Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble Cranachan just before serving so the oats don’t lose their crunch and the cream stays fluffy. However, you can toast the oats, whip the cream, and prepare the berries in advance—keep them separate in the fridge and combine at the last minute.

Do I have to use Scotch whisky?

While Scotch whisky provides the traditional flavor and warmth, any good-quality whisky (or even a smoky bourbon) can substitute in a pinch. For an alcohol-free version, orange juice or a dash of vanilla is a lovely replacement.

Can I double or halve the recipe easily?

Absolutely. Cranachan is incredibly adaptable—just increase or decrease the quantity of each ingredient while keeping the proportions the same. It’s a great dessert to scale for a crowd or just for two.

What if I can’t find fresh raspberries?

Frozen raspberries work in a pinch—just thaw and drain them well before mashing and mixing. Alternatively, substitute with other soft, ripe berries, or even lightly stewed apples for a cozy variation.

Scottish Cranachan (Raspberry Oatmeal Parfaits) Recipe

Name: Scottish Cranachan (Raspberry Oatmeal Parfaits) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Scottish
Ingredients: 1/3 cup oatmeal, lightly toasted until golden; 1/4 cup oatmeal, lightly toasted until golden (for layering and garnish); 1/3 cup Scotch whisky (for soaking oats); 3 tablespoons Scotch whisky (divided: 1 tbsp for raspberries, 2 tbsp for whipped cream); 2 cups (about 12 ounces) fresh raspberries; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon Scotch whisky; 2 cups heavy cream; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons Scotch whisky

Description

Scottish Cranachan is a traditional layered dessert featuring toasted oats soaked in Scotch whisky, whipped cream, and fresh raspberries, sweetened with honey. This treat offers a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and nutty flavors, making it a delightful summer dessert with a touch of decadence from the whisky.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Toasted Oatmeal

1/3 cup oatmeal, lightly toasted until golden
1/4 cup oatmeal, lightly toasted until golden (for layering and garnish)

Whisky Mixture

1/3 cup Scotch whisky (for soaking oats)
3 tablespoons Scotch whisky (divided: 1 tbsp for raspberries, 2 tbsp for whipped cream)

Raspberry Mixture

2 cups (about 12 ounces) fresh raspberries
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon Scotch whisky

Honey Whipped Cream

2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Scotch whisky

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Instructions

Soak Oats: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup toasted oats with 1/3 cup Scotch whisky. Stir well, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to develop and the oats to soften.
Prepare Raspberry Mixture: In a second bowl, roughly mash the fresh raspberries until broken up. Stir in 1 tablespoon Scotch whisky, 1 tablespoon honey, and 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, mixing until the berries are evenly coated and sweetened.
Whip the Cream: In a third bowl, whip 2 cups heavy cream until soft peaks begin to form. Add 2 tablespoons honey and 2 tablespoons Scotch whisky, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form and the cream holds its shape.
Combine Oats and Cream: Gently fold the whisky-soaked oats into the whipped cream, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
Assemble the Parfaits: Begin layering dessert glasses with a spoonful of raspberry mixture at the bottom, followed by a layer of the oat and cream mixture. Sprinkle some of the remaining 1/4 cup toasted oats on top. Repeat the layering process (raspberries, cream mixture, oats) a second or third time, finishing with oats as garnish.
Serve: Serve the Cranachan immediately after assembling. Enjoy this dessert while the layers are fresh and the oats retain their delightful texture.

Notes

For best flavor, allow the oats to soak overnight.
Do not assemble ahead of time; make all components in advance and layer just before serving.
Try replacing raspberries with other summer berries like strawberries or blackberries.
If desired, adjust the amount of whisky for a lighter or more pronounced flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 parfait (1/6 of recipe)
Calories: 410
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 25mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg