Easy Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce Recipe

A silky smooth eggnog panna cotta brings winter’s most decadent dessert to your holiday table.

Creamy Italian custard meets festive seasonal flavors in this elegant treat.

Sweet cream and nutmeg dance together, creating a luxurious texture that melts perfectly on your palate.

Holiday spices whisper through each delicate bite, promising pure indulgence.

Cranberry sauce adds a tangy counterpoint, cutting through the rich custard with bright, zesty notes.

Cold weather calls for comforting desserts that make spirits bright and hearts warm.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this show-stopping finale to your celebration.

Handy Tips for a Smooth Eggnog Panna Cotta

• Bloom Gelatin Perfectly: Sprinkle gelatin evenly over cold water, ensuring no clumps form and allowing it to absorb liquid completely for smooth texture.
• Control Heat Carefully: Warm the eggnog mixture gently to prevent scorching or boiling, which can break down the delicate cream and affect the panna cotta's silky consistency.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Freshly grated nutmeg provides a more intense, aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground spices, elevating the traditional eggnog taste.
• Chill Thoroughly: Allow at least 4 hours of refrigeration to ensure the panna cotta sets completely and develops a perfect, wobbling texture.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute regular eggnog with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk eggnog for a lactose-free version, maintaining the rich, creamy dessert experience.

How to Store Eggnog Panna Cotta

• Store panna cotta covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in their original ramekins or glasses to maintain their delicate shape.
• Not recommended as the creamy texture will break down and become grainy when thawed.
• Do not reheat panna cotta, as it is meant to be served chilled. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
• Enjoy within 2-3 days for the freshest taste and smoothest texture. Serve directly from the refrigerator for the most enjoyable dessert experience.

Eggnog Panna Cotta Pairings That Work

• Mix a classic rum cocktail with cinnamon and nutmeg to complement the eggnog's warm holiday flavors, creating a festive drink that enhances the dessert's creamy richness.
• Crunch into crisp almond biscotti that offers a delightful textural contrast to the silky smooth panna cotta, while adding a nutty undertone that matches the dessert's holiday spirit.
• Add a bright, citrusy garnish of candied orange peel to cut through the dessert's creaminess and provide a zesty counterpoint to the sweet cranberry sauce.
• Pour a chilled glass of bubbling prosecco to cleanse the palate between bites, its light effervescence balancing the rich, creamy dessert and bringing a celebratory touch to the plate.

Fun Variations of Eggnog Panna Cotta

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and eggnog with coconut milk and almond nog for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
• Lighter Low-Carb Option: Swap sugar with erythritol or stevia, and use sugar-free eggnog to reduce carbohydrate content for keto dieters.
• Gluten-Free Holiday Treat: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking gelatin and vanilla extract for potential gluten contamination.
• Alcohol-Free Family Version: Eliminate rum or bourbon from cranberry sauce, using orange juice or apple cider as a non-alcoholic liquid replacement.

Got Eggnog Panna Cotta Questions? We’ve Got You

• What is the origin of panna cotta?

Panna cotta originated in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy, traditionally made with cream, sugar, and gelatin. It’s a classic Italian dessert known for its smooth, silky texture.

• Can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?

Yes, simply omit the alcohol from the cranberry sauce and use regular eggnog. The dessert will still be delicious and creamy without the spike.

• How do I know if my gelatin is properly bloomed?

Bloomed gelatin will look softened and spongy, absorbing the cold water completely. It should not have any dry or powdery spots when you add it to the warm mixture.

• Is nutmeg essential in this recipe?

Nutmeg adds a traditional eggnog flavor, but you can substitute with ground cinnamon or skip the spice altogether if you prefer. The dessert will still be creamy and delightful.

Why Eggnog Panna Cotta Feels Like a Festive Treat

• Quick Eggnog Panna Cotta Delights
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this dessert perfect for novice and experienced home cooks, requiring just 15 minutes of active cooking time.
• Transforms traditional eggnog into an elegant, creamy dessert that impresses guests with minimal effort, ideal for Christmas parties and winter gatherings.
• Prepare the dessert up to 2 days in advance, allowing stress-free entertaining and giving you more time to enjoy special moments with family and friends.
• Easy to adapt with different toppings like spiked cranberry sauce, whipped cream, or festive sprinkles, making it versatile for various taste preferences.

