Deep fried butter goes on the menu in Edinburgh Published duration 20 December 2011

image caption The butter is deep fried in Irn Bru batter

An Edinburgh bar has put a calorific treat to rival the deep fried Mars Bar on its menu - deep fried butter balls.

The snack, already popular in the US, has been given a Scottish twist as it is cooked in Irn Bru batter.

The Fiddler's Elbow, in Picardy Place, is serving the pudding for what is thought to be the first time in Scotland.

The sticky dessert, called Braveheart Butter Bombs, is served with an Irn Bru ice cream and coulis.

A variation featuring deep fried whisky instead of Irn Bru will also be offered.

While critics have dubbed deep-fried butter a "coronary on a plate", the chefs said it should be all right in moderation.

Freezing balls

The dishes have been devised by Simon Robertson, The Fiddler's Elbow head chef, with the help of Paul Fitchie, a former chef with Harvey Nichols.

Mr Robertson said: "We thought we would add a bit of fun to our menu of Scottish dishes and it's really got people talking.

"Some folk are saying it's a heart attack on a plate and, okay, it's not exactly health food but as long as you're not having it every day it shouldn't be any problem."

The dessert is made by freezing balls of butter before dipping them in batter soaked with Irn Bru.

They are then submerged in hot oil until browned.

Oliver Scott, who runs The Fiddler's Elbow, said: "It might not be too nutritious but it's definitely delicious.

"We've been trying it out on volunteers who are loving it. It actually tastes lighter than you'd expect, it's a bit like eating a banana fritter but nicer and obviously a bit naughtier.

"We hope it will help cheer people up in a time of gloom.