Craving a taste of Scotland? I’ve curated a selection of treats that will transport you to the Highlands!
These nine traditional Scottish desserts offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from shortbread to scones.
These easy and delicious dessert recipes show you how to enjoy the sweeter side of Scotland from your very own kitchen.
1. Scottish Scones
No one makes scones better than the Scots. All throughout the British Isles, scones are a staple, but especially in Scotland, they’re airy, soft, buttery and light.
You can also master making this common teatime delight with this quick recipe.
They are wonderfully diverse as well. You can sweeten the deal with a hint of sugar, or add a bit of cheese to make it a more delicious option.
But be sure to have them warm, with lots of butter. Cold, dry scones are an insult to the ages-old custom of eating scones in Scotland.
2. Cranachan
Cranachan is a conventional Scottish pudding akin to a trifle.
This multi-layered delight comprises of creamy whipped topping, crunchy toasted oats, and juicy raspberries.Clearly, it wouldn’t be Scottish without the inclusion of whiskey.
But, if you’re serving kids or are staying away from alcohol, you can simply omit it.Traditionally, Cranachan was savored after the initial summer harvest, when the raspberries ripened to perfection.You’ll have summer with every mouthful of this scrumptious tribute to the season.
3. Scottish Tablet
Often, Scottish tablet is put up against fudge, but this confection is worthy of praise on its own. This sweet treat is more crumbly and sweeter than fudge.
This thick, exceedingly sugary, buttery bite is geared for absolute dessert enthusiasts.
Though making it can be somewhat complicated, this comprehensive recipe guides you through each stage. This mouth-watering, irresistible treat is absolutely worth the work, trust me.
4. Petticoat Tails
The traditional Scottish shortbreads known as petticoat tails are shaped like triangles or “tails”.When you need the ideal bite for Christmas gatherings or want an awesome holiday present for people who adore sweets, this is it.
This simple recipe uses three basic ingredients for the dough: sugar, butter, and flour.To bring out the buttery flavor to its fullest, incorporate a pinch of salt.Use powdered sugar in the event you like shortbread that’s a bit more tender than crisp.
5. Scottish Shortbread
Here is an excellent recipe for beginner bakers.You will be impressed by how quickly you can whip up a batch when you’ve never prepared shortbread.Avoid the temptation to buy shortbread from the store; creating it from scratch the traditional way is always best.
It doesn’t take much to whip this up, either.A little elbow grease, and just three components: flour, sugar, and butter.
Get ready for something remarkable, and bake until it’s golden.That delectable, buttery shortbread flavor that comes directly from the oven is almost heaven on a dish.
6. Scottish Macaroons
It’s no surprise that macaroons are a popular French dessert. Nonetheless, you can certainly impart a Scottish perspective.
Instead of whipping up meringue with almond paste as the French tend to do, the Scots favored the simple potato. It’s true, Scottish macaroons call for potato.
Once you get past the unexpected addition, these are seriously scrumptious. Mix cold mashed potato with sugar, roll into balls, and cover with coconut sprinkles and a thick coating of chocolate. Give it a shot (or let it loose on unsuspecting guests).
7. Scottish Tea Cookies
In the event that you suffer that dreaded mid-afternoon slump, these appetizing tea cookies are the ideal answer. These little drop cookies are basically the ideal pick-me-up because they incorporate a soft dough that surrounds a center made of fruit (in this instance, zesty apple butter).
Since little eaters always love soft, crumbly cookies that have a gooey, mushy fruit center, this is one that’s great for kids.
8. Dundee Cake
The real deal Dundee Cake is a thing of beauty. It’s thought that this dense fruit cake spiced with nuts is the Queen’s usual midday snack. A quality Dundee cake, delightfully moist and subtly sweet, includes loads of almonds, orange zest, and raisins.
The cake can be prepared for family get-togethers, book club gatherings, or midday snacks. Have the recipe prepared for the subsequent tea with royalty, of course, and it will work for any occassion.
9. Clootie Dumplings
Clootie dumplings have an amusing name that is taken from the strip of cloth known as a cloot. In traditional settings, the flavorful cake got baked in a cloth known as a rag, or cloot, then steamed.
This is a richly flavorful cake that is excellent for special events thanks to the cinnamon, ginger, treacle, and dried fruits it incorporates. Serve it with cream, ice cream, or custard for an indulgent dessert during Hogmanay (New Year’s) or Burn’s Night in particular.