If you love eggnog, this creamy Eggnog Panna Cotta with Homemade Pistachio Toffee is going to be a fun recipe for you to try! Lots of fresh spicy eggnog flavors, combined into one smooth and creamy dessert!
You can also see ALL of the delicious Gluten Free Eggnog Desserts on my blog. I can’t wait to hear which you try!
With this homemade panna cotta recipe, I am closing out my eggnog cravings for the season! I was happy to tempt you with my favorite eggnog desserts like this Gluten Free Eggnog Bread Pudding and these Gluten Free Eggnog Skinny Cheesecakes…but I am ready to just sit back and enjoy now :-).
What is Panna Cotta?
Panna Cotta is a dessert that my kids love. It is thick and creamy, and you can make it in all sorts of fun flavors!
Panna cotta is an Italian favorite. It is made with cream, sugar, and gelatin to set it. It is a dessert that is so easy to make, my kids frequently make it. I have been encouraging their kitchen explorations, even if they seem to only want to make desserts because they really need to learn how to cook.
Hopefully, you will love this easy eggnog panna cotta recipe as much as we did!
Homemade Toffee Crunch Topping
In order to make this recipe, you are going to want to see how to make the Homemade Toffee that tops this dessert. It adds the perfect little “crunch” factor to this panna cotta recipe.
(*Tip, make sure you read through the whole toffee recipe before starting. There is even a video to show you all of the steps! I had some horrible “bloopers” along the way. I talk about each recipe fail, and how to fix them!)
More Delicious Flavors of Panna Cotta to Try:
- Add fresh berries and a little whipped cream.
- Flavor with rum as the Italians do.
- Add cocoa powder and a little more sugar to make chocolate panna cotta
- Flavor with some espresso!
Types of Gelatin:
For this recipe, you will want to use unflavored gelatin.
I know a lot of people don’t like to use gelatin for various healthy/quality reasons. I did find this brand of gelatin which is non-GMO, certified gluten free, dairy free, Kosher, and Halal.
Gelatin is important in this recipe because it is what causes the cream (or eggnog in this case) to firm up.
How to make Panna Cotta:
The first step to making this easy panna cotta recipe is to dissolve the gelatin with some of the eggnog. Let it sit and thicken for 15 minutes.
Can you cook Panna Cotta Stovetop?
You definitely want to cook this panna cotta recipe stovetop. You can use a pot or even a double boiler.
Cook the eggnog on low heat. Don’t bring it to a boil. Add the gelatin eggnog combination. Slowly cook to thicken. TIP: use a whisk to stir your panna cotta so it turns out creamy.
Gently pour the mixture into small glasses or ramekins and chill in the refrigerator.
Shopping List for this Eggnog Panna Cotta Recipe:
- Eggnog
- Gelatin
- Sugar
- Heavy Cream
- Vanilla
Can you make this eggnog panna cotta ahead?
You can make this panna cotta recipe a day or two ahead. It should keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
How long does it take for the panna cotta to set?
I would recommend refrigerating the panna cotta for a minimum of two hours to set. Note, if you plan to use a mold to shape your panna cotta, you will want to chill it for at least 5 hours.
More Delicious Gluten Free Holiday Desserts to Try:
- Gluten Free Eggnog Cupcakes
- Gluten Free Gingerbread Cheesecake Bars
- Gluten Free Roasted Chestnut Cookies
Things You Need To Make This Easy Panna Cotta Recipe:
- Ramekins to make single servings of this dessert.
- Small Mason Jars also are great. You can close the lids to keep them fresh longer.

Eggnog Panna Cotta Recipe
An easy eggnog panna cotta with pistachio toffee.
Ingredients
- 1 cup eggnog
- 1 teaspoon gelatin
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- In a small dish, combine 1/3 cup heavy cream and 1 teaspoon gelatin. Whisk to blend and allow to sit 10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine the rest of the heavy cream and sugar.
- Cook on medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves.ย
- Add eggnog and gelatin mixture to the pan. Whisk and allow to heat just until it boils.
- Remove from the heat and pour into ramekins or glass mason jars.
- Cover each dish with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator.
- Optional top with toffee.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 343 Total Fat: 30g Saturated Fat: 19g Trans Fat: 1g Unsaturated Fat: 9g Cholesterol: 115mg Sodium: 45mg Carbohydrates: 14g Fiber: 0g Sugar: 14g Protein: 5g
Robert K.
This recipe is wonderful! I love both Panna Cotta and Egg Nog and it never struck me to combine them. I was wondering if you could share the brand of cup you used? I have searched and searched and cannot find that shape ๐
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you so much Robert and I am glad you like it. I found these glass jars at a store called Cost Plus…they are importers and I believe they are on the West Coast.
Audrey
I adore eggnog. Your recipe sounds so amazing! You took it over the top with the addition of your toffee.
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you so much Audrey ๐
Jereann Zann
Iโve never had pannacotta. You make it look so delicious now I want to try it.
Sandi Gaertner
You will love how easily it comes together ๐
Debra C.
This looks so over-the-top delicious!
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you Debra ๐
Nicole Dawson
That homemade toffee ๐
Sandi Gaertner
I know, right??
Jen
I’m all about everything egg nog so this is definitely one to try! Looks delicious!
Leslie
The pannacotta looks delicious, but that pistachio toffee crunch has won me over! It looks perfect.
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you so much Leslie!!
Alisa Fleming
As if the panna cotta isn’t decadent enough, you added toffee too! I love it. It would be a stretch, but I’m curious to try this dairy free.
Sandi Gaertner
Let me know how it turns out dairy free Alisa ๐
Kristen Wood
This looks so yummy!!
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you Kristen!
Jill
Looks and sounds SO delicious! I’ve got to try it.
Sandi Gaertner
Enjoy Jill ๐
Jacque Hastert
I have never had this. Now my curiosity is killing me. Pinning so I can try this.
Sandi Gaertner
I hope you like it Jacque ๐
Sarah
…you had me at egg nog! What a delicious sounding treat using one of my favorite flavors this time of the year!! Can’t wait to try this!
Sandi Gaertner
I am so glad you like it. Have a great holiday!
Kristina
these are gorgeous, and sound so so good! I love the pistachio toffee crunch, too – I’d want mine to have DOUBLE. ๐
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you so much Kristina ๐
Lisa
These look absolutely delightful, Sandi! I was never a fan of panna cotta — until I had a good one. My previous experiences felt more like jell-o, not the silky, melt-in-your-mouth experience a good panna cotta gives. This is lovely.
Sandi Gaertner
Yeah, I have tried a few of those jelloish panna cottas. I promise this isn’t like that ๐
Ginny McMeans
What a great recipe. They have all of those ingredients in vegan products now and I am excited to try this recipe. Thanks!
Sandi Gaertner
Awesome Ginny. Enjoy ๐