Rock Cakes

Rock Cakes Recipe from Australia with Self-Raising Flour and Mixed Fruit

Region / culture: Australia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Rock cakes are a classic British treat that are perfect for afternoon tea or as a snack. These delicious little cakes are easy to make and are filled with dried fruit and spices.

History

Rock cakes have been a popular treat in Britain for many years. They are believed to have originated during World War II when food rationing was in place, and ingredients were scarce. The simple recipe for rock cakes allowed people to make a tasty treat with basic pantry staples.

Ingredients

2 cups self-rising flour
0.25 tsp mixed spice
0.33 cup butter
0.33 cup caster sugar
2 tbsp sultanas
2 tbsp currants
1 tbsp mixed peel
1 beaten egg
0.5 cup milk

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
Sift the flour and spice together.
Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips.
Add the sugar, fruit, and peel.
Mix in the egg and enough milk to form a stiff dough.
Place spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased oven tray (cookie sheet).
Bake at 200°C until golden brown, for 10 – 15 minutes.
Cool on a wire rack.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Substitute the dried fruit with your favorite mix-ins.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough rock cakes.

- Make sure to use self-rising flour for the best texture.

- Feel free to customize the dried fruit and spices to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy rock cakes with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat the oven to ensure even baking.

- Use a light hand when mixing the dough to keep the texture light and crumbly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to every cup of all-purpose flour.

Make Ahead Tips

Rock cakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve rock cakes on a pretty platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a lovely presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Rock cakes pair well with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store rock cakes in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of rock cakes contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of rock cakes contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of rock cakes contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of rock cakes contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Rock cakes are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Rock cakes contain gluten and dairy.

Summary

Rock cakes are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories but do contain some fat and carbohydrates.

Summary

Rock cakes are a classic British treat that are easy to make and perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea. With a light and crumbly texture and a hint of spice, these little cakes are sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that had been passed down through generations in my family. The pages were yellowed and tattered, but the words were still clear and legible. The recipe was for Rock Cakes, a simple yet delicious treat that I had never heard of before.

I remember asking my own grandmother about the recipe, and she smiled knowingly as she recounted the story of how she had learned to make them. It was many years ago, she said, when she was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside.

One day, a traveling baker had come through the village, selling his wares from a horse-drawn cart. Among his assortment of breads and pastries was a batch of Rock Cakes. My grandmother had never seen anything like them before – lumpy, misshapen little cakes that looked more like rocks than anything edible.

Curious, she had bought one and taken a bite. To her surprise, it was delicious – crunchy on the outside, soft and crumbly on the inside, with a hint of sweetness and spice. She had asked the baker for the recipe, and he had kindly obliged, writing it down on a scrap of paper for her.

From that day on, my grandmother had made Rock Cakes for her family whenever she could. They became a favorite treat, especially on special occasions like birthdays and holidays. And now, all these years later, I was eager to try my hand at making them myself.

I gathered all the ingredients – flour, sugar, butter, eggs, sultanas, and spices – and set to work in the kitchen. As I mixed and kneaded the dough, memories of my grandmother and her stories flooded back to me. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through the steps, just as she had done so many times before.

Once the dough was ready, I scooped out spoonfuls and placed them on a baking tray, shaping them into rough, rustic mounds. I popped them in the oven and waited anxiously for them to bake.

The sweet, spicy scent of the Rock Cakes filled the kitchen, and I couldn't resist peeking through the oven door to see how they were coming along. They had puffed up and turned a golden brown, with cracks and crevices forming on their surface – just like the rocks they were named after.

I carefully removed them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. As I took my first bite, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The taste was exactly as I remembered – crunchy, crumbly, and utterly delicious.

I knew that my grandmother would be proud of me for carrying on the tradition of making Rock Cakes. And as I sat down to enjoy my treat, I felt a deep connection to her and to all the generations of women who had come before me, sharing their love and their recipes with each other.

In that moment, I realized that cooking was more than just a way to nourish our bodies – it was a way to nourish our souls, to keep alive the memories and traditions of those who had gone before us. And I vowed to continue making Rock Cakes, passing down the recipe to future generations so that they too could experience the joy and the magic of this simple yet special treat.