Trying out British cakes is simple with Mary Berry’s Rock Buns Recipe. She makes classic recipes easy and fun. Rock buns are famous for their homely look and flexibility. They’re great for a quiet tea time or when you have folks over. This recipe is quick to make and tastes amazing. It suits beginners and expert bakers. Plus, each serving is just 183 calories. A treat that’s sweet but not too heavy.
Looking for more baking ideas? Check out Mary Berry’s baking methods and yummy recipes here.
Rock buns, also called rock cakes, are a staple in British baking from the 19th century. They bring back fond memories with their comforting smell during tea time. Their tough look goes well with their rich texture, making them a favourite for many.
Rock buns are simple but can be made in many ways by adding various dried fruits or flavours. This flexibility has kept them popular in both modern homes and old-fashioned bakeries. Even with new desserts coming up, rock buns still hold a special place in British food culture.
For those interested in wartime recipes and baking, rock buns are a great start. They’re quick to make, needing just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes in the oven. They can make 18-24 delicious cakes, showing that rock buns mix tradition with creativity.
Making yummy rock buns starts with essential baking essentials. They make sure your buns taste great and look right. Here, we list the main ingredients for Mary Berry Rock Buns. We also include some extras you can throw in to make them your own.
Essential Ingredients
Here are the must-have items for Mary Berry Rock Buns:
225g self-raising flour
100g cold and diced butter
75g caster sugar
1 tsp baking powder
100g mixed dried fruit (like raisins, sultanas, and currants)
1 large egg
2-3 tbsp milk
A pinch of salt
These items come together for a special texture. The flour and butter make it soft but crumbly. Dried fruits add a nice sweetness.
Optional Additions
For a personal touch to your rock buns, why not try:
Cranberries
Chopped nuts, like pistachios
White chocolate chunks
Freeze-dried strawberries
Lime zest or spices like cinnamon
Adding these extra flavours for rock buns lets you play with the recipe. Mix and match to find a flavour combo you love.
Ingredient
Weight (g)
Calories
Self-Raising Flour
225
840
Butter
100
720
Caster Sugar
75
300
Mixed Dried Fruit
100
350
1 Large Egg
60
90
Milk (1-2 tbsp)
30
15
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making rock buns is easy and fun, suited for bakers at any level. Begin by heating your oven to 200°C (Fan 180°C/Gas Mark 6). Then, grease two baking trays to keep the buns from sticking.
Take 150g of self-raising flour, 75g of butter, and 75g of caster sugar. Put them in a mixing bowl. Rub the butter into the flour and sugar with your fingers until it looks like breadcrumbs. Then, throw in 50g of raisins or sultanas with some mixed spice for a tasty twist.
Whisk one egg in another bowl and add a bit of milk to it. Pour this mix into your dry ingredients. Stir it until you have a stiff dough. It should stick together just right—not too wet or dry.
Now for the enjoyable bit! Make rough mounds of dough and put them on your baking trays. Sprinkle some demerara sugar on top for a crunch. Bake them for about 16 to 18 minutes until they’re golden brown.
After baking, let the rock buns cool on a wire rack. They’re great warm or can be frozen to enjoy later.
Using this simple guide to make rock buns will get you delicious results. With these steps, you’ll bake up perfect rock buns that are tasty and full of charm.
Tips for Perfect Rock Buns
To make the best rock buns, you should think about a few important things. By following these baking tips, you can see a big difference in how your rock buns turn out.
Key Baking Tips
First, make sure your margarine or butter is cold. This helps mix it into the flour properly. You want the mixture to be crumbly. Mix everything quickly to keep the dough nice. If you mix too much, the buns will be hard. Also, be careful with how much milk you add. Start with one tablespoon and only add more if you really need it for the dough to feel right.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Knowing what mistakes to avoid is key. Mixing the dough too much will make it heavy. If you don’t measure your ingredients properly, the buns won’t come out as expected. Too much liquid makes the dough too wet, and not baking enough leaves the buns soggy. Make sure your buns are baked just right — they should be a pale golden brown at the edges. Paying attention to these points can help you bake the perfect rock bun.
Tip
Importance
Use chilled margarine or butter
Helps achieve a crumbly texture
Mix ingredients quickly
Prevents tough buns
Carefully monitor milk addition
Ensures proper consistency
Avoid overmixing
Prevents dense texture
Measure ingredients accurately
Affects overall outcome
Check for pale golden brown edges
Indicates doneness
Serving Suggestions
Rock buns are a great choice for many occasions. They’re especially good for afternoon tea. Warm or at room temperature, they’re a hit. Pair them with classic black tea to complement their sweetness. Or try them with herbal tea to bring out their fruity notes. For coffee fans, a strong cup goes well, balancing their sweet taste.
Want to make them even better? Serve with fresh fruits or a dollop of yogurt. This boosts their flavour and adds freshness. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle them with melted chocolate. They become truly irresistible. Adding clotted cream gives a rich texture that’s perfect with rock buns.
These ideas make any afternoon special. Whether you’re with friends or alone with tea, rock buns make it better. They fit all tastes, bringing joy to tea time.
Conclusion
This recipe captures the heart of traditional British baking. It lets you make six delicious rock buns in about 30 minutes. They taste amazing and let you be creative with different flavours. Bakers at any skill level can succeed, making it perfect for nostalgic baking or special occasions.
Start your baking adventure with simple ingredients like self-rising flour, softened butter, and dried fruit. These come together to make a rustic, tasty treat. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones over tea. Baking these rock buns shows that even with life’s ups and downs, we can find joy and comfort in homemade food.
Mary Berry’s rock buns are a chance to relive cherished memories or make new ones. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, they offer a lovely break from the busy world. Happy baking!
FAQ
What are rock buns and how do they differ from other baked goods?
Rock buns, or rock cakes, are classic British treats. They’re known for their rough, crumbly texture. Unlike light and airy cakes, rock buns are denser. They often contain dried fruits, adding unique flavours.
Can I make Mary Berry’s rock buns without dried fruits?
Yes, Mary Berry’s rock buns can be made without dried fruits. You can swap them for nuts, chocolate chips, or even spices and citrus zest. This change creates new and exciting flavours.
How long do rock buns last after baking?
Rock buns taste best when they’re fresh. You can keep them in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature. If you need them to last longer, freeze them for three months.
Can I use gluten-free flour for rock buns?
Absolutely! For those who need or prefer it, a gluten-free flour blend works well. This swap makes Mary Berry’s rock buns gluten-free.
What can I serve with rock buns for a delightful afternoon tea?
Rock buns go great with hot drinks like tea, coffee, or cocoa. For something extra, try them with fresh fruit, thick yogurt, or clotted cream. These additions make afternoon tea even more delightful.
What’s the secret to achieving the perfect crumbly texture in rock buns?
To get that perfect crumbly texture, start with chilled butter or margarine. Mix the ingredients just enough to combine them. It’s crucial not to overwork the dough. This keeps the buns light and crumbly.
Is it necessary to add milk to the rock buns mixture?
Milk helps achieve the right dough texture for rock buns. Start with one tablespoon of milk. Add more only if it’s needed. This prevents the mixture from becoming too wet.
How do I know when my rock buns are done baking?
When rock buns turn golden brown at the edges and feel firm, they’re done. Another way to check is to insert a skewer. If it comes out clean, the buns are ready.
