Old Fashioned Rock Cakes

These Old-Fashioned Rock Cakes are a nostalgic delight, with a rustic look and a tender crumb. Made with a mix of dried fruits and a hint of spice, these simple yet delicious treats are perfect for tea time or as a quick snack. Easy to make and wonderfully homey, they’re a beloved classic that never goes out of style.

My grandmother used to bake these Old-Fashioned Rock Cakes for every family gathering. The aroma of warm spices and sweet dried fruit filled her kitchen, creating a sense of comfort and love. Now, every time I bake them, my husband can’t resist sneaking one off the tray, and my daughter loves helping sprinkle sugar on top before they go in the oven. It’s a recipe that connects generations and brings joy to every bite.

Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Rock Cakes

•Quick and Simple: No fancy equipment or skills required.

•Rustic and Charming: Their rough, “rock-like” shape adds character.

•Deliciously Spiced: Warm spices and dried fruits make them irresistible.

•Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal with tea, coffee, or as an on-the-go snack.

Ingredients Notes For Old-Fashioned Rock Cakes

•Flour: All-purpose flour gives the cakes structure.

•Butter: Cold, unsalted butter creates a crumbly texture.

•Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.

•Egg: Binds the mixture together.

•Dried Fruits: A mix of raisins, currants, or chopped dried apricots works wonderfully.

•Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth and depth.

•Milk: Just a splash to bring the dough together.

Recipe Steps

1.Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2.Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and spices.

3.Cut in Butter: Add cold butter and rub it into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.

4.Add Fruits: Stir in the dried fruits, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

5.Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk the egg and a splash of milk. Add this to the dry mixture and mix until a stiff dough forms.

6.Shape Cakes: Use a spoon to drop rough mounds of dough onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7.Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and firm to the touch.

8.Cool and Serve: Let cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy plain or with a dab of butter or jam.

Storage Options

•Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

•Freezer: Freeze cooled cakes for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

•Add orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.

•Use chocolate chips instead of dried fruit for a modern take.

•Swap spices for mixed spice or cardamom for a unique flavor.

Old Fashioned Rock Cakes

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Course: Dessert, Snack

Kitchen: British

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 cakes

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1/2 cup 100g granulated sugar
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• ▢ 1/2 cup 100g mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, or sultanas)
• ▢ 1 large egg
• ▢ 2 tablespoons milk
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional

Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• Rub in Butter: Add the diced butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
• Add Fruit: Stir in the mixed dried fruit.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract (if using).
• Form the Dough: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. The dough should be slightly stiff but not too dry.
• Shape the Cakes: Drop heaped tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each to allow for spreading. The shapes should be rough and “rocky.”
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the rock cakes are golden brown.
• Cool: Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.