Traditional Rock Cake Recipe

Preheat the oven to 350 F/180 C/Gas 4

How to Make the Traditional Rock Bun

1. Sieve the flour and baking powder into a large baking bowl, add the softened butter or margarine, and lightly rub together with fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
2. Add the sugar and the dried fruit and mix so all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Add the egg and 1 tbsp of the milk and mix to create a stiff dough. If the mixture is still dry add milk a tbsp at a time until required consistency.

1. Lightly grease two baking sheets.
2. Using a tablespoon divide the mixture into 12 mounds evenly spaced on the 2 baking sheets. Sprinkle with the demerara sugar.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 mins or until golden brown and well risen. The rock buns should be firm to the touch, but they harden up properly once cold.

Variations on Traditional Rock Buns

Dried cranberries (craisins) made a good addition, as do a few chopped nuts, a teaspoon of honey, or a few chocolate chips added in just before cooking

Some reviewers have suggested adding a teaspoon of mixed spice. Try both and see which you like. If you can't find mixed spice, try using pumpkin pie spice. It's a lovely substitute. Enjoy!