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.