Mary Berry’s Traditional Rock Cakes Recipe
Enjoy Mary Berry’s traditional rock cakes with their charming and easy recipe. These cakes are a British classic, full of nostalgia. Mary Berry makes rock cakes simple yet full of rich flavours. It’s great for any baker, whether you’re just starting or have lots of experience.
This recipe uses things like self-raising flour, mixed dried fruits, and a bit of sugar. You can quickly make delicious rock cakes in about 10 minutes, then bake them for 15 minutes at 200°C. They’re a great snack for about four people, with each cake having 150-200 calories.
Mary Berry’s baking techniques let you get creative. Feel free to add different dried fruits, like apricots or cranberries. Let’s get started on making these tasty treats with the ingredients and instructions below!
Introduction to Rock Cakes
Rock cakes are a beloved part of traditional British cakes, cherished for the memories they evoke. They are known for their rough appearance and hearty feel. Unlike fancy sweets, rock cakes keep things simple, using basic ingredients for a warming effect. They are less sweet, perfect for those who love a homey dessert.
Rock cakes bring people together, especially in home kitchens during tea time. Making them can be a fun activity for the whole family. Such moments are like following in the footsteps of Mary Berry’s recipes, with a focus on joy in baking. Check out her Old School Raspberry Buns at this link for a simple baking.
Rock cakes stand out because they are different from cookies or cupcakes. They have a special texture and can be customized with different dried fruits. This means everyone can make their rock cake unique. As baking methods change, the love for these cakes stays as strong as ever.
Ingredients for Mary Berry’s Rock Cakes
Mary Berry’s rock cakes are delightful yet simple, with easy-to-find ingredients. They are not costly to make. This recipe is proof that simplicity and great taste can go hand in hand.
The main ingredients you will need are:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Self-raising flour | 225g (8oz) |
Baking powder | 2 level teaspoons |
Unsalted butter (softened) | 100g (4oz) |
Granulated sugar | 50g (2oz) |
Mixed dried fruit | 100g (4oz) |
Currants | 50g (2oz) |
Egg | 1 large |
Milk | 1 tablespoon |
Demerara sugar (for sprinkling) | To taste |
This recipe is a testament to Mary Berry’s emphasis on easy yet delicious bakes. You can make up to 12 delightful rock cakes in just 15 minutes of baking. Preparing them takes about 25 minutes, making this a fast and enjoyable baking project.
You can add your own touch by trying different fruits or flavours. It’s a fun way to make each batch special while keeping to the basic ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Rock Cakes
Baking rock cakes requires careful attention for the best results. You’ll need to follow the steps carefully. These steps will help you make delicious treats everyone will love.
Prepping the Mixture
First, get the oven hot at 180°C (160°C Fan) or 325°F. Make sure the trays are greased to avoid sticking. You’ll need 150g self-raising flour, 75g butter, and other ingredients. Measure things carefully for the best outcomes.
Now, work the butter into the flour until it looks like fine breadcrumbs. This is important for a light cake texture. Add the sugar, then the fruit, and finally the egg and a bit of milk to bind everything. Mix quickly so the dough stays tender. Spoon it onto trays in rough heaps for that rock cake look.
Baking Tips for Success
To bake the cakes perfectly, keep a few tricks in mind. Keep the butter cold for easier work. The baking will take about 16 minutes, so watch the clock. Aim for a golden brown colour and cool the cakes on a wire rack. This keeps them perfect in texture.
Variations and Flavour Combinations
Rock cakes are a perfect base to play with different tastes. Bakers can dive into various flavours yet keep the classic charm. Each variation adds its own twist. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity.
Recommended Flavours
- Cranberries and White Chocolate: The tartness of cranberries balanced with sweet white chocolate creates a delightful contrast.
- Strawberries with Lime Zest: This refreshing combination adds a zesty kick for a summer-inspired treat.
- Lemon and Coconut: The bright citrus flavour pairs beautifully with the chewy texture of coconut, resulting in a tropical sensation.
- Mixed Fruits and Nuts: Incorporate various dried fruits alongside nuts to create innovative rock cakes with rich textures and flavours.
Adding new elements can make baking more exciting. It keeps the cake’s core delightful. By choosing different flavours, bakers can make their cakes personal and fun. Try these combinations to make your baking adventure unique.
rock cakes mary berry: A Beloved Recipe
Mary Berry’s rock cakes have become a classic in British baking. These cakes, from her 1995 Aga Cookbook, capture the essence of comfort food. They are simple to make, which means anyone can try them.
The ingredients are kitchen staples such as self-raising flour and Demerara sugar. You can bake them in just 8-10 minutes at 200°C. This results in 12-15 lovely cakes, each with about 150 kcal.
Mary Berry recommends enjoying them fresh from the oven. Their special texture comes from mixing them correctly. You can try different flavours, like adding spices or nuts, to suit your taste.
Here’s a quick look at the main ingredients and their nutritional info:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Self-raising flour | 225g |
Baking powder | 1 tsp |
Ground mixed spice | 1/2 tsp |
Softened butter | 100g |
Demerara sugar | 50g |
Mixed dried fruit | 100g |
Large egg | 1 |
Milk | 1 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per cake) | Value |
---|---|
Calories | 150 kcal |
Fat | 6g |
Carbohydrates | 21g |
Protein | 3g |
Fibre | 1g |
Mary Berry’s rock cakes are a beloved tradition in the UK. They blend simple pleasure with delicious taste. Whether you’re having tea or sharing with friends, they bring comfort and joy.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s traditional rock cakes embody British baking’s heart. They mix simple ingredients with a touch of nostalgia. This summary of rock cakes shows how these treats not only taste wonderful but also bring back fond memories. We’ve looked at the recipe and how to make the cakes your own.
These rock cakes are great for any baker, thanks to Mary Berry’s guidance. They make baking fun and satisfying. Bakers on forums have tried many versions, adding things like eggs and buttermilk. Whether you stick to the classic or try new flavours, you’ll find joy in every batch.
Mary Berry’s rock cakes remind us of the cherished British tea tradition. They invite us to make sweet memories with our friends and family. If you want to perfect your butter softening, check out this technique by Mary Berry. It will make your baking smoother.
FAQ
What are rock cakes?
Rock cakes are a popular British treat. They’re known for their rough look, simple recipe, and tasty flavor. They’re less sweet than most cakes, perfect for those who like less sugar.
How long does it take to make Mary Berry’s rock cakes?
It takes about 25 minutes to make Mary Berry’s rock cakes. This includes 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of baking.
Can I customise the flavour of rock cakes?
Definitely! Rock cakes are easy to change up. Try adding cranberries and white chocolate or strawberries with lime zest. You can adjust the recipe to create your own flavors.
What key ingredients are required for Mary Berry’s rock cakes?
You will need 225g of self-raising flour, 100g of softened unsalted butter, and 50g of granulated sugar. Also, get 100g of mixed dried fruit, 50g of currants, one large egg, and a tablespoon of milk. Remember to top them with demerara sugar before baking!
Are rock cakes suitable for all ages?
Yes! Mary Berry’s rock cakes are perfect for everyone, young and older. They’re great for family baking or as a tasty treat with tea.
How do I achieve the traditional rocky appearance of rock cakes?
For that classic rocky look, spoon rough mounds of the dough onto your baking tray. Make sure not to smooth them out. This gives rock cakes their characteristic appearance.
What makes Mary Berry’s recipe special?
Mary Berry’s rock cake recipe is easy and delicious. It blends British baking traditions with simple steps. It’s great for both experienced and beginner bakers.