Easy Eggnog Panna Cotta - the easiest no-bake Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert ever!
Store-bought holiday eggnog makes this make-ahead dessert extra easy!
Okay people, even though I consider myself the queen of simple, I have outdone myself with this.
A 2 ingredient make-ahead holiday dessert. Yes, you read that right - just two ingredients for this Thanksgiving or Christmas panna cott!
Ingredients.
Eggnog - this is where you can get as creative as you'd like. If you want to go all out with all the rich creaminess, get a full-fat eggnog. If you're looking for something a little lighter, or dairy-free, there are so many options. We went with an almond milk holiday nog.
Gelatin - the boxes of Knox gelatin that you can get in any grocery store will be fine for this, I order grass-fed beef gelatin from Amazon because I try to get everything beef-related to be grass-fed. But that's just me, you do you.
Instructions.
I make this festive dessert even easier, by skipping blooming the gelatin in a small amount of the liquid in a separate bowl.
I pour 3 cups of holiday nog into a small saucepan and sprinkle one tablespoon of the gelatin over the top.
Let the gelatin bloom for about 5 minutes. All of the dry crystals should be wet from absorbing the liquid.
Over medium-high heat, start whisking the gelatin into the nog.
Keep whisking until it just comes to a simmer and all of the crystals have dissolved. This should only take about 5 minutes or so depending on how hot your stove is and if the nog was cold to begin with. The main thing is you want the crystals dissolved.
Remove from the heat and pour ½ cup of the liquid into small jars for individual servings. Put a lid on them and place in the fridge.
Chill for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. Serve with a sprinkling of nutmeg if desired.
It couldn't be any easier! You can serve this as a Christmas panna cotta with bows or decorations on the jar. Serve it as a Thanksgiving panna cotta with a brown ribbon, or small leaves hanging off the jars. You can do whatever you'd like to make it festive!
I think it would be cute served in teacups too!
More holiday desserts.
Recipe.
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Eggnog Panna Cotta
Ingredients
- 3 cups Egg Nog
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin or one envelop
- fresh nutmeg for serving optional
Instructions
- Pour the egg nog into a small saucepan and sprinkle the gelatin on top.
- Let the gelatin bloom for about 5 minutes or until there are no dry crystals on top.
- Over medium-high heat, whisk until the gelatin dissolves and the liquid has barely come to a simmer.
- Pour ½ cup servings into individual glasses, jars, or cups.
- Chill for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.
- Garnish with a little nutmeg at serving (optional.)
Notes
Nutrition
This was originally published in 2013 and has been updated for 2023.
Anne Murphy says
I keep seeing panna cotta and thinking I should try it - but this sounds so ridiculously good I should just go for it! All for easy, here...
Pam Greer says
It's so easy and after you make it once, you will be totally hooked!
Ellen says
Love your holiday panna cotta twist with the eggnog flavor.
Pam Greer says
It's really good!
Adrianne says
Oh yes please!! This is a great recipe. I think it is fun to make your own of things which you can buy, as do you and your version of the egg nog sounds like it would beat the store bought version!
Pam Greer says
Yes, and it's so easy!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
This sounds so deliciously festive! I certainly need to give this a try!
Pam Greer says
You'll have to let me know what you think!
Lauren Vavala | Delicious Little Bites says
I thought panna cotta was complicated! This looks easy and sounds so delicious!
Pam Greer says
Panna cotta is so easy! It's one of my favorite desserts!
Barbara says
Love this idea, Pam!
grace says
as callings go, one could definitely do worse!
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says
Love your eggnog panna cotta idea. Pinned.
Catherine says
Fun!
xo Catherine
Joanne says
You definitely have a gift!!