SPICED BANANA PROTEIN PANNA COTTA

Spice Banana Protein Panna Cotta topped with raspberries, caramelized banana, grain-free granola, bee pollen, and cinnamon “sugar” (Lakanto sugar-free monk fruit sweetener and ground cinnamon).

This easy no-bake gelatin dessert (or breakfast!) has a lovely spiced banana flavour and a unique texture reminiscent of panna cotta — or a cross between jello and pudding.  It’s packed with healthy fats and protein and comes together in the blender in a matter of minutes.

For anyone unfamiliar with gelatin, it’s a water-soluble protein derived from collagen.  It's nearly colourless and tasteless and works well as a gelling agent.  You can read more about it in my article on the gut microbiome and gut-brain-axis, but collagen is believed to have numerous benefits in terms of skin, bone/joint, and digestive health.  

Spiced Banana Protein Panna Cotta topped with banana, blueberries, golden berries, pomegranate arils, cacao nibs, Rawcology Banana Maca grain-free granola, diced protein bar, and cinnamon “sugar” (Lakanto Classic sugar-free monk fruit sweetener mixed with cinnamon).

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 3 medium ripe bananas

• 1 can coconut milk (light or full-fat) OR 1 cup full-fat coconut milk plus 3/4 cup unsweetened almond or nut-free milk, see note below*)

• 2 to 3 Tbsp Further Food gelatin powder (see note below*)

• 2 Tbsp Nuzest Clean Lean Smooth Vanilla protein powder (optional)

• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 

• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom, or more to taste

• pinch of sea salt

• 1-3 Tbsp ZenSweet or Lakanto Powdered sugar-free monk fruit sweetener, or sweetener of choice, adjusted to taste

• optional toppings: berries, kiwi, caramelized or ripe banana, granola, diced protein bar, bee pollen, Giddy Yo cacao nibs, Lakanto sugar-free chocolate bark, coconut chips, cinnamon “sugar” (combine 1 Tbsp Lakanto or ZenSweet granular monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar with 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon), nut butter, or toppings of choice

*Notes: Full-fat coconut milk creates a thicker, richer pudding. Use 2 tablespoons gelatin for a creamier pudding and 3 tablespoons for a thicker, more jello-like consistency.

Directions

1. Put banana, coconut milk, almond milk, gelatin, protein powder, vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt into a food processor or blender container and blend until smooth. Adjust spices and add sweetener to taste.

2. Pour into a bowl or single-serving ramekins and chill overnight or for a minimum of 2 hours before serving.

Spiced Banana Protein Panna Cotta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Serve chilled with your choice of toppings.

Spiced Banana Protein Panna Cotta topped with diced protein bar, Rawcology Banana Maca grain-free granola, sweet beet-flavoured coconut chips, Lakanto sugar-free chocolate chips, cinnamon “sugar” (ZenSweet monk fruit sweetener mixed with cinnamon), and Fatso Salted Caramel peanut butter.