Festive Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce Recipe

This silky eggnog panna cotta sparkles like winter’s first snowfall, promising a dessert that whispers holiday magic.

Rich cream blends seamlessly with traditional seasonal flavors, creating a luxurious treat.

Delicate custard wobbles with each gentle touch, hinting at the decadence waiting on your spoon.

Smooth, velvety spoonfuls melting across your palate, carrying notes of nutmeg and warm spices.

cranberry sauce adds a tangy counterpoint, its deep crimson color dancing against the creamy white backdrop.

Cold nights deserve something special that makes memories warm and sweet.

I promise this dessert will become the star of any celebration, drawing everyone closer with its irresistible charm.

FAQs About Eggnog Panna Cotta With Spiked Cranberry Sauce

• What makes this panna cotta different from traditional recipes?

This eggnog panna cotta brings holiday flavors into a classic Italian dessert by using eggnog instead of regular cream, adding nutmeg and vanilla for a festive twist that captures the essence of Christmas in a creamy, delicate dessert.

• Can I make this dessert without alcohol?

Absolutely! The recipe is naturally non-alcoholic. If you want to skip the spiked cranberry sauce, you can simply use regular cranberry sauce or serve the panna cotta with a dusting of nutmeg or a few fresh cranberries on top.

• Is this dessert suitable for special diets?

The recipe contains dairy and gelatin, so it’s not vegan or dairy-free. However, you can experiment with dairy-free eggnog alternatives if you have dietary restrictions. The dessert is naturally gluten-free, which makes it great for those avoiding wheat.

• How difficult is this recipe for beginner cooks?

This panna cotta is surprisingly simple! The process involves just a few steps of heating, mixing, and chilling. Even novice cooks can create an impressive holiday dessert with minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen equipment.

Why Eggnog Panna Cotta With Spiked Cranberry Sauce Is A Fancy Holiday Dessert

• Creamy Holiday Comfort: This eggnog panna cotta delivers a silky-smooth texture that melts in your mouth, capturing the quintessential winter dessert experience with its rich, luxurious feel.
• Quick and Foolproof Festive Dessert: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Festive Flavor Explosion: Combining classic eggnog with a spiked cranberry sauce creates a sophisticated dessert that beautifully balances sweet, creamy notes with a tangy, boozy kick that screams holiday celebration.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert up to a day in advance, allowing stress-free entertaining and giving you more time to enjoy festivities with family and friends.

Ingredients For Eggnog Panna Cotta With Spiked Cranberry Sauce

• Eggnog: Rich, creamy holiday drink with traditional holiday spices.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious texture and smooth consistency to the dessert.

• Sugar: Provides balanced sweetness to the panna cotta.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, classic taste.
• Nutmeg: Classic holiday spice that complements eggnog profile.

• Gelatin, Cold Water: Essential for setting the panna cotta to perfect wobbly texture. Choose unflavored gelatin for best results.

• Powdered gelatin works best for consistent setting.
• Ensure gelatin is fresh and within expiration date for optimal performance.

• For richer taste, consider using whole milk eggnog.
• Freshly grated nutmeg provides more intense flavor compared to pre-ground spice.

How To Make Eggnog Panna Cotta With Spiked Cranberry Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Gelatin Magic

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let it rest and transform into a soft, jiggly base for your dessert. Watch as the gelatin absorbs the water and becomes a smooth, gel-like substance.

Step 2: Create Creamy Eggnog Mixture

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

Gently warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring softly. The goal is to dissolve the sugar and create a silky-smooth liquid without letting it boil. Keep an eye on the temperature and stir occasionally.

Step 3: Merge Gelatin into Creamy Blend

Remove the saucepan from heat. Whisk the bloomed gelatin into the warm eggnog mixture. Stir thoroughly until the gelatin completely dissolves, creating a luxurious, uniform consistency.

Step 4: Set and Chill Panna Cotta

Pour the creamy mixture into individual ramekins or elegant serving glasses. Carefully transfer to the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 4 hours. The panna cotta will transform into a delicate, wobbling dessert that melts in your mouth.

Step 5: Prepare Spiked Cranberry Sauce

• Fresh cranberries
• Sugar
• Orange zest
• Bourbon or rum

Simmer until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Let it cool completely.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Carefully unmold the panna cotta or serve directly in the glasses. Generously spoon the spiked cranberry sauce over the top. Sprinkle with a light dusting of nutmeg or garnish with fresh mint leaves for an extra festive touch.

