If you’re looking for a quick and easy treat that’s perfect for any occasion, then look no further than this delicious rock cakes recipe by none other than Mary Berry. These tasty little cakes are a classic British bake, filled with juicy raisins and a hint of cinnamon. They’re the perfect treat for a mid-afternoon snack or a sweet addition to your morning coffee. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 110g unsalted butter, cubed
- 85g caster sugar
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp milk
- 100g raisins
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and baking powder.
- Add the cubed unsalted butter to the bowl, and using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the caster sugar, raisins, and ground cinnamon, and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until combined.
- Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients, and mix until a dough forms.
- Using your hands, form the dough into rough, golf ball-sized shapes, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the rock cakes are golden brown and springy to the touch.
- Remove from the oven, and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your freshly baked rock cakes!
Nutritional Information
Each rock cake contains approximately:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Wire Rack
Serving Suggestions
Rock cakes are perfect for a mid-afternoon snack or a sweet treat with your morning coffee. They’re also a great addition to a packed lunch or picnic spread. Serve them warm or cold, with a cup of tea or coffee.
Variations
You can add a variety of different ingredients to your rock cakes, depending on your taste preferences. Try adding chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips for a different flavor. You could also add a drizzle of icing or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sweeter finish.
Substitutions
If you don’t have any raisins on hand, you could substitute them for another dried fruit, such as currants or dried cranberries. You could also use a different spice in place of cinnamon, such as nutmeg or allspice.
Storage
Rock cakes will keep for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month, defrosting them at room temperature before serving.
Tips
- Don’t overwork the dough – the more you mix it, the less tender your rock cakes will be.
- To get a nice rise, make sure your baking powder is fresh and hasn’t expired.
- If you have any leftover rock cakes, they make a great addition to your breakfast or lunchbox.
Notes
This recipe makes approximately 10 rock cakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are rock cakes?
Rock cakes are a classic British bake, filled with raisins and a hint of cinnamon. They’re small, round cakes that are slightly crumbly in texture and have a rough, uneven appearance – hence the name “rock” cakes.
What can I add to my rock cakes?
You can add a variety of different ingredients to your rock cakes, such as chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips. You could also add a drizzle of icing or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sweeter finish.
Can I freeze my rock cakes?
Yes, you can freeze your rock cakes for up to 1 month. Defrost them at room temperature before serving.
Personal Thoughts
I absolutely love this rock cakes recipe by Mary Berry – it’s so easy to make and always turns out perfectly. The combination of juicy raisins and warm cinnamon is just divine, and they’re the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. I also love that you can easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite ingredients, such as nuts or chocolate chips. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and see for yourself just how delicious rock cakes can be!