Introduction

Eggnog panna cotta with spiked cranberry sauce is a festive dessert that combines creamy, silky textures with bright, tangy flavors. This elegant treat is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.

The image shows six small white glasses filled with a two-layer dessert. The bottom layer is smooth and creamy pale yellow, while the top layer is a bright red jelly-like substance. Each glass is topped with a sugared cranberry skewered on a small stick and a green rosemary sprig placed beside the cranberry. The glasses sit on a white plate with a raised edge, resting on a white marbled surface. Around the plate are fresh rosemary sprigs and small round gold decorative balls. In the background, there is a white dish filled with more red cranberries. Two gold spoons lie on the surface in the foreground. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons cold water
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) powdered gelatin
2 cups commercially prepared eggnog
6 oz. fresh cranberries (1 small bag)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Zest of one orange
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons orange liqueur (or to taste)
6 fresh or sugared cranberries for garnish
6 fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Place the cold water in a small condiment cup. Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the water and let it stand until absorbed.
Step 2: In a small saucepan, heat the eggnog until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the gelatin until dissolved.
Step 3: Arrange six 4 oz. dessert glasses on a baking sheet. Pour 1/3 cup of the eggnog mixture into each glass. Refrigerate for 2 hours until set.
Step 4: For the cranberry sauce, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and orange juice in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Once berries start popping, reduce heat to a simmer. Mash the berries with the back of a spatula until a jam-like consistency forms.
Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in the orange liqueur. If the sauce is too thick to fall from a spoon, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Cool, then refrigerate.
Step 7: When panna cotta is firm, spoon the cranberry sauce on top to fill each glass to the brim.
Step 8: Skewer a cranberry completely through from stem to end with a toothpick, then thread a rosemary sprig through. Balance each garnish across the top of the glasses.
Step 9: Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

Use homemade eggnog for a richer panna cotta or choose a dairy-free alternative to make this recipe vegan, subbing agar-agar for gelatin.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the cranberry sauce or balance with a splash of lemon juice.
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle crushed pistachios over the cranberry sauce just before serving.

Storage

Store the panna cotta covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cranberry sauce can also be refrigerated separately in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Gently reheat the sauce if you prefer it warm, or serve chilled for a refreshing contrast.

How to Serve

The image shows six small glass cups filled with a creamy pale yellow dessert as the bottom layer, topped with a deep red jelly layer. Each jelly layer is decorated with a sugared red berry and a small green rosemary sprig placed horizontally across the top. The cups are arranged on a white tray with decorative edges, placed on a white marbled surface. Around the tray, there are sprigs of fresh rosemary and several small, shiny gold balls scattered for decoration. Two gold spoons are also visible at the bottom right corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, panna cotta can be prepared and set up to 2 days in advance. Keep it refrigerated and add the cranberry sauce and garnishes just before serving for the best presentation and texture.

What if I don’t have orange liqueur?

You can substitute orange juice or another citrus liqueur such as Triple Sec. For a non-alcoholic option, simply omit the liqueur and add a little extra orange juice for bright flavor.