panna Cotta
- 2½ tsp unflavoured gelatin
- 4 tbsp cold water
- 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole-milk Greek yogurt
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Peaches & Nectarines
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Lay the peach/nectarine slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with the reduction and place thyme sprigs on top.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until softened and caramelized. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Panna Cotta
- Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let bloom for 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, heat milk or cream and sugar over medium heat until sugar dissolves (do not boil).
- Remove from heat and stir in gelatin and vanilla until fully dissolved.
- Whisk Greek yogurt in a bowl until smooth. Slowly incorporate the warm milk mixture.
- Pour into ramekins or glasses and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 3: Assemble & Serve
- Top each panna cotta with roasted fruit.
- Drizzle with additional honey.
- Garnish with fresh thyme.
Notes
Serve in clear glasses to show off layers. Add a scoop of vanilla or honey ice cream beside it. Finish with chopped pistachios or almonds. Sprinkle with edible flowers for presentation. 🔄 Variations
Berry Topping: Use strawberries or blueberries instead of peaches. Herb Swap: Try rosemary or mint instead of thyme. Maple Roasting: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a richer caramel tone. Vegan Version: Use coconut milk and agar-agar instead of gelatin and dairy. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store panna cotta and fruit separately in the fridge for up to 4 days. Do not freeze; texture will change. Warm fruit in microwave for 30 seconds if preferred warm. ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use low-fat yogurt? Yes, but full-fat offers better texture. Do I need to peel the peaches? Optional — roasting softens skins. Can I use nectarines only? Absolutely, or a mix. What’s the best substitute for gelatin? Use agar-agar for a vegan version. Is balsamic too strong? It mellows beautifully when reduced and roasted. Can I add more fruit? Yes! Berries, figs, or plums work well. How long does it take to set? About 4 hours minimum. Is the yogurt flavor strong? It’s balanced and mild with cream and vanilla. Can I use honey Greek yogurt? Yes, just reduce the sweetener slightly. Can I make one big panna cotta? Yes, use a single dish and scoop to serve. 💡 Pro Tips
Don’t boil your cream — just warm enough to dissolve sugar. Whisk yogurt well before combining for a smooth finish. Chill glasses before pouring for quicker set time. Roasting the fruit enhances flavor and creates a glossy finish. 🏁 Conclusion
Light yet luxurious, this Vanilla Yogurt Panna Cotta with Balsamic Thyme Roasted Peaches and Nectarines brings elegance to your table with minimal effort. From the silky spoonful of panna cotta to the sweet and tangy roasted fruit, it’s a combination that never fails to impress. This is the kind of dessert that turns a weeknight dinner into a fine dining experience or steals the spotlight at your next brunch. Fresh, fragrant, and filled with flavor — it’s a seasonal masterpiece that deserves a permanent place in your dessert rotation.