It was actually one of our lovely Twitter followers who’d requested this recipe and of course, Granny had her go-to Rock Bun recipe right on cue! I’m pretty sure prior to this, the last time I made Rock Buns was in my High School Home Economics class and I’m pretty sure they were more rock than they were bun.
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Given my sketchy history with baking Rock Buns, I was unsure of my actual opinion of them. Surely they shouldn’t actually break your teeth, like the H.E. Rock Bun disaster of 2001? I mean, sure, they’re called Rock Buns but why would anyone choose to eat something so tough? Turns out those ‘Rock Buns’ (inverted commas as I think it’s a stretch to actually call them so) were burnt well over done and probably not the best recipe, like most recipes our school produced.
Turns out, I love Rock Buns! It wasn’t until Granny compared them to scones that I thought there was a chance they were something I could get on board with. So if you love crumbly little cakes, loaded with flavour and dried fruit, then give Rock Buns a chance – you won’t be disappointed with this recipe! (As long as you don’t burn them and end up with literal H.E.-esque rocks). And take it from me, you’ll love them most of all when they’re still a little warm and fresh from the oven.
I most certainly did not eat 3 in one sitting…
Granny’s Top Tips
♥ This recipe uses dried mix fruit but if you can’t get your hands on a combination bag, simply use a mixture of sultanas, currants and mix peel, to the quantities of your preference.
♥ Orange extract gives the best flavour results and nicely compliments the peel in the mixed dried fruit, however you can easily substitute it for lemon or vanilla extract should you wish.
Rock Buns
Ingredients
- 250 g Self-raising Flour
- 65 g Butter
- 70 g Caster Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 2-3 tbsp Milk
- 1 tsp Orange Extract
- 100 g Mixed Dried Fruit
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to 190° (or 170°c for a fan assisted oven) and grease a couple of baking sheets with a little butter.
- In a large bowl, sift the flour. Add the butter and rub together with your fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the sugar and egg to the mixture. Add the milk a spoonful at a time, mixing together to create a thick, sticky dough - you may not need all the milk.
- Add the orange extract and the mixed dried fruit. Mix until the dried fruit is evenly dispersed through the dough.
- Place a tablespoon sized amount of dough onto your pre-greased baking sheets. Repeat with the rest of the dough, leaving space between each ball. Don't be concerned with making them neat - the rougher the balls are, the more rock-like your buns will appear.
- Bake in your pre-heated oven for around 15 minutes until they have a nice golden colour.
- Allow to cool a little on their trays before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Although rock buns are best enjoyed when still a little warm from the oven!
Notes
Oh wow, now THAT brings back memories, haven’t had a rock bun in years, love the fact you’ve added orange extract – genius! #recipeoftheweek
When u are are a rock bun what does it give u minerals and contaminAtion u are a rock bun did it give u minerals and vitamins
I also have not had a rock bun for years. I used to make them with my nanny – I think it is a recipe I ought to try with my boys and soon! thank you for sharing with #BakeoftheWeek x
This is a really good recipe! They came out still pretty soft in the middle, crunchy on the out side with the dried fruit, mmmmmm! I added vanilla bean paste which also worked really well.
Absolutly yummy. Hubby had a craving for rock cakes so i passed the test with flying colors with this recipe. They didnt last long the whole 12 of them.
I have made these and they taste exactly the same as scones just looks like a rock. Definitely not the recipe my granny used to make.
Absolutely delicious! I made mine rather big
and got 8 from recipe! At their very best still warm form from the oven. I made these two days in a row and they were gone before the cooled properly.
The orange extract is perfect in these
Loving the orange kick , happy days granny
I made Rock buns with my two sons who are both in their 30’s. I’m revisiting those happy times right now with my granddaughter who is 6.
thanks for the recipe
I have made these a couple of times now and they are simply the best rock bun recipe you could bake,the quantities are spot on and they are delicious