Scottish Cranachan (Raspberry Oatmeal Parfaits) Recipe

If you’re craving a heavenly dessert that dazzles with vibrant berries, silky cream, and the gentle warmth of whisky, Scottish Cranachan is exactly what you need. This classic treat layers raspberries, honey, toasted oats, and clouds of whisky-kissed whipped cream into gloriously rustic parfaits. The best part? It takes just minutes to assemble—and feels absolutely special. Cranachan is perfect for those days when you want a quick, impressive finish to a meal or a sweet pick-me-up on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a look at what goes into truly spectacular Cranachan, and why each is essential:

• Oatmeal: Toasted until nicely golden—they deliver a warm, almost nutty crunch and that authentic Scottish texture.
• Scotch Whisky: The backbone of the parfait. Soaking the oats, flavoring the berries, and blending into the cream, whisky adds a mellow depth.
• Fresh Raspberries: Juicy, sweet-tart, and vibrantly red. They break down slightly, mingling their juices with a splash of whisky and honey for an irresistible swirl.
• Honey: Adds floral sweetness and binds the creams and fruit with a beautifully rounded taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Just enough to pull the natural juices from the raspberries and gently sweeten.
• Heavy Cream: Whipped to luscious, billowy peaks—this is the heart of the parfait, rich and fluffy.

Tip: Use the best raspberries you can find, and don’t skimp on the whisky—it’s the soul of authentic Cranachan!

Variations

Ready to put your own spin on this Scottish classic? Try these twists:

• Berry Swap: Try blackberries or strawberries if raspberries aren’t in season, or even a mix for an extra burst of flavor.
• Alcohol-Free: For a family-friendly version, replace whisky with orange juice or a splash of vanilla extract.
• Nuts for Crunch: Scatter toasted hazelnuts or almonds between the layers for added crunch.
• Yogurt Lightness: Swap some of the cream for Greek yogurt to lighten things up while keeping it creamy.

How to Make Scottish Cranachan

Bring this easy and elegant dessert together in a few quick steps:

Step 1: Infuse the Oats

Start by stirring together your golden, toasted oats with a good splash of Scotch. Wrap the bowl and let it rest in the fridge overnight so the flavors really soak in.

Step 2: Prepare the Raspberry Mixture

Using a fork, roughly mash the raspberries in a bowl. Add a glug of whisky, a generous drizzle of honey, and sprinkle in the sugar. Mix gently so the berries break down and create their own syrup.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks just form. Then, gently beat in more honey and that all-important whisky. Continue whipping until the cream is thick, creamy, and holds beautiful peaks.

Step 4: Fold in the Oats

Carefully fold your whisky-infused oats into the whipped cream. This gives the mixture a lovely, subtle chew and a hint of earthiness.

Step 5: Layer the Parfaits

Spoon a layer of the raspberry mixture into each glass, followed by a dollop of oat-filled cream. Sprinkle over some of the reserved toasted oats for crunch. Repeat the layers until you reach the top, finishing with cream and a final flourish of oats.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s faces light up. This dessert is all about freshness—assemble just before serving for best results.

How to Serve

Cranachan shines when served in individual glasses or pretty jars, showing off its striking layers. You can pair it with a dram of Scotch for the adults, or have some shortbread or buttery biscuits on the side for extra indulgence. For a more casual approach, spoon into bowls and let everyone serve themselves family-style—a lovely way to end a relaxed meal or a celebratory gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cranachan is best enjoyed fresh, as the whipped cream can deflate and the oats soften over time. But if you must, store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to a day.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended, as cream loses its texture and berries can get icy. Everything is meant to be fresh and luscious.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t needed—just bring your components to room temperature, or enjoy them chilled as soon as you’re ready to assemble and serve.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Ready to taste a true Scottish classic? Cranachan’s charm lies in its contrast—fruity, creamy, crunchy, and just a hint of whisky warmth in every bite—all with almost no fuss. Simple, flexible, and deeply satisfying, it’s a go-to dessert for nights when you want to treat yourself or impress friends with very little effort. Gather your ingredients and give this iconic parfait a try—you might just find it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every dreamy spoonful!

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