Scottish Cranachan Recipe | Easy Cranachan Dessert Recipe (2024)

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Cranachan is synonymous with traditional Scottish desserts and to me, the perfect Cranachan consists of a mix of whipped cream, raspberries, whisky, toasted oatmeal and heather honey.

It might not sound like anything special but when combined, it makes this light but really indulgent traditional Scottish dessert recipe.

Traditionally, Cranachan would have been made by using crowdie or perhaps a mixture of both cream/crowdie and while we now typically associate it with dessert, it was more commonly known as a breakfast dish.

Now, if you aren’t familiar with crowdie, it is a soft Scottish cheese made from cows milk that has a slightly sour yet creamy/crumbly texture. Crowdie may very well be more palatable for breakfast Cranachan but I’m also very aware that crowdie is not as easily accessible out with Scotland (and likely not to everyone’s tastes!), which is why we are using double cream in this recipe.

You can buy crowdie in some of the big supermarkets, here in Scotland at least and I 100% remember churning crowdie at school so if you are looking to create an authentic crowdie, it can be done.

I appreciate that many people may not drink alcohol and I also wanted to keep this family-friendly, so if you are looking to create Cranachan without whisky, swap the whisky in the recipe for some orange juice and it will be just as delicious.

However, if you do want the full Scottish experience, try soaking around 2/3 of your toasted oats overnight in 1-2tbsp Scotch whisky before folding the oats into the cream, just before serving.

This is a popular Scottish pudding to serve on Burns Night, St Andrews Day or at ceilidhs and other Scottish events. Try serving it with some gingerbread biscuits or some shortbread on the side for added texture!

I really hope that you enjoy this recipe for Cranachan!

*Cranachan pronunciation – kra-neh-ch-in. The ‘ch’ is pronounced in a similar manner as ‘loch’ or ‘Bach’ and not as a ‘K’ sound.

Scottish Cranachan Recipe | Easy Cranachan Dessert Recipe (1)

Overview

Makes: 6 servings
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
Total time: 35 mins

Ingredients

  • 480ml Double cream (2 cups)
  • 70g Steel cut oats (1/2 cup)
  • 250g Fresh raspberries (2 cups)
  • 2-3tbsp Whisky
  • 2tbsp Honey (Heather honey if possible)

    Optional

    • For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the whisky with orange juice

Utensils

  • 6 Glasses
    Alternative – one large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan/Oven tray

Scottish Cranachan Recipe | Easy Cranachan Dessert Recipe (2)

Instructions

  1. Firstly, we are going to toast your 70g oats.

    You can do this by using a heavy bottomed pan over a low-medium heat or by placing them on a baking tray and popping them under the grill.

    These cook quickly so don’t leave unattended.

    Once toasted and have a faint nutty smell, remove from the heat and place in a bowl before setting aside and allowing to cool.

  2. Next, pick up your raspberries and I recommend picking out some of the most aesthetically pleasing ones for decoration later.

    Crush the remaining raspberries in a bowl, using a fork.

    They don’t need to be perfect! Lumps are fine and add a more rustic texture.

  3. Take a bowl and whip your double cream until it becomes stiff enough to hold its shape and form small peaks.

    Once whipped, fold in your whisky (if using) and honey.

    And then fold in your around 2/3 of your toasted oats. I recommend leaving some oats aside for decoration at the end.

  4. Now you are ready to place it all in your chosen serve ware so this is where you can make it your own!

    You are looking to create layers, so whether that is a bottom layer of raspberries topped with a layer of cream or whether you want to alternate until you have two or three layers of each, that is up to you!

    However you choose to do it, I would recommend laying some of the raspberry first and finishing with a layer of cream on top.

    For decoration, sprinkle your remaining raspberries and oats along with a drizzle of honey.

    Cover with cling film and refrigerate your Cranachan for up to an hour but remove from the fridge 20-30 minutes before serving for best taste.

    Enjoy!

Storage

Cranachan won’t keep well for long, so I would recommend making it on the day its required.

It can be refrigerated for a couple of hours but I would recommend eating on the day of making.

