I can’t wait to share this **Eggnog Panna Cotta with Cranberry Liqueur Sauce Recipe** with you because it’s truly one of those festive desserts that will wow your guests without a ton of fuss. Imagine a silky, creamy eggnog-flavored panna cotta layered underneath a tangy, boozy cranberry sauce – it’s the ultimate holiday treat that balances rich and refreshing perfectly.

🤎

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Holiday Balance: The creamy eggnog panna cotta pairs beautifully with the bright tartness of cranberry sauce spiked with orange liqueur.
Simple Yet Elegant: No crazy equipment needed, just a little patience during chilling, making it great for stress-free entertaining.
Layered Flavors: The orange zest and liqueur add a fresh twist that keeps every bite exciting.
Customizable Garnishes: Fresh or sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs not only look festive but bring extra aroma and texture.

Eggnog Panna Cotta with Cranberry Liqueur Sauce, festive holiday dessert, eggnog panna cotta recipe, holiday panna cotta with cranberry sauce, Christmas dessert ideas - The image shows four small clear glasses filled with two layers of dessert. The bottom layer is creamy white and smooth, making up most of the glass. The top layer is a bright red jelly, shiny and thick, covering the creamy layer completely. On top of each red layer, there is a bright red berry covered with a light dusting of sugar, along with a small green rosemary sprig placed diagonally. The glasses are set on a white marbled surface, with some green rosemary leaves and small gold balls decorating around them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Eggnog Panna Cotta with Cranberry Liqueur Sauce Recipe revolves around simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each element has its role—from the gelatin that sets the custard perfectly, to the fresh cranberries that give the sauce just the right pop.

Cold water: Needed to bloom the gelatin properly for a smooth panna cotta texture.
Powdered gelatin: The magic agent that helps your panna cotta set silky but firm without any baking.
Eggnog (commercially prepared): Using ready-made eggnog saves time and adds those classic holiday spices effortlessly.
Fresh cranberries: The star of the sauce, tart and juicy, providing contrast and vibrancy.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cranberries, balancing their natural sharpness.
Orange zest: Adds a bright citrus aroma that lifts the whole dessert.
Orange juice: Helps cook down the cranberries and melds with the zest for a fruity depth.
Orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Grand Marnier): Brings warmth and a boozy kick to the cranberry sauce.
Fresh or sugared cranberries for garnish: Adds a festive touch and texture on top.
Fresh rosemary sprigs: Their piney scent perfectly complements the holiday flavors and looks gorgeous.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to play around with this Eggnog Panna Cotta with Cranberry Liqueur Sauce Recipe depending on my mood or who’s coming over. It’s so adaptable, which makes it a recipe you’ll keep going back to.

Non-alcoholic version: When I’m making this for family dinners with kids or folks avoiding alcohol, swapping the orange liqueur for extra orange juice works beautifully without losing flavor.
Extra spice kick: Sometimes, I add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the eggnog before heating to enhance those cozy holiday notes.
Vegan alternative: While I haven’t tried this myself, you can experiment with agar agar instead of gelatin and use a creamy plant-based eggnog.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Eggnog Panna Cotta with Cranberry Liqueur Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

Start by sprinkling the powdered gelatin evenly over cold water in a small cup and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This “blooming” step is crucial — it lets the gelatin absorb water and ensures your panna cotta sets smooth without lumps. Don’t skip this; I’ve learned it the hard way!

Step 2: Heat the Eggnog & Dissolve Gelatin

Warm your eggnog gently in a small saucepan over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. Once heated, remove it from the heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved. Stir patiently—this step lets the gelatin melt into the creamy eggnog base perfectly.

Step 3: Pour & Chill the Panna Cotta

Pour about 1/3 cup of the eggnog mixture into six 4-ounce dessert glasses placed on a baking sheet – the tray makes it easier to move them all at once. Pop them into the fridge and let them chill for at least 2 hours until set and jiggly but firm. This patience always pays off with a silky texture.

