Cranachan: a traditional Scottish dessert | CIE Tours (2024)

Cranachan is a traditional Scottish dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries, particularly in the Scottish Highlands. The exact origins of the dessert are unclear, but it is thought to have evolved from a dish known as crowdie, which was a mixture of oatmeal, cream, and honey.

Over time, other ingredients such as whisky and berries were added to the dish, giving it the name Cranachan. Whisky was a particularly local ingredient, as it was readily available in the Highlands and was often used in cooking and baking.

Cranachan was traditionally served at special occasions such as weddings and festivals, and it was also popular among soldiers and hunters as a nourishing and energizing snack. In fact, it was often served to soldiers during the Jacobite Uprisings in the 18th century, as it provided them with much-needed sustenance on long marches.

Today, Cranachan is still a beloved Scottish dessert and is enjoyed by people all over the world. While the basic recipe has remained largely unchanged, variations with different fruits, nuts, and liqueurs have emerged over time, adding new dimensions to this classic dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
  • 2 tablespoons whisky (optional)

Instructions:

  • Toast the oats in a dry frying pan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • In a mixing bowl, whip the cream until it forms soft peaks.
  • Fold in the toasted oats and honey, stirring gently to combine.
  • Add the whisky and stir to combine.
  • Layer the whipped cream mixture and fresh raspberries in dessert bowls or glasses.
  • Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.


Optional: Before serving, garnish with additional fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of toasted oats. Enjoy!

Cranachan: a traditional Scottish dessert | CIE Tours (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
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What is a fun fact about cranachan? ›

The exact origins of the dessert are unclear, but it is thought to have evolved from a dish known as crowdie, which was a mixture of oatmeal, cream, and honey. Over time, other ingredients such as whisky and berries were added to the dish, giving it the name Cranachan.

What does the word cranachan mean? ›

Cranachan is a traditional Scottish dessert made of raspberries, cream and oatmeal with the addition of whiskey and honey. The word Cranachan comes from the Gaelic word, meaning “churn”. In some parts of Scotland, it is known as the cream crowdie.

What is a cranachan in Gaelic? ›

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

What is the most popular Scottish sweet? ›

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 Scottish fruit cake called? ›

Dundee cake is a traditional Scottish fruit cake.

What is the world's oldest dessert? ›

Ashure (Noah's Pudding) is thought to be the oldest dessert in the world, first made by Noah after his fabled landfall at Mt Ararat. It is a delightful mix of dried fruit, nuts, grains and beans (yes, beans!) made in Turkey and all over the Middle East. Give it a try - you'll be glad you did!

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 does pudding mean in Scotland? ›

Unless qualified, however, pudding usually means dessert and in the United Kingdom, pudding is used as a synonym for dessert. Puddings made for dessert can be boiled and steamed puddings, baked puddings, bread puddings, batter puddings, milk puddings or even jellies.

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 do the British mean by dessert? ›

/dɪˈzɝːt/ uk. /dɪˈzɜːt/ A2. sweet food eaten at the end of a meal: a dessert fork/spoon.

What is a Scottish sweet? ›

View Range DELICIOUS SCOTTISH SWEETS Include: Boiled Sweets, Caramels, Chocolate Creams, Liquorice, Retro Sweets, Rock, Soft Creams & Soft Rock and Toffee.

What is banana in Scottish Gaelic? ›

Dictionary
GaelicGàidhligEnglishBeurla
banana ^^ a. fir. n. masc. /baˈnana/ pl. -thanbanana
bannag a. boir. n. fem. /baNag/ gen. -aige pl. -an1. Christmas present 2. Bye-form of bonnach (Scots: bannock); the gift, e.g. bread or cheese, offered to young lads carrying out the ritual of Callainn
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What is the Scottish word for sweet? ›

Scottish Word: Sook.

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.

What is haggis made of? ›

haggis, the national dish of Scotland, a type of pudding composed of the liver, heart, and lungs of a sheep (or other animal), minced and mixed with beef or mutton suet and oatmeal and seasoned with onion, cayenne pepper, and other spices. The mixture is packed into a sheep's stomach and boiled.

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