Tips To Nail Eggnog Panna Cotta With Spiked Cranberry Sauce

• Gelatin Blooming Secret: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water precisely to ensure smooth, lump-free texture in your panna cotta.
• Prevent Boiling Disaster: Gently warm the eggnog mixture to dissolve sugar without scorching, maintaining the delicate creamy consistency.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare panna cotta up to 2 days in advance, keeping them refrigerated for stress-free entertaining.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace heavy cream and eggnog with coconut milk and dairy-free eggnog for a vegan-friendly version that's equally luxurious.
• Garnish Like a Pro: Top with extra nutmeg, whipped cream, or the spiked cranberry sauce to elevate the dessert's visual appeal and flavor complexity.

How To Store Eggnog Panna Cotta Without Losing Texture

• Refrigeration: Store the panna cotta covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in their original ramekins to maintain shape and prevent potential damage.
• Freezing: Do not freeze panna cotta, as the delicate texture will break down and become watery when thawed, compromising the smooth, creamy consistency.
• Reheating: These desserts are best enjoyed chilled. Avoid heating, as warming will cause the gelatin to melt and lose its structured form.
• Sauce Storage: Keep the spiked cranberry sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Serve chilled alongside the panna cotta when ready to enjoy.

What To Serve With Eggnog Panna Cotta And Cranberries

• Pair with Spiced Rum Cocktail: Mix a classic rum cocktail that echoes the nutmeg and creamy notes of the panna cotta. The warm spices in the drink will complement the dessert's rich flavors, creating a harmonious holiday experience.
• Serve with Cinnamon Shortbread Cookies: Crisp, buttery shortbread with a hint of cinnamon provides a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, silky panna cotta. The cookies' crunch will add an exciting element to each spoonful.
• Match with Toasted Pecan Garnish: Sprinkle some toasted pecans over the panna cotta to enhance its nutmeg undertones. The nuts' warm, slightly bitter crunch will elevate the dessert's winter-inspired profile and add a delightful textural dimension.
• Complement with Orange Zest Twist: Add a light dusting of fresh orange zest to brighten the dessert's creamy richness. The citrusy notes will cut through the panna cotta's sweetness and provide a fresh, unexpected flavor contrast.

Ways To Customize Eggnog Panna Cotta With Spiked Cranberry Sauce

• Holiday Spice Infusion: Replace nutmeg with a blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves for a warm, festive flavor profile that enhances the creamy eggnog base.
• Maple Bourbon Fusion: Swap sugar with maple syrup and add a splash of bourbon to create a rich, indulgent dessert with deep caramel undertones.
• Chocolate Eggnog Dream: Stir in melted dark chocolate before chilling, creating a luxurious marbled effect and adding depth to the classic eggnog panna cotta.
• Rum-Soaked Fruit Topping: Macerate dried cranberries and chopped pecans in dark rum, then sprinkle over the chilled panna cotta for extra texture and boozy complexity.

Eggnog Panna Cotta With Spiked Cranberry Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Silky eggnog panna cotta dances with holiday spirit, blending creamy Italian dessert techniques with festive American Christmas flavors. Rich custard adorned with spiked cranberry sauce offers sweet indulgence you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) eggnog
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) bourbon, rum, or brandy (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cold water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Spice and Thickening Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra spice)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) unflavored gelatin

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Instructions

1. Gently dust gelatin powder over cold water, allowing it to hydrate and transform into a soft, jellylike consistency for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Merge eggnog, cream, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg in a saucepan, creating a luxurious base. Warm the mixture on moderate heat, stirring continuously until sugar dissolves completely, ensuring the liquid remains smooth and silky without reaching a boiling point.
3. Eliminate the saucepan from heat source and incorporate the activated gelatin, whisking thoroughly to guarantee seamless integration and complete dissolution of the gelatin crystals.
4. Delicately transfer the velvety liquid into individual serving vessels, distributing the mixture evenly to create elegant, trembling dessert portions.
5. Carefully place the prepared ramekins into the refrigerator, allowing them to chill and set for a minimum of 4 hours, during which the panna cotta will develop its distinctive delicate, wobbly texture.
6. Once fully set, the dessert can be adorned with the complementary spiked cranberry sauce, adding a vibrant and tangy counterpoint to the rich, creamy base.

Notes

• Gelatin Blooming Trick: Sprinkle gelatin evenly over cold water to ensure smooth, lump-free absorption, which prevents grainy texture in the final dessert.
• Heating Technique: Warm the mixture gently to dissolve sugar without boiling, preserving the delicate flavor and creamy consistency of the eggnog.
• Dairy Flexibility: Substitute lactose-free eggnog and cream for a lactose-intolerant friendly version, maintaining the rich, festive taste.
• Alcohol Options: Add a splash of rum or bourbon directly into the mixture for an extra boozy version, enhancing the traditional holiday flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg