There’s something utterly magical about creamy, luscious desserts that feel like a warm hug, and the Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce Recipe delivers exactly that. This festive treat combines the velvety richness of eggnog-infused panna cotta with a vibrant, boozy cranberry sauce that dances on your taste buds. It’s a charming holiday dessert that’s both elegant and easy to prepare, guaranteed to impress your guests or add a cozy glow to your winter evenings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many small red cranberries covered in large crystals of sugar, scattered over a silver wire rack. The cranberries vary in shades from bright red to deep burgundy, and the sugar crystals stick unevenly to the surface of each fruit, giving a frosted look. The wire rack is placed on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and light background to the scene. The light is soft, creating gentle reflections on the sugar crystals and highlighting the smooth texture of the cranberries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple but thoughtfully selected. Each ingredient plays a key role—gelatin gives the panna cotta that perfect silky set, the eggnog provides creamy depth with warm spices, and the fresh cranberries bring a lively tartness that balances the sweetness beautifully.

2 tablespoons cold water: Essential for blooming the gelatin so it dissolves smoothly without lumps.
2 1/4 teaspoons powdered gelatin: This magic agent transforms the creamy eggnog into that melt-in-your-mouth panna cotta texture.
2 cups commercially prepared eggnog: Choose a thick, sweet variety for best results, since it brings the rich holiday flavor.
6 oz. fresh cranberries: These provide the tangy, bright base for the spiked sauce that crowns the dessert.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cranberries and helps create that jam-like sauce consistency.
Zest of one orange: Adds a fresh aromatic note that lifts the sauce beautifully.
1/4 cup orange juice: Brings subtle fruitiness and moisture to the cranberry sauce.
2 tablespoons orange liqueur (optional): Infuses the sauce with a warm boozy depth, though you can adjust to taste or substitute with orange extract.
6 fresh or sugared cranberries (for garnish): These little jewels make the presentation festive and inviting.
6 fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish): Their piney fragrance is the perfect finish to brighten each serving.

How to Make Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

Start by sprinkling the powdered gelatin evenly over 2 tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for a few minutes until the gelatin absorbs the water and swells, turning into a soft, jelly-like mass. This step is crucial to ensure smooth blending into the warm eggnog later.

Step 2: Heat the Eggnog

Gently warm the eggnog in a small saucepan over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. Remove it from the stove and stir in the bloomed gelatin. Whisk continuously until the gelatin dissolves completely, creating a silky mixture that will set beautifully once chilled.

Step 3: Chill the Panna Cotta

Pour about one-third cup of the eggnog mixture into each of six 4-ounce dessert glasses placed on a baking sheet for easy transport. Transfer them to the refrigerator and let chill uninterrupted for at least two hours until the panna cotta is firm but creamy on your spoon.

Step 4: Prepare the Spiked Cranberry Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Bring to a lively boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Press the berries gently with a spatula as they burst to release their natural juices. Cook until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and gently stir in the orange liqueur. If the sauce seems too thick to pour, add water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a sauce consistency perfect for spooning.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Once the panna cotta has fully set, spoon the spiked cranberry sauce generously on top of each glass until brimming. Thread a fresh or sugared cranberry onto a toothpick, then pierce through one or two rosemary sprigs to create a fragrant, elegant garnish. Lay the garnishes across the tops of the glasses for a festive finishing touch.

How to Serve Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce Recipe

A clear glass holds a dessert with two layers: a creamy pale yellow base that fills most of the glass, topped by a thick, deep red layer that looks like jelly or fruit sauce. There is a sugared red berry on top, adding texture and shine, along with a small gold spoon resting inside. The glass sits on a white plate with a sprig of green leaves and a small golden ornament next to it, all placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, more similar glasses with the same dessert and red topping are visible but blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A luscious dessert deserves an eye-catching finish. Garnishing with sugared cranberries adds sparkle and sweetness, while fresh rosemary sprigs bring a lovely herbal aroma and a dash of greenery that screams holiday cheer. These simple touches elevate the panna cotta from everyday dessert to a statement centerpiece.

Side Dishes

The Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce Recipe pairs beautifully with light, crisp cookies or ginger snaps that balance the creamy richness. A small plate of toasted nuts or a delicate fruit salad alongside offers contrasting textures and fresh flavors to round out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy gathering, serve the panna cotta in vintage glassware or mason jars to add charm. You might also consider layering the cranberry sauce between panna cotta layers in clear cups for a striking presentation. If you want to take it up a notch, serve with candied rosemary twigs or a dusting of cinnamon for extra visual appeal and aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce Recipe leftovers can be covered tightly with plastic wrap and kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. The creamy texture holds up beautifully, and chilling keeps the flavors fresh until you’re ready to savor again.

Freezing

While panna cotta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cranberry sauce separately in an airtight container for up to a month. To freeze the panna cotta itself, remove garnishes and cover tightly, but be aware that freezing might slightly alter the silky texture upon thawing.

Reheating

Since this dessert is served cold, reheating is not necessary. If your cranberry sauce thickens too much in the fridge or freezer, simply warm it gently over low heat with a splash of water to restore its pourable sauce consistency before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade eggnog for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade eggnog works wonderfully, especially if it’s on the thicker and sweeter side. Just ensure it isn’t too watery so the panna cotta sets properly and maintains that rich texture.

What can I substitute for orange liqueur?

If you prefer to avoid alcohol or don’t have orange liqueur on hand, you can use a half teaspoon of orange extract instead. It offers the fresh citrus flavor the recipe needs without the boozy kick.

How long does it take to set the panna cotta?

Plan to refrigerate the panna cotta for at least two hours, though leaving it a bit longer won’t hurt. The gelatin needs time to fully firm up into that smooth, silky consistency.

Can I make this dessert vegan?

This particular recipe relies on gelatin and dairy-rich eggnog, so it’s not vegan as written. However, you could experiment with plant-based milks and agar-agar as a gelatin substitute, keeping in mind that texture and flavor will differ somewhat.

How do I know if my cranberry sauce is ready?

The sauce is done when the cranberries have burst, and the mixture has thickened to a jam-like texture. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pour slightly when spooned over the panna cotta.

Final Thoughts

Nothing says cozy celebration quite like the Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce Recipe. It’s an elegant but approachable dessert with layers of creamy richness and bright cranberry zing that make every bite memorable. Whether for holiday dinners, winter parties, or a special treat just because, this dessert is a winner you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try—you’re going to love it!

Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce Recipe