This classic Hairy Bikers Cranachan is made with toasted oats, fresh raspberries, double cream, and a splash of Scotch whisky. The result is a simple yet elegant dessert with a delightful texture and a rich, fruity flavor. This elegant dessert is perfect for a special occasion or a festive gathering and serves four people.
Hairy Bikers Cranachan Ingredients
- 50g jumbo oats
- 250g fresh raspberries
- 2 tbsp demerara sugar
- 1 tbsp Scotch whisky
- 400ml double cream
- 2 tbsp runny honey
- A little extra honey for drizzling
- Toasted flaked almonds or chopped hazelnuts, for serving
How To Make Hairy Bikers Cranachan
- Toast the oats: First, preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Spread the jumbo oats on a baking tray. Toast them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be sure to stir them halfway through to ensure they toast evenly. Let the toasted oats cool completely.
- Prepare the raspberries: In a bowl, mash about two-thirds of the fresh raspberries with a fork. Mix in the demerara sugar and the Scotch whisky. The whisky will add a lovely warmth and complexity to the fruit.
- Whip the cream: In a separate large bowl, whisk the double cream with the runny honey until it forms soft peaks. You want it to be light and airy, but not overly stiff.
- Fold and combine: Gently fold the mashed raspberry mixture into the honey-whipped cream. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep some of the beautiful raspberry streaks.
- Layer the Cranachan: To assemble the Cranachan, get four individual serving glasses or bowls. Create a layer by spooning some of the toasted oats into the bottom of each glass. Follow with a layer of the raspberry and cream mixture. Continue to alternate layers, finishing with a final layer of the cream mixture on top.
- Garnish and serve: Top each glass with the remaining fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of the toasted flaked almonds or chopped hazelnuts. Finish with a little drizzle of honey over the top just before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t burn the oats: Keep a close eye on the jumbo oats while toasting them. They can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly.
- Use fresh raspberries: While you can use frozen raspberries, fresh ones will give you the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid.
- Whisk to soft peaks: Be careful not to over-whip the double cream. You want it to have a soft, cloud-like consistency that is easy to fold and will hold its shape.
- Good quality whisky: The flavor of the Scotch whisky is a key component of this dessert. Use a whisky that you would enjoy drinking, as its flavor will come through in the finished dish.
What To Serve Cranachan
This elegant dessert is a meal in itself and pairs well with a warm beverage like a cup of coffee or a strong black tea. For a post-dinner treat, a small serving of Cranachan is the perfect light finish to a rich meal. You can also serve it with a shortbread cookie on the side, as the buttery crumb provides a great textural contrast to the creamy dessert.
How To Store Cranachan Leftovers
Refrigerate: Cranachan is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. The oats will soften a bit, but the flavor will still be delicious. Freeze: This dessert is not suitable for freezing.
Hairy Bikers Cranachan Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 25mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of alcohol? While Scotch whisky is traditional and provides a unique flavor, you can substitute it with a similar spirit like a honey liqueur or even a dash of brandy if you prefer. For an alcohol-free version, simply leave the whisky out.
- Can I use different fruits? Yes, while raspberries are traditional, you can make a seasonal version using other berries. Blackberries, strawberries, or a mix of summer berries can all be used in place of or in addition to raspberries.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare some of the components in advance. Toast the oats a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container. You can also whip the cream and prepare the raspberry mixture a few hours beforehand. However, it’s best to fold the mixtures together and assemble the dessert just before serving to keep the cream from deflating and the oats from getting soggy.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Jam Roly Poly
- Hairy Bikers Bread And Butter Pudding Recipe
Hairy Bikers Cranachan Recipe
Description
Hairy Bikers Cranachan is a classic Scottish dessert that layers toasted jumbo oats, fresh raspberries, and a rich, honey-sweetened cream with a hint of Scotch whisky. This elegant, no-cook recipe creates a beautiful, textural dessert that is both simple to make and impressive to serve.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toast the oats: Toast jumbo oats on a baking tray in a 180°C oven for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool.
- Prepare the raspberries: Mash two-thirds of the raspberries with demerara sugar and Scotch whisky.
- Whip the cream: Whisk the double cream with honey until soft peaks form.
- Fold and combine: Gently fold the raspberry mixture into the honey-whipped cream.
- Layer the Cranachan: Layer the toasted oats and the cream mixture in individual glasses, finishing with a cream layer.
- Garnish and serve: Top with the remaining fresh raspberries, toasted nuts, and a drizzle of honey.