What Goes into Eggnog Panna Cotta with Cranberry Sauce

• Eggnog: Rich and creamy holiday beverage that provides the primary flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious texture and helps create smooth, silky consistency.

• Gelatin, Cold Water: Essential for setting the panna cotta and creating perfect wobbly texture.

• Sugar: Provides balanced sweetness to complement the eggnog.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the dessert's overall flavor.
• Nutmeg: Classic holiday spice that gives traditional eggnog character and aroma.

Making Eggnog Panna Cotta with a Twist

Step 1: Activate Gelatin

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit and bloom for 5 minutes, allowing the gelatin to soften and absorb liquid completely.

Step 2: Warm Creamy Base

• Eggnog
• Heavy cream
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Nutmeg

Heat mixture over medium temperature until warm and sugar dissolves. Keep the heat gentle and avoid boiling.

Step 3: Blend Gelatin

Remove saucepan from heat. Whisk bloomed gelatin into the warm cream mixture until fully dissolved and smooth.

Step 4: Set Panna Cotta

Pour the silky mixture into 6 small ramekins or decorative glasses. Transfer to refrigerator and chill for minimum 4 hours until perfectly set and wiggling with a delicate texture.

Step 5: Create Spiked Cranberry Sauce

In a separate saucepan, combine cranberries, orange zest, rum, and sugar. Simmer until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Cool completely.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Carefully unmold panna cotta onto serving plates. Generously spoon spiked cranberry sauce over each dessert. Optionally dust with additional nutmeg or cinnamon for extra festive flair.

Eggnog Panna Cotta With Spiked Cranberry Sauce Recipe

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• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Festive Holiday Eggnog Panna Cotta delights with creamy Italian dessert magic, blending classic Christmas flavors into a silky sweet finale. Spiced cranberry sauce adds a tangy punch, making guests swoon with each elegant spoonful you serve.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) eggnog
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g) fresh or frozen cranberries

Supporting Ingredients:

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar (for panna cotta)
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar (for cranberry sauce)
• ½ cup (120 ml) water

Flavoring and Stabilizing Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) unflavored gelatin
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cold water
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) bourbon, rum, or brandy (optional)
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional)

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Instructions

1. Gently scatter gelatin powder over chilled water, allowing it to hydrate and soften for approximately 5 minutes, creating a smooth suspension.
2. In a simmering saucepan, blend eggnog, rich cream, granulated sweetener, aromatic vanilla, and warm nutmeg, heating gently until sugar dissolves completely and mixture reaches a luxurious, uniform temperature without reaching a boiling point.
3. Eliminate heat source and integrate bloomed gelatin thoroughly, whisking until gelatin particles melt seamlessly into the creamy liquid.
4. Distribute the silky mixture evenly across individual serving vessels, ensuring consistent filling and smooth surfaces.
5. Transfer ramekins to refrigeration unit, allowing the delicate dessert to stabilize and transform into a luxurious, trembling custard for a minimum of 4 hours.
6. While panna cotta chills, prepare cranberry sauce by simmering tart berries with liqueur, creating a vibrant, boozy accompaniment that complements the creamy dessert.
7. Prior to serving, briefly immerse ramekins in warm water to facilitate easy release, then invert onto elegant serving plates.
8. Crown each panna cotta with a generous spoonful of spiked cranberry sauce, adding a festive and tangy contrast to the smooth, spiced cream.

Notes

• Bloom gelatin precisely to ensure smooth, lump-free texture in the panna cotta by sprinkling it evenly over cold water and letting it sit exactly 5 minutes.
• Warm the eggnog mixture gently to prevent scalding or curdling, stirring occasionally and removing from heat before it reaches a boil to maintain delicate flavor profile.
• Customize the dessert for different dietary needs by substituting dairy-free eggnog and using coconut cream for a vegan-friendly version that retains the rich, creamy consistency.
• Enhance presentation by garnishing with fresh cranberries, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or a small cinnamon stick to elevate the festive holiday aesthetic and add visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts, Drinks, Cocktails
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 65 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg