Pumpkin panna cotta is a dessert that bridges the gap between elegance and comfort, making it perfect for both festive gatherings and cozy evenings at home. Panna cotta, with its silky smooth texture, is already beloved for its simplicity and refined appeal. When pumpkin is added to the mix, it transforms into something seasonal, warming, and uniquely inviting. The natural creaminess of pumpkin purée blends seamlessly with the richness of the custard base, creating a dessert that feels both luxurious and approachable.
What makes pumpkin panna cotta stand out is the way it carries familiar autumn flavors in such a delicate form. Notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add warmth without overwhelming the creamy backdrop, while the pumpkin lends subtle sweetness and depth. It’s essentially the essence of a pumpkin pie captured in a refined, spoonable treat. Unlike heavier desserts, panna cotta is light on the palate, which makes it a refreshing choice after a hearty dinner. Each spoonful feels indulgent yet never cloying, striking the right balance between richness and ease.
This dessert also shines in its presentation. Served in clear glasses, ramekins, or even unmolded onto a plate, it offers a clean, elegant look that can be dressed up with simple garnishes. A dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed gingersnaps, or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate it further, adding contrast in both texture and taste. For a more rustic touch, toasted nuts, candied pecans or candied pumpkin seeds make excellent toppings, enhancing the earthy character of the dish.
Pumpkin panna cotta has a versatility that allows it to fit into a variety of occasions. It can feel festive on a holiday table, especially around Thanksgiving, yet it also works beautifully as a make-ahead dessert for dinner parties, freeing up time for the host. Its subtle sweetness pairs well with coffee, spiced teas, or even dessert wines, making it a treat that lingers pleasantly on the palate. Ultimately, this dessert is a celebration of the season, capturing the comforting flavors of pumpkin in a form that is light, elegant, and utterly memorable.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream preferably organic
- 1 cup pumpkin puree canned or homemade
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 1/4 teaspoons gelatin unflavored powdered
- 3 tablespoons water cool
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over water and let it bloom for about 5-10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved and mixture is hot, but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved.
- Pour mixture into serving glasses or ramekins. Let them cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Serve chilled, optionally garnished with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Nutrition
I read that you can use agar-agar instead of gelatin. I might try that next time.
Yum! Pumpkin flavor is perfect for fall. Easy to make too.
Not a fan of panna cotta. It’s just fancy jello to me.
Very simple, but I thought it would be more pumpkiny. Need more pumpkin flavor.
I totally get it! I was expecting a stronger pumpkin taste too. Maybe adding more puree next time would help?
More pumpkin? How much do you want? It’s Panna Cotta, not a pumpkin pie!
So creamy and smooth! Absolutely loved it! Will make again for Thanksgiving.
I tried this but didn’t have gelatin. It didn’t set as expected. Is there a substitute?
Isn’t panna cotta Italian? Why is there pumpkin in it? Confusing.
This is too much sugar! I cut it down to 1/4 cup and it was still sweet, too sweet for my taste.
Too sweet? I think if you add some salt it balances the sweetness! Just my opinion.
I thought the sugar amount was just right! Maybe you could try using a different sweetener next time?
This recipe is delicious! I made it for a family gathering and everyone loved it. Thank you!
So glad to hear everyone loved it! I can’t wait to try it for my next get-together! Thanks for sharing!
I don’t know… It sounded good but I think it could be too sweet. How much sugar do you need, really?
Not a fan. The texture was weird and it tasted more like fall candles than dessert.
I thought it was going to taste like pumpkin pie but it was kinda bland.
Bland? Are you sure you followed the recipe? I loved it! It’s a delicate flavor.
I agree, it can be a bit bland. Maybe try adding more spices or a pinch of salt next time?
Absolutely loved it! Perfect for fall! 🎃🍮
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s really a cozy dessert for the season! 🎉
Easy to make, turned out great! Will make again. 👍
How does it taste? I hate pumpkin but my family loves it. Can I even make this??
Thumbs up! <3
Can I substitute the unflavored gelatin with something else? Not sure where to find it.
You can use agar-agar instead of gelatin! It’s a great vegan substitute. Just be sure to adjust the amount since it’s more potent than gelatin.
I could totally eat this every day! So smakkkkky!
Gelled too much for my liking… kind of like a rubbery pumpkin pudding.
Super easy to make! I substituted almond milk for cream, and it still worked out great!
This was a hit at my dinner party! So creamy and delicious!
Creamy? Sounds great, but pumpkin in a dessert? Hmm, not sure. Wouldn’t that be better in a pie?
I’m glad it turned out well for you! Panna cotta is such a crowd-pleaser, especially with pumpkin! 🎃
I found it way too sweet for my taste. Maybe cut the sugar in half? 🤔
I didn’t have cinnamon so I used pepper and it was weird…
Using pepper instead of cinnamon? That’s a bold move! I guess you’ve made it unique, but I wouldn’t recommend that swap. 😂
Yummmm! Made it for thanksgiving and everyone went bananas!
I dunno, I’ve tried panna cotta before and it was too jiggly for me. Gonna stick with pie.
That’s awesome! Glad it was a hit! 🎉 Pumpkins are the best in fall!
Ain’t panna cotta just fancy pudding? Not sure why it needs so many steps. 😒
Yeah, it kinda is! But this one is way better than boring old pudding. Just give it a chance! 😉
Why use so much cream? Can’t you just mix everything and be done? Seems like overkill.
This is the best pumpkin panna cotta I’ve ever tried! Super creamy and delicious! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I tried making this too, but it didn’t turn out as creamy. Maybe my gelatin was old? 🤔
It was too sweet for me. Next time, I will reduce the sugar.
Why would you wanna reduce the sugar? It’s a dessert! Sweet is the point! Lol.
I totally get that! I think the pumpkin flavor should shine more than the sugar. Reducing it sounds great!
This recipe was a hit at my dinner party! Super creamy and delicious!
Panna cotta? More like panna COTTA away! Hehe, try it 👌
Haha, good one! I’m definitely gonna try this recipe out! Sounds delish 😋.
I was skeptical about using gelatin, but it turned out great. Thanks for the tip!
Wow, this is a hit! I didn’t have nutmeg so I used some cloves, and it still rocked. 👍
Followed the recipe to a T, and it was… meh. Very average. Won’t make again. 🥴
That’s a bummer! I really loved this recipe. Did you maybe miss a step?
Meh? Really? I think this is a classic! Maybe you just don’t like panna cotta?