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Scottish Cranachan Recipe | Easy Cranachan Dessert Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the most famous Scottish dessert cranachan made of? ›

Cranachan
CourseDessert
Place of originScotland
Main ingredientsWhipped cream, whisky, honey (preferably heather honey), raspberries, oatmeal
1 more row

What is the most popular dessert in Scotland? ›

Scotland's Most Loved Sweet Treats
  • Shortbread - A Biscuit for All Occasions. Of all the Scottish sweets, shortbread has perhaps the broadest appeal. ...
  • Dundee Cake - Fruitful Scottish Tradition. A rich, fruit-laden spectacle, the Dundee Cake proudly represents its namesake city. ...
  • Cranachan - A Dessert of Layers and Traditions.
Oct 23, 2023

What is the dessert for Burns Night Mary Berry? ›

Cranachan is a traditional Scottish dessert made of cream, raspberries, oats and whisky. Try a classic cranachan recipe, or experiment with a more modern take on the sweet treat. Great for Burns Night, great for every other night! It's super easy to whip up Mary Berry's classic Scottish cranachan.

What dessert do you eat on Burns Night? ›

Our modern Burns Night menu from chef Roberta Hall-McCarron is a little bit different but equally delicious. One thing's for sure, the traditional Scottish dessert cranachan is the pudding for the job, and a wee dram of whisky is non-negotiable.

What is Scotland's national cake? ›

Today, Dundee cake remains one of the most popular Scottish food and drink specialties – alongside shortbread, whisky and black pudding. It is said that the cake was originally made for Mary Queen of Scots in the 16th century.

What is a cranachan in Gaelic? ›

Scotland's answer to Eton Mess, the word cranachan is Scottish Gaelic in origin, meaning “churn”.

What was Queen Elizabeth's favorite dessert? ›

Posted on www.today.com (Read original article here.) “This chocolate biscuit cake is Her Royal Majesty the Queen's favorite afternoon tea cake by far,” chef Darren McGrady, The Royal Chef and former personal chef to Queen Elizabeth II, told TODAY Food.

What is the number one food in Scotland? ›

Scotland's national dish is haggis, a savoury meat pudding, and it's traditionally accompanied by mashed potatoes, turnips (known as 'neeps') and a whisky sauce.

What is a trio of Scottish desserts? ›

The trio consists of:
  • Raspberry meringues filled with raspberry cream and served on a canapé spoon, with freeze dried raspberries soaked in Chambord liqueur.
  • A fresh raspberry and pink Prosecco jelly served in a shot glass.
  • A mini Raspberry cranachan, with a twist.

What is Jimmy Carter dessert? ›

What Is Jimmy Carter Cake? This dessert is crunchy, creamy, chocolaty, and full of peanut flavor. The graham cracker crust incorporates dry-roasted peanuts for more crunch. Loads of peanut butter flavor comes through in the cream cheese layer and is matched by the richness of the chocolate pudding layer.

What dessert has alcohol and fire? ›

A majestic way to end a meal, a flambé (“flamed” in French) is any dish that is doused in alcohol and lit on fire—usually sweets, though the technique can be applied to savory items and sauces as well.

What are the ingredients in a Robert Redford dessert? ›

ingredients
  • 12 - 1 cup butter.
  • 1 12 cups flour.
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped.
  • 1 large cream cheese.
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar.
  • 1 cup peanut butter.
  • 1 (3 1/2 ounce) box vanilla pudding mix.
  • 1 (3 1/2 ounce) box chocolate pudding mix.

What is Cranachan made of? ›

This traditional Scottish dessert of oats, cream, whisky and raspberries is a delicious alternative to trifle.

What is Selkirk Grace? ›

The Selkirk Grace is a prayer, traditionally said to toast a Scottish dinner or meal, especially at social gatherings attributed to Scottish poet, Robert Burns.

What are neeps in Scotland? ›

Neeps are what Scots, Irish and a lot of Northern English people call turnips - ie the big orange veg. Others call those a swede. The wee white ones - whether you call those a turnip or not - are not part of a 'neeps and tatties' recipe.

What is cranaghan? ›

Cranaghan is a townland in the Parish of Tomregan, Barony of Loughtee Lower, County Cavan, Ireland. Slieve Russell Hotel and Golf Course.

What dessert do they eat in Brave? ›

Throughout the movie, Merida's three brothers Hamish, Hubert and Harris are constantly seen trying to steal a dessert bun that is topped with icing. And while the dessert is never mentioned by name in the movie, I'd like to think it's some variation of an Empire biscuit crossed with a honeybun or brioche roll.

Where does cranachan originate from? ›

Cranachan is a traditional Scottish dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries, particularly in the Scottish Highlands.

What is Scottish pudding made of? ›

Simple oats form the basis for this easy-to-make dessert. Heady malt whiskey, soothing honey overtones, and rich cream settle into the oats and create a sweet, strong, and sumptuous dessert. Raspberries add a much-needed tangy tart note to this traditional cranachan concoction.

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