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.
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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.
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Old Fashioned Rock Cakes
Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook PrintIngredients
- 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.
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