If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly marries festive cheer with creamy elegance, this Chai Spiced Eggnog Panna Cotta Recipe is your new go-to. Imagine the familiar warmth of eggnog infused with aromatic masala chai spices, gently set into a silky panna cotta that melts in your mouth. It’s an absolute celebration in a glass, bringing together cozy holiday flavors with a refined, delicate texture that will charm every palate. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or a special treat, this recipe delivers comfort and sophistication in every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The left side shows a close-up of a dark cooking pot filled with a creamy, light brown mixture that has small bubbles on the surface and a slightly thick texture. A wooden spoon held by a woman's hand is stirring the mixture, with some bits of white solid visible. The right side shows a close-up of a creamy light brown liquid being poured from a white pitcher into a clear glass with a smooth, frothy surface, set against a blurry warm brown background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chai Spiced Eggnog Panna Cotta Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving that luscious texture and rich taste. From the gelatin that provides structure to the chai spices that offer an inviting aroma, every component complements one another beautifully.

1 tbsp. powdered gelatin: The essential thickening agent that transforms your creamy mixture into the perfect panna cotta consistency.
¼ cup water: Used to bloom the gelatin, ensuring it dissolves smoothly without clumps.
3 cups eggnog (unpasteurized): The decadent base that infuses the dessert with creamy sweetness and classic holiday flavor.
1 tsp. masala chai spice: Adds a fragrant mix of warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, elevating the eggnog to a new level.
½ cup raisins: These provide little bursts of chewy sweetness that contrast beautifully with the smooth panna cotta.
½ cup dark rum: For a boozy kick that rounds out the spices and sweetness with a deep, mellow note.

How to Make Chai Spiced Eggnog Panna Cotta Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin

Start by sprinkling the powdered gelatin over the ¼ cup of water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften completely. Blooming gelatin this way ensures that it will dissolve seamlessly when heated, giving your panna cotta a perfectly smooth texture.

Step 2: Warm the Eggnog and Spices

Pour the 3 cups of eggnog into a saucepan and gently heat over medium-low heat. Add the 1 teaspoon of masala chai spice. Stir occasionally, allowing the warmth to release those lovely fragrant chai notes. Be careful not to let it boil—just warm enough so the gelatin can dissolve properly in the hot liquid.

Step 3: Incorporate the Gelatin and Rum

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until it melts completely and blends smoothly with the eggnog. Then add the ½ cup of dark rum and give it one last gentle stir. This step infuses the dessert with depth and a subtle boozy undertone that perfectly balances the spices.

Step 4: Add Raisins and Pour into Molds

Distribute the raisins evenly into your serving containers or molds. Then, carefully pour the warm eggnog mixture over the raisins. The raisins will soften slightly as the panna cotta sets, creating delightful little pockets of sweetness.

Step 5: Chill Until Set

Cover your molds with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. The chill time allows the panna cotta to firm up into its signature silky, wobbly delight, ready to impress your guests.

How to Serve Chai Spiced Eggnog Panna Cotta Recipe

There are six clear glass dessert cups filled with two layers. The bottom layer is a smooth, creamy pale yellow pudding that fills most of the cup. The top layer is a mix of dark brown and golden raisins spread evenly, covering the pudding's surface. The cups have a wide bowl shape with short stems and are arranged closely together on a dark, carved wooden tray. The background is blurred with warm, soft lights. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving. A few whole spices like star anise or a cinnamon stick can add charm as a garnish while gently enhancing the aroma around the dessert.

Side Dishes

This Chai Spiced Eggnog Panna Cotta Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp baked ginger cookies or buttery shortbread. The crunch and spice from these sides contrast nicely with the creamy smoothness of the panna cotta.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your panna cotta in elegant mini glass jars or delicate stemmed glasses for a festive look. Layering with crushed spiced cookies at the bottom can add texture and make it truly eye-catching on your dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras, simply cover the panna cotta tightly with plastic wrap or lids and refrigerate. It will retain its creamy texture and fresh flavor for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.

Freezing

Panna cotta does not freeze well; the delicate texture can become grainy and watery upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy this Chai Spiced Eggnog Panna Cotta Recipe fresh or stored in the fridge only.

Reheating

Reheating is generally not recommended because panna cotta is best served chilled. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer dessert, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use pasteurized eggnog for this recipe?

Absolutely! Pasteurized eggnog works fine. Just be mindful that unpasteurized eggnog tends to have a fresher, richer flavor which can make the dessert even more delightful.

What if I don’t have masala chai spice?

No worries! You can substitute with a mix of ground cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger to mimic the chai flavors. Just start with small amounts and adjust to your taste.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Traditional panna cotta relies on dairy cream or milk, but since this recipe uses eggnog, a dairy base is essential. For a dairy-free twist, you would need to find a suitable non-dairy eggnog alternative and experiment with non-dairy gelatin substitutes.

How jiggly should the panna cotta be?

You want your panna cotta to have a gentle wobble—not too firm, but it should hold its shape when unmolded. This is the hallmark of a perfectly set panna cotta.

Can I prepare this recipe without alcohol?

Definitely! Simply omit the dark rum for a family-friendly version. You might want to replace the depth of flavor with a splash of vanilla extract or extra spices.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Chai Spiced Eggnog Panna Cotta Recipe, it’ll become a beloved favorite for all your holiday gatherings and cozy nights in. It’s that magical combination of creamy texture, warm spices, and festive spirit wrapped into one indulgent dessert. So go ahead, give it a try and impress your friends and family with something truly special!