How to make rock buns
If you’re craving a sweet treat that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, look no further than rock buns. These delightful little treats are a classic British bake, known for their crumbly texture and deliciously sweet taste. Whether you’re a baking pro or a novice in the kitchen, making rock buns is incredibly simple and requires just a few basic ingredients. In this article, we will guide you through the quick and easy process of making your own batch of rock buns.
Rock buns get their name from their distinct appearance, with a rough and lumpy shape that resembles rocks. While they may not be the prettiest baked goods, their rustic charm and incredible taste more than make up for it. These buns are typically made with a combination of flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, and can also be flavoured with spices, dried fruit, or nuts for an extra burst of flavour. Once baked, rock buns have a crumbly and slightly dry texture, similar to scones, which make them perfect for dunking in a cup of tea.
To make rock buns, start by preheating your oven to the desired temperature and lining a baking tray with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients such as flour, sugar, and baking powder. If you’d like your buns to have some extra flavour, you can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Next, rub in the cold butter with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step gives the rock buns their characteristic crumbly texture.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add them to the dry mixture, along with any additional ingredients such as dried fruit or nuts. Use a fork or a wooden spoon to combine the ingredients until they form a thick, sticky dough. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough buns. Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each bun to allow for spreading.
Ingredients for delicious rock buns
To make delicious rock buns, you will need the following ingredients:
Dry ingredients:
| 2 cups of all-purpose flour |
| 1/2 cup of granulated sugar |
| 1 teaspoon of baking powder |
| 1/2 teaspoon of salt |
Wet ingredients:
| 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces |
| 2 medium-sized eggs |
| 1/4 cup of milk |
Optional:
- 1/2 cup of raisins
- 1/4 cup of chopped nuts
- 1/4 cup of candied cherries, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
These ingredients will yield a batch of scrumptious rock buns that are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Feel free to add your own twist by including additional ingredients like chocolate chips or dried cranberries. Happy baking!
Find out what you’ll need
Before you start making rock buns, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
– 250 grams of self-raising flour
– 100 grams of butter (unsalted)
– 100 grams of granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 100 grams of currants or raisins
– A pinch of salt
– A splash of milk
Equipment:
– Mixing bowls (preferably two)
– Wooden spoon or electric mixer
– Baking tray
– Baking parchment or greaseproof paper
– Cooling rack
– Oven
Make sure you measure all the ingredients accurately and have everything prepared before you start baking! Let’s get started with the recipe!
Simple steps to make rock buns
To make delicious rock buns, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Gather the ingredients
You will need:
- 225g self-raising flour
- 75g margarine
- 75g granulated sugar
- 100g currants or raisins
- 1 egg, beaten
- A pinch of salt
- A splash of milk (if needed)
Step 2: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan oven) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 3: Rub in the margarine
In a large bowl, sieve the flour. Add the margarine and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Add the sugar and fruit
Stir in the sugar and currants or raisins until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Add the beaten egg
Pour in the beaten egg and mix well. The dough should be stiff but not dry. If it’s too dry, add a splash of milk to bring it together.
Step 6: Shape the rock buns
Using your hands, shape the dough into small balls and place them onto the lined baking tray. Make sure to leave enough space between each bun, as they will spread slightly during baking.
Step 7: Bake the rock buns
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rock buns are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 8: Cool and enjoy
Remove the rock buns from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed!
Note: Rock buns can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
Follow our easy recipe
If you want to make delicious rock buns at home, our easy recipe will guide you step by step. These tasty treats are perfect for afternoon tea or as a quick snack. Just follow these simple instructions and you’ll have a batch of freshly baked rock buns in no time!
Ingredients
You will need:
- 250g self-raising flour
- 100g butter, cubed
- 75g caster sugar
- 1 medium egg
- 100g mixed dried fruit (such as currants, raisins, or sultanas)
- 50g glace cherries, chopped
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- 100ml milk
Method
Follow the steps below:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking tray.
- In a large bowl, sift the flour and rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the sugar, dried fruit, glace cherries, and mixed spice to the bowl and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined and a soft dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the greased baking tray, shaping them into bun-like mounds with a fork.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
That’s it! You now know how to make delicious rock buns. Enjoy your freshly baked treats with a cup of tea or share them with friends. They won’t last long!
Tips for perfect rock buns
Rock buns, also known as rock cakes, can be a delicious treat if baked to perfection. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect rock buns:
1. Use the right ingredients
Flour: Use self-raising flour to make the rock buns rise properly.
Sugar: Use granulated or caster sugar for the sweetness.
Butter: Use cold and diced butter, which will give the rock buns a crumbly texture.
Milk: Use enough milk to make a soft dough, but be mindful not to make it too sticky. Just add it gradually until the dough comes together.
Add-ins: Be creative with what you add to your rock buns! Chocolate chips, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add extra flavor.
2. Handle the dough gently
Sieving: Sieve the dry ingredients to remove any lumps and to incorporate air into the flour for a lighter texture.
Mixing: Mix the dry and wet ingredients gently with a fork or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix as this can make the rock buns tough.
3. portioning and shaping
Portioning: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough. This will ensure that all the rock buns are the same size and will bake evenly.
Shaping: Shape the rock buns into rough mounds using lightly floured hands. They don’t need to be perfectly shaped as the rustic look is part of their charm.
4. Baking
Preheating: Preheat your oven to the correct temperature as specified in the recipe. This will ensure that the rock buns bake evenly and rise properly.
Baking time: Bake the rock buns for the specified time in the recipe, but keep an eye on them as baking time can differ in different ovens. They should be golden brown on top and nicely risen.
Cooling: Allow the rock buns to cool on a wire rack before enjoying. This will help them set and maintain their shape.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to bake perfect rock buns every time. Enjoy!
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