Maple Panna Cotta

This Maple Panna Cotta is a light and creamy fall dessert that’s simple to make and impressive to serve holiday dinner guests!

Maple Panna Cotta

Autumn in New England is something truly special. The trees are alive with color, the harvests are bountiful, and the holidays are straight out of a storybook. Generally, the dessert table is covered with things like Grammie’s Apple Pie and Pumpkin Crumble Cake, but I think it’s important to lighten things up every now and then with dishes like this Maple Panna Cotta.

It might seem weird to serve up an Italian dessert for Thanksgiving, but I promise you when you use seasonal New England ingredients like maple syrup, blueberries, cranberries, and Hood® Cream’s thick and delicious Heavy Cream, this dish is an impressive holiday hit just waiting to happen! I’m so excited to be partnering with Hood again this holiday season to bring you delicious recipes your family with love!

I love using Hood Cream because it’s a product I can rely on, it shows up to the party and delivers a knockout performance every time. It’s also the key ingredient in my Peanut Butter Frosting and Vanilla Icing and what makes them truly magical recipes! Hood dairy products have been a household staple for generations, especially around the holidays when eggnog and whipped cream are in high demand!

Funny enough though, the idea for this recipe didn’t come to me while I was in Italy this year or ever here at home in Maine! I was actually in Australia of all places when I saw it on the restaurant menus as part of a brunch dish. I immediately knew it was something I needed to try and make back home.

Earlier this year, you guys loved my Buttermilk Panna Cotta, and it’s still one of my favorite dinner party desserts. Panna Cotta is so elegant, but it’s actually really easy to make and doesn’t require a ton of technique. All you need is a handful of basic ingredients, a few minutes of waiting and warming and several hours of chilling and you’re left with this silky, creamy, and rich dessert you can brag about!

What Is Panna Cotta?

Panna Cotta is a basic soft-set pudding made of dairy that has been thickened using gelatin.

Where Did Panna Cotta Originate?

Northern Italy.

What Does Panna Cotta Mean?

It means cooked cream. When it first originated, the cream was simmered with fish bones to help it thicken. Thank goodness we have gelatin for that now, amirite?

Is Panna Cotta Gluten Free?

Why yes, it is, so glad you asked!

How Long Does Panna Cotta Last?

Once made, Panna Cotta can be left in the refrigerator for two days without toppings, before being served. This makes it a really great make-ahead dessert for the holidays!