If you’re a fan of baking shows, you must have heard of Mary Berry, the queen of cakes. Mary Berry’s rock cakes are a classic recipe that has been passed down for generations. These delicious, crumbly cakes are perfect for an afternoon tea or as a snack. In this article, we’ll be sharing Mary Berry’s rock cakes recipe and two variations that you can try at home.
Ingredients
For Mary Berry’s rock cakes, you’ll need:
- 225g self-raising flour
- 100g butter, softened
- 75g caster sugar
- 50g mixed dried fruit
- 1 egg
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
For the first variation, you’ll need:
- 225g self-raising flour
- 100g butter, softened
- 75g caster sugar
- 50g chocolate chips
- 1 egg
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
For the second variation, you’ll need:
- 225g self-raising flour
- 100g butter, softened
- 75g caster sugar
- 50g chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts)
- 1 egg
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4.
For Mary Berry’s rock cakes:
- In a large mixing bowl, rub the butter and self-raising flour together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the caster sugar and mixed dried fruit.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the milk.
- Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until you have a stiff dough.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into 12 rough balls and place them on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the rock cakes are golden brown.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
For the first variation:
- Follow the same instructions as Mary Berry’s rock cakes, but substitute the mixed dried fruit with chocolate chips.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the rock cakes are golden brown.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
For the second variation:
- Follow the same instructions as Mary Berry’s rock cakes, but substitute the mixed dried fruit with chopped nuts.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the rock cakes are golden brown.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutritional Information
For Mary Berry’s rock cakes:
- Calories: 194
- Fat: 8.8g
- Saturated Fat: 5.3g
- Carbohydrates: 26.2g
- Sugar: 11.1g
- Fiber: 0.9g
- Protein: 2.6g
- Salt: 0.2g
For the first variation:
- Calories: 214
- Fat: 10.1g
- Saturated Fat: 6.2g
- Carbohydrates: 29.1g
- Sugar: 14.8g
- Fiber: 0.9g
- Protein: 2.9g
- Salt: 0.2g
For the second variation:
- Calories: 212
- Fat: 10.1g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28.6g
- Sugar: 13.2g
- Fiber: 0.9g
- Protein: 2.9g
- Salt: 0.2g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking tray
- Greaseproof paper
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
Rock cakes are best served warm with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for a more indulgent treat.
Variations
You can experiment with different dried fruits, nuts, and chocolate chips to create your own variations of Mary Berry’s rock cakes. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a subtle spice flavor.
Substitutions
If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour and baking powder. For every 150g of all-purpose flour, add 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Storage
Rock cakes can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure to rub the butter and flour together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs to ensure a crumbly texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough as it can make the rock cakes tough.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into rough balls instead of perfectly round balls for a rustic look.
Notes
Rock cakes are a traditional British recipe that dates back to the 18th century. They were originally made with oatmeal and raisins, but over time, the recipe evolved to include different dried fruits, nuts, and chocolate chips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
No, you cannot use fresh fruit in this recipe as it will add too much moisture to the mixture and affect the texture of the rock cakes.
Can I freeze the dough?
No, you cannot freeze the dough as it contains egg and milk, which can separate when frozen.
Final Thoughts
Mary Berry’s rock cakes are a classic recipe that never gets old. They’re easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you prefer dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips, you can create your own version of this delicious treat. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your baking skills?