Can I substitute the Scotch whisky with something else?

Absolutely. For kids or teetotalers, swap the whisky for a touch of vanilla or orange extract. You can also use another spirit you enjoy—Irish whiskey, bourbon, or dessert wine all work in a pinch.

Can I make Cranachan ahead of time?

Preparation is your friend here—make each element ahead, but assemble just before serving. Oats and cream, once combined and left too long, will lose their lovely layers and texture.

What if I don’t have fresh raspberries?

Frozen raspberries can work in a pinch. Let them thaw and drain well before mashing, and be prepared for a slightly softer texture.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Definitely! Use chilled coconut cream or a plant-based whipped topping. Make sure to use maple syrup or agave instead of honey for a completely vegan treat.

Scottish Cranachan (Raspberry Oatmeal Parfaits) Recipe

Name: Scottish Cranachan (Raspberry Oatmeal Parfaits) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Scottish
Ingredients: 1/3 cup oatmeal, lightly toasted; 1/4 cup oatmeal, lightly toasted (for garnish and layering); 1/3 cup Scotch whisky (for soaking oats); 3 tablespoons Scotch whisky, divided (for raspberries and 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 dessert parfait featuring layers of honey-sweetened whipped cream, scotch-soaked toasted oats, and fresh raspberries. This elegant but easy-to-make treat is perfect for celebrations or summer gatherings, combining creamy textures with robust oat and berry flavors.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Oats

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

Whiskey

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

Fruit mixture

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

Cream Mixture

2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Scotch whisky

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Instructions

Soak the Oats – In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup of the lightly toasted oats with 1/3 cup Scotch whisky. Stir to combine, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight for the flavors to meld and the oats to soften.
Prepare Raspberry Mixture – In another bowl, mash your fresh raspberries roughly until broken up. Add 1 tablespoon Scotch whisky, 1 tablespoon honey, and the granulated sugar. Gently stir to incorporate all the ingredients, creating a sweet and slightly boozy raspberry sauce.
Whip the Cream – In a third bowl, whip 2 cups of heavy cream until soft peaks begin to form. Add in the remaining 2 tablespoons honey and 2 tablespoons Scotch whisky, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form and the cream is sweet and aromatic.
Combine Oats with Cream – Gently fold the Scotch-soaked oats (from step 1) into the whipped cream. Be careful not to deflate the cream; this step integrates the nutty flavor and texture of the oats throughout the cream mixture.
Layer the Parfaits – To assemble, start by spooning some of the raspberry mixture into the bottom of serving glasses. Add a layer of the whipped cream-oat mixture on top, and then sprinkle some of the remaining toasted oats (from the reserved 1/4 cup) for texture. Repeat the process for a second or third layer if your glasses allow, finishing with a sprinkle of oats for garnish.
Serve Immediately – Serve right away to preserve the texture. Cranachan does not hold well once assembled, but the components can be prepared ahead and put together just before serving. Enjoy this traditional Scottish treat!

Notes

Do not assemble the dessert ahead of time, as oats and cream will lose texture.
Toast oats until golden for the best flavor.
Use fresh, high-quality raspberries for optimal taste and appearance.
Components (soaked oats, raspberry mixture, whipped cream) can be prepared in advance and assembled just before serving.
To make it non-alcoholic, replace whisky with apple juice or omit entirely.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 370
Sugar: 17g
Sodium: 19mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 82mg