This Apple Pie Panna Cotta is all the flavors of an apple pie without all the work.
It's an easy make-ahead no bake dessert perfect for Thanksgiving!
Easy no bake dessert
When it comes to cooking, I have a few things firmly set in my knowledge base. Things that I can cook without a recipe, without too much thought. Most of them are simple main dishes like soups or pastas and my every day granola.
The only dessert that falls into this category is panna cotta. Probably because it involves no baking.
I'm terrified of dessert baking. So, when I need an easy no bake dessert, panna cottas are at the top of my list.
Like these Vanilla Yogurt Panna Cotta with Honey and Candied Walnuts, Nutella Panna Cotta with Candied Hazelnuts and Chocolate Panna Cotta with Spiced Pepita Brittle.
Make ahead Thanksgiving dessert
After I made this panna cotta, I realized that everything I loved about it, would make it a great Thanksgiving dessert! No baking, which is great because your oven is already filled with turkey and stuff, right!
It's make ahead. One less thing to think about on Thanksgiving.
You can serve it in pretty cups for a nice presentation. These were cups from my great grandmothers china.
Anywho, back to this panna cotta. I can do a panna cotta with one hand tied behind my back. I was wanting an apple pie, but...hello...pie crust...so not going to happen..or at least not yet.
Instead I took the apple pie flavors and added them to a panna cotta - with bonus low carb points! This tastes like an apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream.
More apple recipes:
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Recipe
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Apple Pie Panna Cotta
Ingredients
Panna Cotta
Apples
- 2 apples peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a small saute pan. Add apples and stir to coat. Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir over medium heat until apples caramelize and soften. About 10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Pour ½ cup milk into a shallow bowl and sprinkle with the gelatin. Let soften for 5 minutes.
- Pour remaining milk and all of the cream into a medium saucepan. Add vanilla, the sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add gelatin mixture from the bowl and stir until gelatin dissolves.
- Spoon apples evenly into 6 individual ramekins or jars. Pour ½ cup of the milk mixture into each ramekin.
- Refrigerate for at leat 4 hours, but preferably overnight.
Nutrition
This was originally published in 2015 and has been updated for 2020.
Arjhon says
I never tried panna cotta before but I already heard of them from my friends. This one looks so delicious and easy, so definitely trying this for our dessert this weekend.
Brian Jones says
I'm totally with you as being baking averse... There are a couple of reasons for me, firstly we are a family of two, seriously I don't need or want a cake for 10 or 48 cookies 😉
Secondly I have a deep distrust of food I can't taste as I am going... I mean seriously it is the best part of cooking and it is some odd alchemy going on and you just have to trust 😮
But panna cotta is the perfect small scale dessert if you ask me, I love the stuff, my favouite is elderflower but lover the idea of apple, I really must give this a try!
Pam Greer says
Elderflower panna cotta!! I am so intrigued.
Jacqueline Debono says
I don't have much of a sweet tooth so I don't make many desserts. (actually only apple crumble) BUT I do like panna cotta and anything with apples so this is right up my street. Have to pluck up the courage and make it!!
Des @ Life's Ambrosia says
I am not much of a baker either. I had to laugh at the pie crust comment, making pie crust is something that I have done once maybe twice in my life. I don't know why it's so intimidating but it is. Good for you for trying things that are different!
Pam Greer says
Pie crusts are far, far in my future.
Alyssa @ Simply Quinoa says
I've actually never had panna cotta before...(!!) I'm totally loving the idea of adding apples. Anything apple pie flavored is a winner in my book 🙂
Pam Greer says
You have to try it - it's so easy!
Sue Lau says
I enjoyed reading your post! This sounds like a great dessert for autumn, but considering we can get great apples anytime, we won't have to wait that long to try this.
Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says
This looks like the perfect dessert for mother's day. So light, elegant, and beautiful!
Pam Greer says
Oh, it would be!
Judy@ImBoredLetsGo says
This sounds right up my alley since I'm not a big baker! Love the flavors.
Pam Greer says
I'm not a big baker either, but I'm trying!
Patricia Scarpin says
I bake like crazy, but have never been brave enough to try making sourdough bread, Pam!
I love the idea of apple pie in panna cotta form, these look so good! And the cups are adorable!
Esme says
This is so pretty in the tea cups.
Laura says
I've never made panna cotta lol so that just goes to show something at any rate. 🙂 I am so excited you are joining us!
Ann says
Such a pretty tea set!
Pam Greer says
Thank you! I love it.
Sippitysup says
If you can make panna cotta this beautiful you can make pie crust! GREG
Pam Greer says
Um. Doubtful.
Marjie says
Anything with the name "Apple Pie" has to be good. And being able to serve it in pretty little tea cups is just the best!
fabiola@notjustbaked says
This is so pretty, Pam!
Susan | LunaCafe says
What a novel and delicious take on panna cotta. It's such a versatile concept. That china set is extraordinary as well. 🙂
Liz says
A lovely recipe. Thank you.
Kim T says
I tried panna cotta for the first time at a restaurant a few weeks ago - loved it! Now, I am going to have to make it myself.
Louise says
Good morning, Pam:)
What a gorgeous way to start the day. That china is lovely:) I never realized how little baking you do. As you know, I'm not much of a baker either. All that "exact" measuring gives me the weebie jeebies, lol...
I give you credit for tackling your fears. I look forward to your baking creations. I should tackle the baking of bread the same way. (I oh so desperately want to do it but...)
Your Apple Pie Panna Cotta sounds yummy. It sure looks enticing with those bits of apples waiting to be enjoyed. Thanks for sharing, Pam...
Denise Wright says
That looks delicious and I like it even better because of the beautiful tea cups you served them in! I'm going to definitely try this! (found you on Foodie Friday.)