Creamy Eggnog Panna Cotta

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Creamy Eggnog Panna Cotta is a festive dessert that feels fancy yet comes together with simple ingredients. It combines the velvety texture of panna cotta with the nostalgic holiday flavor of eggnog, making it the perfect sweet ending to any winter celebration. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want to indulge in a cozy dessert at home, this dish delivers elegance without the stress.

The flavor is rich and spiced with hints of nutmeg and vanilla, giving you all the seasonal joy of sipping eggnog but in a chilled, spoonable form. Serve it in individual glasses or unmolded onto dessert plates for a stunning presentation. It sets up beautifully and makes for a make-ahead treat that keeps your kitchen free for other festivities.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Eggnog Panna Cotta

This dessert takes minimal prep time but rewards you with creamy, dreamy results every time. It feels luxurious but doesn’t rely on any complicated baking techniques. Plus, it’s a no-bake dessert that chills while you take care of everything else. If you love make-ahead options for entertaining, this panna cotta is about to become your new favorite.

Can I Use Store-Bought Eggnog for Panna Cotta?

Absolutely. Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and saves time. Choose one that’s creamy and rich for the best flavor, and make sure it’s well chilled. You can also use a homemade eggnog if you have a favorite recipe, just make sure it’s not too sweet since you’ll be adding sugar to the panna cotta mixture.

Ingredients for the Creamy Eggnog Panna Cotta

The ingredients in this panna cotta are cozy, creamy, and just festive enough to make any night feel like a special occasion.

• Eggnog
• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Unflavored gelatin powder
• Vanilla extract
• Ground nutmeg

Each ingredient plays a role in creating the luxurious texture and holiday flavor profile. Eggnog brings the seasonal twist. Heavy cream balances richness. Sugar enhances sweetness without overpowering. Gelatin gives it that perfect jiggle. Vanilla adds warmth, and a sprinkle of nutmeg rounds everything out with that unmistakable holiday note.

How To Make the Creamy Eggnog Panna Cotta

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over a few tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes a thick gel. This step ensures your panna cotta will set properly.

Step 2: Warm the Base

In a saucepan, combine the eggnog, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat just until it starts to steam and the sugar has dissolved. Don’t let it boil.

Step 3: Add Gelatin and Flavor

Remove the mixture from the heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved, then add the vanilla extract and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Pour and Chill

Divide the mixture evenly into serving glasses or ramekins. Let them cool slightly at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours or until set.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve topped with a little whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra festive touch.

Serving and Storing Eggnog Panna Cotta

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people, depending on the size of your glasses or molds. It’s an ideal dessert to prepare in advance. Just cover the glasses with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you’d like to unmold them onto plates, dip the ramekins in warm water for a few seconds and gently loosen with a knife before inverting.

What to Serve With Creamy Eggnog Panna Cotta?

Gingerbread Cookies

The spiced crunch of gingerbread contrasts beautifully with the silky texture.

Cranberry Compote

Tart cranberries add brightness and a pop of color.

Espresso Shots

For a bold, bitter balance to the sweetness.

Chocolate Shavings

A little dark chocolate on top takes it over the edge.

Toasted Pecans

Nutty crunch brings a rustic touch.

Fresh Berries

If you’re looking to lighten it up, fresh raspberries or blackberries are a bright pairing.

Cinnamon Whipped Cream

Infused whipped cream adds even more seasonal flair.

Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Eggnog Panna Cotta, you’ll probably enjoy these seasonal delights too:

• Try my Butter Pecan Pound Cake for another rich and cozy dessert.
• The Easter Chocolate Lasagna layers creamy goodness with a playful twist.
• Looking for citrus? The Lemon Truffles Recipe is a bright, sweet bite-sized treat.
• For fans of warm holiday drinks, check out the Creamy and Easy Egg Custard Pie.
• Don’t miss the Decadent Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes when you’re craving something rich and nostalgic.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you top it with whipped cream or go with a bold cranberry sauce? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more seasonal recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite treat!

Conclusion

Creamy Eggnog Panna Cotta is the kind of dessert that turns a quiet night into a cozy celebration. It brings together the richness of holiday eggnog with the light elegance of panna cotta. Easy to make, beautiful to serve, and joyful to eat—this is one recipe you’ll want to revisit every winter season.

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