Introduction

The holidays demand a dessert that feels luxurious, tastes incredible, and, ideally, lets you relax instead of slaving away in the kitchen. Enter this Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiced Rum Caramel. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a holiday experience in a ramekin.

Panna Cotta, Italian for “cooked cream,” is a ridiculously simple, eggless custard thickened with gelatin. By swapping out plain cream for rich, spiced eggnog, we take this classic dessert and give it a festive, unapologetically indulgent twist. Then, we crown it with a homemade Spiced Rum Caramel—because if you’re going to celebrate, you should commit. This dessert is a game-changer for your holiday table because it has to be made ahead, meaning your day-of stress disappears.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve spent years trying to find the perfect make-ahead holiday dessert. Pies are messy, cakes can dry out, and cookies disappear too fast. This panna cotta is the sweet spot.

• Make-Ahead Magic: It requires a minimum of 4-6 hours to set, making it the perfect dessert to prep 1-2 days in advance. No frantic cooking while guests arrive!
• The Flavor Profile: The panna cotta is creamy and delicately spiced with nutmeg and vanilla from the eggnog base. The spiced rum caramel cuts through that richness with a warm, slightly boozy molasses depth. It’s comforting, complex, and totally addictive.
• Elegant Simplicity: Served in a simple glass or unmolded on a plate, it looks stunningly elegant, yet the effort is minimal. It’s truly a dessert that tastes like you spent hours on it. For another make-ahead treat that’s always a hit, you might also like my recipe for These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert.

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Ingredients You Will Need

For the Panna Cotta:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Eggnog	2 cups	Use a high-quality, full-fat eggnog for the best texture.
Heavy Cream	1 cup	For extra richness.
Granulated Sugar	1/3 cup	Adjust based on the sweetness of your eggnog.
Unflavored Gelatin	2 tsp	Typically one packet. This is essential for setting.
Cold Water	1/4 cup	Used to “bloom” the gelatin.
Vanilla Extract	1 tsp	Enhances the overall flavor.

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For the Spiced Rum Caramel:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Granulated Sugar	1/2 cup	The base for the caramel.
Water	1/4 cup	Helps the sugar dissolve evenly.
Spiced Rum	2 tbsp	Dark rum or bourbon can be substituted.
Butter	2 tbsp	Unsalted, cut into cubes.
Heavy Cream	1/4 cup	Room temperature is key to prevent seizing.

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Swaps and Notes

• Lighter Option: You can substitute up to half of the heavy cream with whole milk in the panna cotta base, but be aware it may affect the final texture’s richness and firmness.
• Alcohol-Free: To make this dessert family-friendly, substitute the spiced rum in the caramel with 1/2 teaspoon of rum extract mixed with an extra tablespoon of water or cream. The flavor will still be wonderful!
• Spice Boost: If your eggnog is light on spice, add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg and a dash of cinnamon to the saucepan along with the eggnog and cream.
• Vegan Option: Gelatin can be replaced with Agar-Agar powder, following the package directions for liquid volume, but note the texture will be slightly firmer and less “jiggly.”

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Panna Cotta

1. Bloom the Gelatin: Pour 1/4 cup of cold water into a small bowl. Sprinkle the 2 teaspoons of unflavored gelatin evenly over the top. Let it sit, undisturbed, for 5 minutes until it becomes spongy—this is “blooming.”
2. Heat the Cream Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the eggnog, heavy cream, and 1/3 cup of sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is hot, with steam rising. Do not boil.
3. Dissolve the Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir the bloomed gelatin mixture into the hot cream base until it is completely dissolved and there are no visible granules. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Chill: Pour the mixture evenly into 4-6 ramekins or small glasses. Cover each with plastic wrap (ensure the plastic wrap doesn’t touch the surface of the liquid) and refrigerate for 4-6 hours, or until fully set and firm to the touch.

