Scrumptious Rock Buns Recipe: Easy, Homemade Teatime Treats!

Rock buns are classic British teatime treats beloved by generations of home bakers.

These crumbly, rustic pastries originated in the United Kingdom as a simple and delightful sweet snack.

Traditional rock buns feature a rough, craggy exterior that resembles small rocky formations, giving them their distinctive name.

Home cooks appreciate these delectable treats for their quick preparation and minimal ingredients.

The recipe typically combines basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and dried fruits to create a deliciously textured small cake.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this charming recipe, making rock buns a perfect choice for casual gatherings or afternoon tea.

Why Rock Buns Recipe Is Worth Making

• Speedy Baking: Whip up these rock buns in just 25 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute treats.
• Kid-Friendly Preparation: Simple mixing and shaping steps allow children to help in the kitchen, turning baking into a fun family activity that creates delicious memories.
• Versatile Snacking: Enjoy these rock buns as a quick breakfast, afternoon tea companion, or casual dessert that suits multiple occasions and satisfies sweet tooth cravings.
• No-Fuss Ingredients: Minimal ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, and raisins mean you can likely make these with pantry staples, avoiding unnecessary grocery store trips.

What Goes Into Rock Buns Recipe

• Self-Raising Flour: Provides the base structure and soft texture for the rock buns, key to achieving a light and crumbly result.
• Caster Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden-brown exterior during baking.

• Butter: Ensures rich flavor and contributes to the tender, moist texture of the rock buns.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture to the dough.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, workable dough consistency.
• Orange Extract: Provides a subtle citrus flavor that enhances the overall taste.

• Raisins: Adds natural sweetness and chewy texture to the rock buns, creating interesting flavor pockets.

How To Bake Rock Buns Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven for Baking

Crank up the oven to a toasty 180°C (350°F), getting ready for some baking magic.

Step 2: Whip Up Butter and Sugar

Grab a mixing bowl and blend butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud of sweetness.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Egg
• Orange extract
• Milk

Whisk everything together until perfectly combined.

Step 4: Create Dough Magic

• Self-raising flour
• Raisins

Mix gently until a scrumptious dough emerges.

Step 5: Shape Rustic Treats

Craft small, charming rough balls with your hands, giving each bun a unique, homemade personality.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the dough balls on a baking tray and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Savor

Let the rock buns rest for a few moments, then dive into their warm, delightful goodness.

Tips That Help With Rock Buns Recipe

• Boost Flavor Variation: Swap raisins with chopped dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or mixed nuts for exciting taste combinations.
• Perfect Texture Trick: Use room temperature butter and egg to ensure smoother mixing and better dough consistency.
• Storage Wisdom: Keep rock buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation without losing quality.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace self-raising flour with gluten-free self-raising flour blend to make the recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Precise Shaping Technique: Use two spoons to create rustic, uneven rock-like shapes instead of perfectly round balls, maintaining the traditional rough appearance.

How To Store And Reheat Rock Buns Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store rock buns in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Freeze: Wrap individual rock buns in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, preserving them for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
• Reheat Oven: Warm rock buns at 150°C (300°F) for 5-7 minutes, restoring their crisp exterior and soft interior.
• Room Temperature: Allow frozen rock buns to thaw naturally for 1-2 hours before serving, maintaining their original texture and flavor.

What Tastes Good With Rock Buns Recipe

• Pair Sweet Hot Tea: Brew a fragrant Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea to complement the rock buns' warm, sweet flavor profile. The robust tea cuts through the baked treat's buttery richness.
• Match Creamy Dairy: Serve alongside cold whole milk or fresh cream. The smooth dairy balances the crumbly texture of rock buns and enhances the subtle orange and raisin notes.
• Select Warm Spiced Beverage: Pour freshly brewed chai or cinnamon-spiced coffee. The warming spices create a delightful harmony with the rock buns' comforting, homemade taste.
• Elevate with Fruit Spread: Add a dollop of homemade orange marmalade or raspberry jam. The fruity preserve amplifies the baked treat's sweetness and adds an extra layer of delicious complexity.

Different Ways To Do Rock Buns Recipe

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace self-raising flour with gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of baking powder for better rise.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of chicken egg, and select plant-based milk like almond milk.
• Chocolate Chip Option: Substitute raisins with dark chocolate chips and sprinkle cinnamon for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining the rock buns' classic texture.

Rock Buns Recipe Questions

• What are rock buns traditionally associated with?

Rock buns originated in Britain and are a classic tea-time treat popular in the United Kingdom, often enjoyed during afternoon tea or as a quick snack.

They get their name from their rough, uneven appearance that resembles small rocky formations, with a craggy exterior that gives them a distinctive, rustic look.

• Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes, you can replace raisins with other dried fruits like currants, chopped dried cranberries, or mixed peel to add different flavors and textures to your rock buns.

• Are rock buns difficult to make for beginners?

Rock buns are actually quite simple to prepare, making them an excellent recipe for novice bakers who want to try their hand at traditional British baking.

Deliciously Crumbly Rock Buns Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Craving British bakery magic? Rock Buns deliver nostalgic sweetness with crisp edges and tender centers packed with dried fruits. Small clusters of delightful texture await eager bakers seeking classic comfort from traditional British kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) self-raising flour
• 65 grams (2.3 ounces) butter or margarine
• 70 grams (2.5 ounces) sugar

Fruit and Flavor:

• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) raisins
• 1 teaspoon orange extract

Binding Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking workspace by heating the oven to a moderate temperature, ensuring an even cooking environment.
2. Create a smooth, aerated base by vigorously blending butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous.
3. Introduce moisture and flavor with egg, orange extract, and milk, thoroughly incorporating each ingredient to develop a uniform consistency.
4. Gradually fold self-raising flour and raisins into the mixture, gently working the components until a cohesive dough emerges.
5. Craft rustic, uneven spherical formations with the dough, placing them strategically across a prepared baking surface.
6. Position the tray in the preheated oven, allowing the baked treats to transform into a rich golden hue over 15-20 minutes.
7. Allow the rock buns to rest momentarily, permitting slight cooling before serving to enhance texture and release intense aromas.

Notes

• Opt for room temperature butter to ensure smooth creaming and better incorporation with sugar for a lighter texture.
• Replace raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots to customize flavor and add variety to the rock buns.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough baked goods; stir just until ingredients are combined for tender, crumbly results.
• When shaping the buns, use slightly damp

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg