Eggnog Panna Cotta for the Holidays
If you’re looking for a holiday dessert that tastes like Christmas in a spoon and wins the award for effort-to-impressiveness ratio, say hello to Eggnog Panna Cotta—the jiggly, silky, no-bake dessert that makes people think you went to culinary school (you didn’t have to).
Eggnog panna cotta takes everything you love about holiday eggnog—nutmeg, vanilla, that cozy custard flavor—and transforms it into a creamy, beautifully set dessert that feels elegant but takes only minutes to mix together. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat for Christmas gatherings, holiday brunches, or nights when you want something festive without touching your oven.
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Why You’ll Love Eggnog Panna Cotta
- No-bake dessert (save that oven space for cookies!)
- Make ahead—perfect for parties
- Silky, luxurious texture
- Festive holiday flavors in every bite
- Ridiculously easy—heat, whisk, pour, chill
Seriously… panna cotta is the easiest “fancy” dessert you’ll ever make.
What is Panna Cotta?
Panna cotta means “cooked cream” in Italian, but don’t let that fool you—it barely requires any cooking. The gelatin sets the mixture into a smooth, delicate dessert that melts in your mouth.
Adding eggnog gives it:
- Richer flavor
- Perfect holiday spices
- A custardy sweetness that feels like Christmas nostalgia
It’s like a holiday latte and a dessert had a baby.
What You’ll Need
- Store-bought or homemade eggnog
- Gelatin
- Nutmeg
- Toppings of choice
Serve it in little jars, ramekins, or pour it into festive glasses for a beautiful presentation.
How to Make Eggnog Panna Cotta
- Bloom the gelatin—sprinkle it over a splash of cold water and let it sit.
- Heat the mixture—warm eggnog until steaming.
- Whisk in gelatin until smooth.
- Pour into cups, jars, or molds.
- Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
That’s literally it. No tempering eggs, no baking, no stress.
Topping Ideas (Make It Extra Festive!)
- Whipped cream and nutmeg
- Fresh or sugared cranberries
- Homemade cranberry butter
- A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce
- Crumbled gingerbread cookies
- Cinnamon-dusted whipped topping
- Maple syrup + toasted pecans
They all turn this simple dessert into a holiday stunner.
Perfect for Holiday Entertaining
Eggnog panna cotta is:
- A crowd pleaser
- Easy to scale
- Gorgeous on a dessert table
- Perfect for Christmas Eve, holiday dinners, or New Year’s gatherings
Plus, because it chills in the fridge, you can make it a day or two ahead and feel supremely organized.
If you’re craving a holiday dessert that’s creamy, elegant, and almost effortless, Eggnog Panna Cotta is your new seasonal tradition. It’s the kind of treat that makes your guests say, “Wait… you MADE this?” while you pretend it took more than 10 minutes of hands-on time.
Cozy, creamy, festive, foolproof—add this one to your holiday dessert rotation!
Eggnog Panna Cotta
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 2 1/4 tsp powdered unflavored gelatin (or 1 pkt)
- 2 cups eggnog (store-bought or homemade)
- freshly grated nutmeg for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Place cold water into a small bow. Add gelatin and set aside and allow it to fully absorb the water.
- In a heavy-bottom sauce pan, add eggnog and place over medium heat until small bubbles appear around the edges. (do not allow to boil).
- Remove from heat and whisk in gelatin until thoroughly combined.
- Pour mixture into 1/2-cup serving sizes. Top with freshly grated nutmeg.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