2. Make the Spiced Rum Caramel

1. Make Dry Caramel: In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water. Place over medium heat. Do not stir. Swirl the pan occasionally to encourage even cooking.
2. Watch for Color: The mixture will first become clear, then start to bubble and turn a light golden color. Continue to cook until it reaches a rich, deep amber color (about 8-10 minutes total). Remove from heat immediately.
3. Add Butter and Cream: Carefully add the 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk until melted. The caramel will bubble aggressively. Slowly pour in the 1/4 cup of heavy cream (use caution, as the mixture will steam violently). Whisk until smooth.
4. Add Rum: Stir in the 2 tablespoons of spiced rum. Let the caramel cool completely. It will thicken as it cools.

3. Assemble and Serve

1. Unmold (Optional): To unmold, dip the bottom of each ramekin into a shallow bowl of hot water for about 10 seconds. Invert a small serving plate over the ramekin and quickly flip them together. The panna cotta should slide out. (If serving in glasses, skip this step).
2. Drizzle: Drizzle a generous amount of the Spiced Rum Caramel over the top of each panna cotta. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg or a small dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Serve chilled.

Tips for Success

• Temperature Matters: Ensure your heavy cream for the caramel is at room temperature. Adding cold cream to hot caramel can cause the caramel to seize and clump.
• Panna Cotta Setting: If your panna cotta doesn’t set, it likely means the gelatin wasn’t fully dissolved, or the ratios were off. Make sure the gelatin is completely gone before chilling!
• Non-Stick Pan: Use a non-stick saucepan for the panna cotta base, but avoid a non-stick pan for the caramel.The sugar is easier to caramelize and watch for color changes in a stainless steel or light-colored pan.
• Caramel Consistency: If your caramel is too thick once cooled, whisk in a tablespoon of warm water or rum until the desired drizzly consistency is reached.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This dessert is rich and complex, so it pairs best with a balanced beverage or a lighter treat.

• Beverage Pairings: A robust, dark coffee or an Espresso Martini is a classic pairing. For a slightly lighter, non-alcoholic counterpoint, consider a strong, cold-brewed black tea or a delicate white tea.
• Appetizer Pairings: To balance the sweetness, start your meal with a savory snack. My recipe for This Baked Kosher Salami Is My Favorite Easy Appetizer With Big Flavor offers a salty, crunchy contrast.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of coarse sea salt flakes on the caramel top can elevate the flavor tremendously, providing a salted caramel effect.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimated)

Disclaimer: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown based on the ingredients provided and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual values may vary based on specific brands and serving sizes.

Metric	Value
Calories	∼450 kcal
Total Fat	∼30 g
Saturated Fat	∼18 g
Carbohydrates	∼40 g
Sugar	∼35 g
Protein	∼5 g

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This dessert is a dream for leftovers—if you have any!

• Storage: The prepared panna cotta should be stored tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not add the caramel until just before serving.
• Caramel Storage: The Spiced Rum Caramel can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It will solidify when cold; gently microwave it in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until it is a warm, drizzly consistency again.
• Freezing: Panna Cotta does not freeze well, as the texture changes completely upon thawing. Keep this one chilled!

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this dessert, try a few more of my favorites that share that same “easy-to-make, hard-to-stop-eating” quality:

• For another simple, festive sweet: These No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls Are My Favorite Snack to Keep on Hand
• If you’re looking for an unforgettable dessert that’s pure fun: This Unicorn Poop Bark Is The Magical Treat That’s Always A Hit With Kids

Final Thoughts

This Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiced Rum Caramel is the definition of quiet holiday elegance. It allows you to offer a truly special dessert without sacrificing your valuable time. The silky texture and rich, boozy caramel are exactly what I crave when the weather turns cold. It’s a classic for a reason, and now, it’s ready to become your new holiday tradition.

Did you try making this recipe? I want to know! Leave your feedback, tips, and any creative twists you added in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more recipes that make cooking fun again.