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 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? ›

The origin of the word cranachan in Scots Gaelic means "churn." You will sometimes hear the dessert called "crowdie," as the cheese of the same name was sometimes used instead of the whipped cream.

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 the most popular Scottish sweet? ›

Shortbread - A Biscuit for All Occasions

Of all the Scottish sweets, shortbread has perhaps the broadest appeal. Its humble ingredients belie its rich taste and historical significance.

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.

Where was cranachan invented? ›

Cranachan (Scottish Gaelic: Creannachan) is a farmstead about 2.5 miles north-east of Roybridge in Lochaber, in the Highlands, Scotland. Cranachan is in the Highland Council area and stands on the north bank of the confluence of the River Roy and the River Allt Glas Dhoire.

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 are the ingredients in traditional Scottish food? ›

Scotland's natural larder of vegetables, fruit, oats, fish and other seafood, dairy products and game is the chief factor in traditional Scottish cooking, with a high reliance on simplicity, without the use of rare, and historically expensive, spices found abroad.

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 dessert do you eat on Burns Night? ›

Cranachan. A classic Scottish dessert, cranachan is a beautiful medley of double cream, toasted oats, raspberries, honey and a great big slosh of whisky. It's the perfect ending to a Burns Night feast.

What is haggis made of? ›

A traditional haggis recipe describes haggis as "sheep's 'pluck' (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally encased in the animal's stomach and boiled".

What is Scottish pudding made of? ›

Dundee Cake Traditional Scottish Pudding

The recipe has stood the test of time. Straight out of cookbooks from the 1600s, this cake only requires a few key ingredients. Flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and baking powder are complemented by Seville marmalade, almonds, raisins, and of course, a generous amount of orange zest.

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 cakes are traditionally eaten at Christmas in Scotland? ›

A Scottish speciality is the traditional Christmas cake, the "Whisky Dundee". As the name implies, the cake originated in Dundee, and is made with Scotch whisky. It is a light and crumbly cake, and light on fruit and candied peel; only currants, raisins, sultanas and cherries.

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