Vanilla Cranberry Cream Dessert

Is it wrong to make the same Christmas dessert two years in a row?  Does it help if you have a dessert buffet with a variety of options?   I served these Vanilla Cranberry Creams last Christmas where they were definitely a hit.  Every year I try something new, but this year’s new recipes have failed repeatedly (that is two desserts failed a total of three times) so they just may be on the menu again. 

Vanilla Cranberry Cream Dessert in a shot glass

Vanilla Cranberry Cream Dessert in a shot glass

Recently I have become fascinated with all the different ways to thicken milk or cream.  The recipes combine the best of comfort (warm rich milk) and special (creamy chocolate, pungent vanilla) for a treat that is rich, but light enough to work even after a big meal.  When I found some fancy shot glasses for a steal at TJ Maxx, the rest was history.   cran-van-cream-on-on-tray

There are actually a number of different ways to create the various types of thickened cream desserts.   Use cornstarch and it is a pudding, gelatin makes a panna cotta, and eggs produce a pot de crème.  I have found my greatest success mixing eggs and cornstarch but I still call them pot de crème since it sounds so fancy đŸ˜‰  cran-van-cream-vertical

Despite its scary sounding name, the dessert is quite simple–even the sugared cranberries on top are a snap.  Would it help to call it pudding? 

No time before Christmas?  These would be great for an elegant New Year’s Eve or a romantic Valentine’s Day.  Don’t you love the holidays!

 

Vanilla Cranberry Cream Dessert

This vanilla cranberry cream dessert is served in individual shot glasses and perfect for Christmas, New Year's or Valentine's Day.
Author: Inger
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 156 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons butter cut into pieces
  • 1 cup skim milk
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 cup c cranberry sauce pureed in blender
  • 2 egg yolks
  • whipped cream cranberries, mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Slice vanilla ban lengthwise and scrape out seeds. Add seeds and pod, along with the milk and cinnamon stick to a medium saucepan.
  • Over low heat, warm mixture until bubbles start to form on side of pan. Remove from heat and take out vanilla bean and cinnamon stick. (see note below for a simpler alternative)
  • Beat egg yolks with the cream, sugar and cornstarch. Add in a little of the hot infused milk to temper the egg mixture, then whisk into the saucepan.
  • Cook whisking constantly until mixture coats the back of a spoon and retains some shape briefly when drizzled back into the pan. Do not let it boil (but it will be just shy of simmering). When done, whisk in the butter.
  • Fill a shot glass halfway with the mixture, dot with 1/2 - 1 t cranberry sauce, top off with custard, then another dab of cranberry sauce. Stir with fondue fork to break up cranberry layers.
  • Cool, garnish as desired, then serve.

Notes

For an easier version, instead of infusing the vanilla and cinnamon, just blend all of the ingredients except the cranberry sauce with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Then cook until thickened and fill shot glasses as directed above.

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcal
I am not a health professional and nutrition data is calculated programatically. Accuracy may vary with product selection, calculator accuracy, etc. Consult a professional for the best information.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

5 thoughts on “Vanilla Cranberry Cream Dessert

  1. Pingback: Sugared Cranberries - Art of Natural Living

  2. Louise

    If you don’t mind Inger, I’ll just call them heavenly:) And no, there isn’t anything wrong with making the same dessert two years in a row especially when it makes such a delicious presentation!!!

    Thank you so much for sharing, Inger. I wish You and Your family a very Merry Christmas filled with lots of magical moments and tons of deliciousness!!! “See” you next year, Inger:)

    1. Inger Post author

      I thought of you when I made this Louise–as I always seem to do when I use cranberry sauce now. Hopefully you and Marion got through your bonanza!

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