Step 4: Make the Spiked Cranberry Sauce

While the panna cotta is chilling, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and orange juice in a saucepan. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. When the berries start to pop (it’s so fun to watch!), reduce heat to simmer and mash them gently with a spatula. Keep cooking until you get that lovely jam-like texture. Finally, stir in your orange liqueur for a festive boozy kick. If it feels too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach the perfect drizzly sauce consistency.

Step 5: Assemble & Garnish

Once the panna cotta has set firmly, spoon the cranberry liqueur sauce on top until it reaches the brim of each glass. For the final festive touch, skewer fresh or sugared cranberries onto rosemary sprigs and balance them across the top of each dessert. This adds an inviting aroma and gorgeous presentation that makes this dessert party-ready.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Eggnog Panna Cotta with Cranberry Liqueur Sauce Recipe

Gelatin Blooming: Always sprinkle gelatin carefully over cold water to avoid clumps and ensure it dissolves smoothly later.
Gentle Heat: Heat the eggnog slowly to prevent curdling or boiling over; hot but not boiling is key for creamy panna cotta.
Serving Glasses: Choose matching small glasses or ramekins for an elegant look – the panna cotta just looks extra special this way.
Sauce Consistency: Adjust your cranberry sauce thickness with a splash of water to create a perfect pourable texture rather than stiff jam.

How to Serve Eggnog Panna Cotta with Cranberry Liqueur Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I always top these with cocktail picks threaded with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs. It adds a beautiful pop of color and a hint of pine aroma that screams ‘holiday!’ If you want to get a little fancy, a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cranberries gives a snowy effect that guests adore.

Side Dishes

This dessert is rich enough to stand on its own but pairs beautifully with simple holiday mains like roasted turkey or glazed ham. I also like serving it after a light citrus salad or alongside spiced cookies to keep the meal balanced and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served this in mini mason jars for a rustic holiday brunch, which was a huge hit. Or try layering the cranberry sauce and panna cotta in clear, tall glasses for a beautiful gradient effect. For party trays, garnish with extra fresh cranberries around the base and sprigs of rosemary to elevate the look instantly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, you can cover and store any leftover panna cotta glasses in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep the cranberry sauce and panna cotta chilled separately to keep the sauce from loosening the custard too much before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing panna cotta isn’t the best idea since the texture may become watery upon thawing. However, I sometimes freeze leftover cranberry sauce in a sealed container for up to a month—it thaws quickly and tastes just as good for a quick topping.

Reheating

If you want to warm cranberry sauce leftovers, reheat gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often. Avoid microwaving as it can heat unevenly and make the sauce too runny. The panna cotta itself is best served cold or at room temperature, not reheated.

FAQs

Can I make the Eggnog Panna Cotta with Cranberry Liqueur Sauce Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert actually benefits from making ahead since the panna cotta needs time to chill and set. You can prepare both the panna cotta and cranberry sauce a day in advance, keeping them refrigerated separately to maintain the best texture.
What if I don’t have orange liqueur?

If you don’t have orange liqueur, you can substitute with an equal amount of fresh orange juice or a splash of brandy for a different but delightful flavor twist.
Is it okay to use store-bought eggnog?

Yes! Using commercially prepared eggnog is a huge timesaver and delivers consistent flavor. Just make sure it’s a good quality eggnog, as this is the base flavor for your panna cotta.
How do I know when the panna cotta is set?

After about 2 hours in the fridge, the panna cotta should be firm enough to jiggle gently but hold its shape when touched. If it’s still liquidy, give it a bit more chill time.

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Panna Cotta with Cranberry Liqueur Sauce Recipe has become one of my go-to holiday desserts because it’s both impressive and surprisingly easy to pull off. The creamy richness combined with a bright, spirited cranberry topping truly embodies the festive season. I hope you love making and sharing it as much as I do – trust me, friends and family will be asking you for this recipe year after year!