Creamy Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Creamy desserts have a special place in holiday celebrations, and this eggnog panna cotta with spiked cranberry sauce captures winter’s most delightful flavors.

Rich, silky custard meets festive cranberry sauce in a dessert that sparkles with seasonal charm.

The classic Italian panna cotta takes on a festive twist when infused with traditional eggnog notes.

Delicate and smooth, this dessert melts on your tongue with hints of nutmeg and vanilla.

Cranberry sauce spiked with a touch of liqueur adds a vibrant, tart contrast to the creamy base.

Each spoonful promises a luxurious blend of textures and holiday warmth.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that brings pure winter magic to your table.

Kitchen Essentials For Eggnog Panna Cotta With Spiked Cranberry Sauce

• Medium saucepan: Essential for gently heating and mixing eggnog ingredients.
• Small bowl: Perfect for blooming gelatin and keeping ingredients organized.
• Whisk: Helps dissolve gelatin smoothly into the warm mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure delicious results.
• Ramekins or glasses: Ideal for serving and setting the panna cotta.
• Refrigerator: Chills and sets the dessert to creamy perfection.

How To Layer Eggnog Panna Cotta With Spiked Cranberry Sauce

• Holiday Dessert Prep

Create a festive treat that combines creamy eggnog with delightful texture and elegant presentation. This dessert will impress guests and bring winter cheer to your table.

• Gelatin Magic

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it rest peacefully. This simple step helps create the perfect silky smooth consistency for your panna cotta.

• Creamy Mixture

Gently warm eggnog with cream, introducing sugar and warming spices. The goal is a smooth, fragrant liquid that hints at cozy winter celebrations.

• Setting the Scene

Pour the luxurious mixture into serving vessels. Carefully transfer to the refrigerator and allow the dessert to transform into a delicate, quivering delight that will melt hearts.

• Cranberry Companion

While the panna cotta chills, craft a vibrant cranberry sauce with a spirited kick. This bold accompaniment will provide a tangy contrast to the creamy base.

• Final Flourish

After several hours of patient waiting, your panna cotta will be perfectly set. Serve chilled, garnished with a generous spoonful of spiked cranberry sauce for a show-stopping dessert.

Flavor Swaps For Eggnog Panna Cotta With Spiked Cranberry Sauce

• Cozy Eggnog Magic: Helpful Hints and Tasty Twists
• Texture Triumph: For the smoothest panna cotta, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring into ramekins to catch any potential gelatin lumps.
• Boozy Boost: Add a splash of rum or bourbon directly into the panna cotta mixture for an extra holiday kick that intensifies the classic eggnog flavor.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Swap heavy cream and eggnog with coconut milk and dairy-free eggnog for a delicious vegan-friendly version that maintains the creamy holiday spirit.
• Presentation Perfection: Garnish with fresh nutmeg, candied pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving to elevate the festive look and add delightful extra texture.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: These panna cottas can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making them ideal for stress-free holiday entertaining and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

How To Serve Eggnog Panna Cotta With Spiked Cranberry Sauce Elegantly

• Holiday Dessert Drama: Elegant plating transforms this creamy treat into a showstopper centerpiece for festive gatherings.
• Festive Garnish Party: Sprinkle fresh grated nutmeg, add sugared cranberries, and a small cinnamon stick for a stunning visual presentation that screams holiday cheer.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a crisp champagne to complement the rich, creamy eggnog flavors and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Texture Contrast Magic: Top each panna cotta with a spoonful of spiked cranberry sauce and a delicate mint leaf to add a bright, tangy counterpoint to the smooth, luxurious dessert base.

Tips For Storing Eggnog Panna Cotta With Spiked Cranberry Sauce

• Quick Chill Technique: Refrigerate panna cotta for minimum 4 hours, ensuring a perfectly firm yet silky texture that wobbles gracefully when served.
• Smart Serving Suggestion: Prepare these delightful desserts up to 2 days ahead, keeping them covered in the refrigerator to maintain fresh flavor and smooth consistency.
• Gelatin Stability Window: Store finished panna cotta in sealed containers for maximum 3 days, preventing texture breakdown and maintaining optimal creamy structure.
• Sauce Storage Strategy: Keep spiked cranberry sauce in an airtight glass container within the refrigerator, where it will remain deliciously fresh for up to one week, ready to complement your dessert at a moment's notice.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 292 kcal

Servings: 3

Eggnog Panna Cotta With Spiked Cranberry Sauce Ingredient List

• Gelatin: Magical setting agent that transforms liquid into a delightful wobbly dessert.
• Cold Water: Helps activate and soften the gelatin for smooth texture.

• Eggnog: Festive dairy base bringing rich holiday flavor and creamy consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious silkiness and enhances dessert's velvety mouthfeel.
• Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create smooth, delicate texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth to the dessert.
• Nutmeg: Signature holiday spice that elevates the traditional eggnog taste.

• Ramekins or Glasses: Serve as elegant presentation vessels for individual desserts.

Festive Eggnog Panna Cotta With Spiked Cranberry Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Creamy eggnog panna cotta dazzles holiday dessert tables with its luxurious Italian-inspired custard. Rich cranberry sauce adds festive tang, creating a perfect seasonal finale you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) eggnog
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 ¼ tsps (1 packet) unflavored gelatin
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) bourbon, rum, or brandy (optional)
• 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
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) cold water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp orange zest (optional)
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for extra spice)

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Instructions

1. Gelatin Preparation: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water, allowing it to bloom and soften for 5 minutes, creating a gelatinous foundation for the dessert.
2. Base Creation: Combine eggnog, cream, sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg in a saucepan. Gently heat and stir until sugar dissolves completely, maintaining a smooth consistency without boiling.
3. Gelatin Integration: Remove from heat and whisk in the activated gelatin until fully incorporated, ensuring a uniform mixture with no visible gelatin crystals.
4. Molding and Chilling: Pour the creamy liquid into individual serving vessels, distributing evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until the panna cotta sets with a delicate, trembling texture.
5. Final Presentation: Top the chilled panna cotta with spiked cranberry sauce, creating a vibrant and tangy contrast to the rich, creamy dessert base.

Notes

• Gelatin Hydration Technique: Sprinkle gelatin powder evenly over cold water, ensuring no clumps form and allowing complete absorption for a smooth, consistent texture.
• Temperature Control: Warm the mixture gently without boiling to preserve the delicate flavor profile and prevent protein separation in the cream and eggnog.
• Chilling Precision: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but not more than 8 hours, to achieve the perfect silky, trembling consistency without becoming too firm.
• Dietary Adaptation: Substitute dairy milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free version, and use vegetarian gelatin alternatives like agar-agar for plant-based diets.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 292
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg