Copycat Cranachan from the Leaky Cauldron

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harry potter parfait

What’s up, Hungry Muggles!

It’s Harry Potter Week here in the Starving Chef’s kitchen! Every year during the last week of July, I transfigure my kitchen into Hogwarts to make magical meals based on the books, movies and real life Harry Potter desinations.

At least once a year I try to Apparate to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, Orlando so that I can dine on delicious dishes at the Leaky Cauldron, explore Hogsmeade and grab a drink from the Three Broomsticks.

scotch eggs and cranachan

The last time I was at the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley, I got scotch eggs and beet salad (copycat recipe coming soon!) – but the dessert was something that stuck with me if for only it’s most unusual name: CRANACHAN.

In real life, this dessert originates from Scotland, complete with whiskey soaked oaks and fresh June raspberries. And seeing that Hogwarts is allegedly located in the north of Scotland, it makes sense that this dish would have definitely made an appearance in the Great Hall.

But as an American, the closest thing I could equate the word cranachan to would be parfait – because that is basically what it is at the end of the day.

universal studios leaky cauldron cranachan

Muggle Ingredients for MAGICAL Cranachan

While witches and wizards have their own magical tricks to make this tasty dessert, here’s how muggles can make cranachan with ingredients that can be commonly found at any grocery.

  • fresh raspberries – for a simple coulis made with a splash of whiskey, plus a few extra for popping on top
  • vanilla yogurt – for best results, use a thick Greek yogurt
  • granola – feel free to use your favorite, but for the most authentic flavors, I used a vanilla almond flavored granola
  • whiskey – for muggles of age, do Hagrid proud and use a “Scotch whisky” if one is available
cranachan harry potter world

The cranachan at Universal Studios does have to appeal to a wide audience when it comes to taste – so I presume that whiskey is left out of the process. For my recreation, I decided to keep the textures true to the cranachan you will find at the Leaky Cauldron but added a splash of whiskey to the raspberries for a little bit of *magical* flavor.

You can sub out the whiskey for a splash of apple cider vinegar instead – use just enough to get a nice zing to it.

scottish cranachan

Harry Potter week continues! Don’t forget to check back every day until July 31st for more magical recipes.

What Harry Potter recipe are you most excited to see? Let me know down in the comments below!

harry potter parfait

Copycat Cranachan from the Leaky Cauldron

The Starving Chef
This easy recreation of cranachan from the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley is worthy for any witch or wizard.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Copycat Recipes, Fictional Feasts
Cuisine Harry Potter Inspired
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 6 oz fresh raspberries + more for topping
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup whiskey or can sub apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cups Greek vanilla yogurt
  • 1 cup vanilla almond granola

Instructions
 

  • In a sauce pan over medium-high heat, add the raspberries, sugar and whiskey. Heat until the raspberries pop easily. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid volume is halved and thickened.
  • Strain the raspberries through a fine mesh strainer. Use the back of a spatula to press all of the liquid though. Discard the seeds and chill raspberry sauce for at least one hour.
  • Prepare the serving glasses with a layer of vanilla yogurt. Alternate the raspberry sauce with layers of vanilla yogurt in each glass. If you are serving right away, add layers of granola between layers of sauce and yogurt. If you are not serving immediately, wait to add the granola last on top. Save room at the top of each glass for granola and fresh raspberries. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Keyword dessert, granola, raspberry, whiskey, yogurt
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!