Dreamy Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Creamy desserts reach new heights with this delectable eggnog panna cotta that blends holiday cheer and silky textures.

Cold winter nights call for indulgent treats that warm the soul.

This elegant dessert combines the rich, nostalgic flavors of classic eggnog with a sophisticated Italian-inspired twist.

Smooth, delicate custard melts on your tongue, creating a luxurious experience.

The spiked cranberry sauce adds a tangy, vibrant counterpoint to the sweet, velvety base.

Spices like nutmeg and cinnamon dance through each spoonful, evoking memories of festive gatherings.

Prepare to dazzle your guests with this show-stopping holiday dessert that promises pure deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 4

Eggnog Panna Cotta Ingredient List

• Eggnog: Creamy holiday staple that provides rich, festive flavor and smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and helps create silky, delicate dessert structure.
• Sugar: Balances flavors and helps achieve perfect sweetness level.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall depth and warmth of dessert.
• Nutmeg: Brings classic holiday spice and aromatic complexity.

• Gelatin Powder: Critical for setting panna cotta and creating perfect wobble.
• Cold Water: Helps gelatin bloom and activate properly.

• Cranberries: Provides tart, vibrant counterpoint to creamy dessert.
• Sugar: Balances cranberries' natural tartness.
• Liquor (Optional): Adds sophisticated adult twist and depth to sauce.

Tools for Eggnog Panna Cotta & Sauce

• Small bowl: For blooming gelatin.
• Whisk: To mix gelatin into warm eggnog mixture.
• Medium saucepan: For heating and combining ingredients.
• Measuring cups: To accurately measure eggnog, cream, and sugar.
• Measuring spoons: For precise vanilla and nutmeg amounts.
• Ramekins or glasses: To set and serve the panna cotta.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring ingredients while heating.

How to Make Eggnog Panna Cotta Smooth

• Bloom the Gelatin

Sprinkle gelatin powder over cold water and let it rest, allowing the powder to soften and absorb the liquid completely.

• Create the Creamy Base

Combine eggnog, cream, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg in a saucepan. Warm the mixture gently, stirring until sugar dissolves, being careful not to let it boil.

• Incorporate the Gelatin

Take the pan off the heat and whisk in the softened gelatin until it’s fully blended and no lumps remain.

• Chill and Set

Carefully pour the smooth mixture into serving glasses or ramekins. Refrigerate for several hours until the dessert becomes firm and wobbles slightly when touched.

• Prepare Cranberry Sauce

In a separate pan, cook cranberries with sugar and a splash of liquor until they burst and create a vibrant, tangy sauce.

• Serve and Garnish

Remove panna cotta from the refrigerator, top with the spiked cranberry sauce, and add a light dusting of nutmeg for an extra festive touch.

Tips to Elevate Your Holiday Dessert

• Gelatin Perfection: Bloom gelatin carefully in cold water to ensure smooth, lump-free texture and perfect setting of the panna cotta.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dessert a day in advance for stress-free entertaining and enhanced flavor development.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace regular eggnog and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond-based eggnog for a lactose-free version.
• Alcohol Options: Add a splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy to the panna cotta mixture for an extra festive holiday kick.
• Garnish Creativity: Top with crushed gingersnap cookies, toasted nuts, or a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg for added texture and flavor complexity.

Eggnog Panna Cotta: Serving Ideas to Try

• Holiday Dessert Companion: Pair this creamy eggnog panna cotta with a festive cookie platter featuring gingerbread, shortbread, and sugar cookies for a delightful texture contrast.
• Festive Garnish Extravaganza: Top each panna cotta with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg, a few candied cranberries, and a delicate mint leaf to elevate the holiday presentation and add a beautiful pop of color.
• Boozy Brunch Finale: Serve alongside a small glass of spiced rum or bourbon for guests who want to enhance the eggnog's traditional flavor profile and create a more indulgent dessert experience.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, creamy dessert with a late harvest Riesling or a sweet dessert wine that echoes the panna cotta's warm spices and smooth texture.

Save Eggnog Panna Cotta for Later Enjoyment

• Quick Chilling Method: Refrigerate panna cotta for minimum 4 hours, ideally overnight for perfect texture and enhanced flavor development.
• Serving Suggestion: Gently unmold desserts onto elegant plates by running a thin knife around edges and inverting ramekins with smooth, quick motion.
• Refrigeration Safety: Store covered with plastic wrap to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain fresh taste. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal quality.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare panna cotta up to 2 days before serving, allowing stress-free entertainment planning and maximum flavor infusion.

Velvety Eggnog Panna Cotta With Spiked Cranberry Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy eggnog panna cotta with spiked cranberry sauce delivers holiday cheer in a classic Italian dessert. Silky custard and tart cranberry compote create a festive finale that celebrates seasonal flavors.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) eggnog
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g) cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar (for panna cotta)
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar (for cranberry sauce)
• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• 2 ¼ tsps (1 packet) unflavored gelatin
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) cold water
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) bourbon, rum, or brandy (optional)
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• ½ tsp orange zest (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Gelatin Preparation: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water, allowing it to bloom and soften for 5 minutes, creating a smooth gelatin base.
2. Liquid Fusion: Combine eggnog, cream, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg in a saucepan, gently heating until sugar dissolves and mixture becomes uniform, avoiding boiling.
3. Gelatin Integration: Remove from heat and whisk bloomed gelatin into the warm mixture until completely dissolved, ensuring a smooth, homogeneous texture.
4. Molding and Chilling: Pour the creamy mixture into serving ramekins, creating even layers, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set into a delicate, trembling custard.
5. Cranberry Sauce Creation: Simmer cranberries with liqueur in a separate pan, developing a vibrant, boozy sauce that will complement the creamy dessert.
6. Plating and Garnishing: Briefly dip ramekins in warm water to release panna cotta, carefully invert onto serving plates, and top with a generous spoonful of spiked cranberry sauce, creating a festive and tangy contrast.

Notes

• Gelatin Hydration Technique: Sprinkle gelatin powder evenly over cold water and let it sit undisturbed to prevent clumping, ensuring a smooth, lump-free texture.
• Temperature Control: Heat the mixture gently without boiling to preserve the delicate flavors of eggnog and prevent scorching, maintaining a silky consistency.
• Chilling Precision: Allow minimum 4 hours of refrigeration to achieve the perfect wobble and set texture, creating a luxurious custard-like dessert.
• Serving Pro Tip: Briefly dip ramekins in warm water to release panna cotta effortlessly, preventing potential breaking or sticking when plating.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 368
• Sugar: 41 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 69 mg