Lemon Verbena Panna Cotta with Honey Glazed Figs

By Pascale Beale

Updated July 2026

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Lemon Verbena Panna Cotta with Honey Glazed Figs

Photography by Pascale's Kitchen Studio

Total Time 2 hours, 25 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Prep Time 15 minutes, plus 2 hrs cooling
Cook Time 10 minutes

Panna cotta, whose literal translation means 'cooked cream' in Italian, is a simple, easy-to-make, and eternally satisfying dessert. They are soft and voluptuous, delicate and luscious. This version is scented with lemon verbena leaves, imparting a delicate floral note to the dish, and topped with gorgeous ripe figs glazed with warm honey. These are perfect for a summer dinner party or languorous Sunday lunch.

 

 

Preparation

  1. 1
    To make the panna cotta, place the milk in a large bowl or Pyrex jug and add the gelatin. Whisk together thoroughly so that the gelatin is fully dissolved in the milk.
  2. 2
    Place the cream, honey, sugar, and lemon verbena leaves in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to ensure the honey has dissolved. As soon as the mixture boils, remove from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
  3. 3
    Slowly incorporate the cream mixture into the milk, whisking constantly. Add the crème fraiche and lemon zest and whisk again. Remove the lemon verbena leaves.
  4. 4
    Carefully pour the panna cotta mixture into eight small bowls or ramekins. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. You can make the dessert up to two days ahead.
  5. 5
    Place the fig quarters on top of each panna cotta.
  6. 6
    Heat the honey with 1 tablespoon of water in a small saucepan. When the mixture is runny and pourable, spoon the warm honey over the figs. Serve immediately.

This recipe is featured in FLAVOUR: Savouring the Seasons-Recipes From The Market Table and also in Let The Ingredients Do The Talking, an article written for Edible Santa Barbara - Summer 2026

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