Rock cakes are a beloved part of the British baking tradition. They are particularly popular for tea time. They are easy to make and are a favorite among home bakers.
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Rock cake Recipe
Rock cakes, or rock buns, are traditional British baked goods. These treats are often enjoyed in afternoon tea or as a snack. They are small and rustic. Their crumbly texture gives them their name because of their stone-like appearance. Don’t be discouraged by the name. They are very soft.
Rock cakes have a long history in British baking. They became popular during rationing like World War II because of simple, cheap ingredients. You can make them without baking powder.
The treats are quick and easy to make, cheap, and low in sugar. It’s a great recipe with children. Here is how to make rock cakes:
Rock Cakes
Ingredients
- 200 g self-raisingflour I used a gluten-free blend
- 100 g butter
- 70 g light brown sugar
- 70 g sultanas Chocolate chip or mixed dried fruits can be used instead, such as apples, blueberry, or apricots.
- 1 medium egg
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180C and prepare a tray.
- Add the flour, butter and sugar together
- Use your fingertips to slightly rub them until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Mix in the sultanas and spices.
- Pour in the egg and milk, and stir until the mixture comes together to form a sticky dough.
- Use a tablespoon to portion out the mixture into 10 rounds on the tray. Leave space between each to allow them to spread slightly during baking.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until they rise and turn golden brown.
- Transfer to a wire rack and sprinkle with a little sugar (optional).
Notes
Nutrition
How to store
These treats maintain freshness for several days when properly stored:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
- Line the container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
For long-term preservation, you can freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Cool completely before freezing.
- Wrap individually in foil or an airtight container then place in a freezer it.
- Label with date and contents.
- Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving or reheat in a low oven.
How to pair
Rock cakes can be served with various accompaniments:
- Drink Pairings
- Tea complements the cakes with warmth and flavor
- English Breakfast Tea complements the cake’s sweetness.
- Earl Grey enhances fruit flavors in the dessert.
- Darjeeling balances the richness.
- Assam stands up to the cake’s density.
- Coffee like creamy latte enhances the flavors of rock cakes.
- Hot cocoa balances the denseness of rock cakes.
- Plant-based milk contrasts the dense texture of rock cakes.
- Juices or smoothies add fruity freshness to rock cakes.
- Tea complements the cakes with warmth and flavor
- Accompaniments
- Butter adds richness and complements their crumbly texture.
- Jam creates sweetness, especially when warm.
- Clotted cream with rock buns makes a decadent treat during afternoon tea.
- The cakes pair elegantly with chantilly cream or fruit coulis.
Variations
You can do the old-fashioned recipe or create different variations:
- Easy vegan rock cakes
- Use dairy-free milk and vegan butter.
- Avoid eggs for a vegan version
- Jamaican rock cakes
- Add shredded coconut to dried fruits.
- Coconut makes them taste like macaroons.
- Lemon/orange versions
- Replace milk with lemon or orange juice.
- Grate 1 teaspoon rind for more citrus flavor.
- Fruit rock buns design fruit rock buns with bananas or cherries.
- Healthy rock cakes with oats
- Blend oats into the dough for healthy cakes.
- Add extra milk to balance the oat moisture.
- Mixed spice, citrus zest, or simple syrup
- Add mixed spice or citrus zest to the cakes.
- Drizzle syrup to enhance the flavor.
Common issues
Common baking issues
Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Dry Texture
- Excessive flour causes dry texture.
- Measure flour carefully and adjust liquid.
- Overly Dense Cakes
- Overworking dough makes cakes dense.
- Mix ingredients until combined.
- Uneven Baking
- Inconsistent oven temperature causes uneven baking.
- Use an oven thermometer and rotate sheets.
- Burnt Bottoms
- Dark baking sheets burn bottoms.
- Use light trays or parchment paper.
Tips for perfect cakes
- Cold ingredients ensure ideal texture.
- Soak dried fruits in tea or rum for 30 minutes before adding to the mix. This enhances flavor and moisture.
- Dough consistency affects the final product.
- Adjust baking time based on the size of your treats.
- Cool cakes on sheets for 5 minutes.