Pastry chef and cookbook author Benjamina Ebuehi has unveiled a stunning dessert recipe that promises to delight home cooks. Her creation, a silky yoghurt panna cotta crowned with a warm, nutty banana and tahini crumble, offers a sophisticated yet accessible end to any meal.
A Masterclass in Texture and Flavour
This recipe, shared by the former Great British Bake Off contestant, masterfully balances creamy, wobbly panna cotta with a textured, fragrant topping. The panna cotta itself is a simple yet elegant affair, relying on the tang of yoghurt and the subtle sweetness of honey. The crumble introduces an innovative twist, combining ripe bananas with the rich, savoury notes of tahini and a hint of warming cinnamon.
Ebuehi's approach demystifies the panna cotta, often perceived as a restaurant-only dessert. By using yoghurt and a minimal amount of gelatine, she ensures a light result that sets perfectly without being overly firm. The process involves gently heating cream, honey and vanilla before blending with yoghurt and allowing the mixture to chill until set.
The Star of the Show: Banana and Tahini Crumble
While the panna cotta provides the creamy base, the crumble topping is where Ebuehi's creativity truly shines. This is not your standard apple crumble. Instead, sliced bananas are caramelised in a pan with butter and brown sugar. To this, a mixture of oats, flour, more brown sugar, cinnamon, and the star ingredient—tahini—is added. The tahini binds the crumble and toasts in the pan, creating deep, complex flavours and a delightful crunch.
The recipe serves four to six people and is designed to be prepared in stages, making it manageable for a dinner party. The panna cottas need several hours to set, ideally overnight, while the crumble comes together in a matter of minutes just before serving.
Why This Recipe Resonates with Modern Cooks
Benjamina Ebuehi, known for her beautifully spiced bakes and global influences, continues to build her reputation with recipes like this. It exemplifies her style: elegant, flavour-forward, and surprisingly simple to execute. The use of tahini, a pantry staple in many homes, in a dessert context is both contemporary and inspired, adding a layer of sophistication that elevates the entire dish.
This yoghurt panna cotta with banana and tahini crumble is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to confident, modern British baking. It encourages experimentation and proves that stunning desserts don't require complicated techniques or obscure ingredients. With its perfect harmony of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savoury, it's set to become a favourite for those seeking to impress.
