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.
As a dessert, it is very popular today, and can often be found on menus in restaurants across Scotland. It is also, an integral part of the dinner which is served at the Burns Supper.
However, its origin is somewhat modest. In the first records, cranachan appeared as a meal in the celebrations of the harvest.
Crowdie – a traditional Scottish cheese was used as a basis. Since the season of raspberries starts in June, they were added to the traditional crowdie breakfast. Double cream comes later, and somewhere fresh cheese is added today.
In these recipes, it wasn’t as rich, and it was served without whiskey, and raspberries were just an option.
Although raspberries are traditionally an integral part of cranachan, it is possible to find versions with other fruits. It is not unusual to see cranachan with orange, chocolate or even rum.
Cranachan is usually served in tall glasses, but the traditional way to serve it was a little different. On the table was placed each ingredient individually, and everybody could compile their own dessert to taste.
FAQs
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.
How do you pronounce the Scottish dessert cranachan? ›
Cranachan (Scottish Gaelic: Crannachan pronounced [ˈkʰɾan̪ˠəxan]) is a traditional Scottish dessert. It was originally a celebration of harvest, made following the raspberry harvest in August.
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 the famous Scottish national dish? ›
Haggis. Haggis is our national dish, and the first recipe dates back to the 15th century (in recorded history).
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 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 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 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.
There are so different ways to say “cheers” in many countries all over the world, however, in Scotland, it's Slàinte Mhath! Irish or Scots Gaelic? The term Slàinte Mhath (Pronounced Slanj-a-va) is actually both Irish and Scots Gaelic.
What Christmas cake is named after a Scottish city? ›
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.
