Rock Cake Recipe: Traditional to Jamaican Styles

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.

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. You can pair these treats with tea (English Breakfast Tea or Earl Grey), coffee, or hot cocoa. A creamy latte, plant-based milk, or juices are also great pairs.

For accompaniments, butter or jam complements the cakes’ crumbly texture. Clotted cream makes them decadent for afternoon tea, while chantilly cream or fruit coulis adds elegance. These pairings highlight the versatility of rock cakes.

Here is how to make rock cakes:

Rock Cakes

These rustic, scone-like pastries are quick and easy to make. They're studded with dried fruits and have a subtle sweetness. They're an ideal accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee.

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Prep Time 12 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine British

Servings 10

Nutrition

Calories: 153kcalCarbohydrates: 20.2gProtein: 2.3gFat: 7.2gSaturated Fat: 4.4gSodium: 54mgSugar: 8.2g

Ingredients

  

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• 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 180°C 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

Enjoy while still warm, or leave to cool and spread with butter for a teatime treat.

Tips for perfect cakes:

1. Cold ingredients ensure ideal texture.
2. Soak dried fruits in tea or rum for 30 minutes before adding to the mix. This enhances flavor and moisture.
3. Dough consistency affects the final product.
4. Adjust baking time based on the size of your treats.
5. Cool cakes on sheets for 5 minutes.

Keyword British cuisine, home baking, rock buns, rock cakes, simple desserts, tea-time treats

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How to store

These treats maintain freshness for several days when properly stored:

1. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
2. Line the container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
3. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

For long-term preservation, you can freeze well for up to 3 months.

1. Cool completely before freezing.
2. Wrap individually in foil or an airtight container, then place in the freezer.
3. Label with date and contents.
4. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving or reheat in a low oven.

Variations

You can do the old-fashioned recipe or create different variations:

1. Jamaican rock cakes
   • Add shredded coconut to dried fruits.
   • Coconut makes them taste like macaroons.
2. Easy vegan rock cakes
   • Use dairy-free milk and vegan butter.
   • Avoid eggs for a vegan version
3. Lemon/orange versions
   • Replace milk with lemon or orange juice.
   • Grate 1 teaspoon rind for more citrus flavor.
4. Fruit rock buns design fruit rock buns with bananas or cherries.
5. Healthy rock cakes with oats
   • Blend oats into the dough for healthy cakes.
   • Add extra milk to balance the oat moisture.
6. Mixed spice, citrus zest, or simple syrup
   • Add mixed spice or citrus zest to the cakes.
   • Drizzle syrup to enhance the flavor.

Common issues

Here are some common problems and their solutions:

1. Dry Texture
   • Excessive flour causes a dry texture.
   • Measure flour carefully and adjust the liquid.
2. Overly Dense Cakes
   • Overworking the dough makes cakes dense.
   • Mix ingredients until combined.
3. Uneven Baking
   • Inconsistent oven temperature causes uneven baking.
   • Use an oven thermometer and rotate sheets.
4. Burnt Bottoms
   • Dark baking sheets burn the bottoms.
   • Use light trays or parchment paper.