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Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiced Caramel: A Luxurious Holiday Dessert That Melts in Your Mouth


  • Author: Mary

Ingredients

Scale

🥛 For the Eggnog Panna Cotta:

  • 2 cups eggnog (store-bought or homemade)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup whole milk

  • 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) unflavored gelatin

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (reduce if using sweetened eggnog)

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • Pinch of salt

🍮 For the Spiced Caramel Sauce:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes:

  • Freshly grated nutmeg

  • Cinnamon sticks

  • Whipped cream

  • Sugared cranberries or mint leaves


Instructions

🥣 Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

In a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons of cold water. Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the surface and let it bloom for 5–10 minutes. This is crucial for that perfect jiggle.

🫕 Step 2: Warm the Base

In a saucepan, combine the eggnog, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt. Heat over medium-low until just steaming—not boiling.

🔄 Step 3: Melt the Gelatin

Once your mixture is hot, remove it from the heat and whisk in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.

🧊 Step 4: Pour and Chill

Pour the mixture into lightly greased ramekins or molds. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until set.


Making the Spiced Caramel Sauce

While the panna cotta sets, let’s prepare that luscious topping.

🍯 Step 1: Melt Sugar

In a small saucepan, add the granulated sugar. Heat over medium, swirling occasionally (do not stir) until sugar melts into a deep amber color.

🧈 Step 2: Add Butter and Cream

Once melted, whisk in the butter. Then slowly pour in the cream, whisking constantly—it will bubble! Stir in spices, vanilla, and salt.

❄️ Step 3: Cool Slightly

Let the caramel sauce cool for 10–15 minutes. It will thicken as it sits.


Serving the Dessert 🍽️ Option 1: Serve in Ramekins

Top each ramekin with a spoonful of spiced caramel and a dusting of nutmeg.

🍮 Option 2: Unmold for Wow Factor

 

To unmold, dip the ramekin briefly in warm water (5 seconds), then invert onto a plate. Top with caramel and garnish.