Rock-Solid Rock Cakes Recipe: Crumbly Treats for Tea Time

Rock cakes are a classic British bake that bring simplicity and comfort to the kitchen.

Their slightly crisp edges give way to a tender, crumbly middle filled with dried fruit.

Each piece balances sweetness with a rustic texture, making them a timeless teatime favorite.

The recipe is straightforward, relying on pantry staples that come together in minutes.

Baked until golden, they deliver warmth and flavor that feels both homely and satisfying.

Why James Martin Rock Cakes Are So Warm And Tasty

• Quick Delicacy: Simple recipe with minimal ingredients and basic mixing techniques that anyone can master.
• Flexible Fruit Fun: Customize with your favorite dried fruits like raisins, currants, or mixed berries to match personal taste preferences.
• Speedy Sweet Treat: Prepare and bake in under 30 minutes, perfect for sudden sweet cravings or unexpected guests.

What Goes Into James Martin Rock Cakes

• Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the rock cakes.
• Butter: Softened butter that creates a rich and crumbly base for the pastry.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning of the rock cakes.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cake's structure.

• Dry Fruit: Adds natural sweetness and chewy texture to the rock cakes.
• Demerara Sugar: Optional topping that provides a crunchy, caramelized exterior.

• Baking Soda, Milk: Work together to help the rock cakes rise and achieve the right consistency.

How To Make James Martin Rock Cakes Easily

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting the temperature to 350°F. Grab two baking sheets and either lightly grease them or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Dry Base

• Flour
• Baking soda

Step 3: Work in the Butter

Use your fingertips to gently rub softened butter into the flour mixture. Keep working until the texture looks like fine breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Add Sweet and Fruity Goodness

• Sugar
• Dried fruit

Ensure everything gets mixed evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Egg
• Milk

Pour this into the center of your dry ingredients.

Step 6: Form the Dough

Mix everything together to create a firm dough. If the mixture seems too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it comes together nicely.

Step 7: Shape the Rock Cakes

Divide the dough into 12 mounds on your prepared baking sheets. Each mound should be about 1/4 cup in size. Sprinkle demerara sugar on top if you want extra crunch.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until the rock cakes turn golden brown and look beautifully puffed. They should feel solid when touched.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve these crumbly, delightful treats with tea or as a quick snack.

Tips For Soft James Martin Rock Cakes Every Time

• Use precise measuring tools to ensure the right flour-to-butter ratio for perfectly crumbly rock cakes.
• Select plump, fresh dried fruits like currants or raisins to enhance the texture and flavor of your rock cakes.
• Mix the ingredients minimally to keep the cakes light and prevent tough, dense results.
• Add milk sparingly to achieve the right dough consistency, avoiding a sticky or dry mixture.
• Keep an eye on the rock cakes during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and maintain a soft interior.

Ways To Personalize James Martin Rock Cakes

• Gluten-Free Rock Cakes: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking powder and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Rock Cakes: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Replace egg with mashed banana or flax egg. Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.
• Low-Sugar Rock Cakes: Swap regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce overall sugar content and use unsweetened dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for natural sweetness.
• Nutty Fruit Rock Cakes: Add chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans to the mixture. Include a mix of dried fruits like raisins, currants, and chopped dried apricots for extra texture and flavor.

What To Pair With James Martin Rock Cakes

• Brew Perfect Coffee Pairing: Select a medium-roast Colombian coffee with subtle caramel notes to complement the rock cakes' sweet and fruity profile, enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Elevate with Tea Choice: Opt for Earl Grey tea with its bergamot hints, creating a delightful balance against the rock cakes' buttery texture and dried fruit elements.
• Create Dessert Wine Match: Serve a chilled Sauternes or sweet Muscat wine alongside these rock cakes, allowing the wine's honeyed undertones to highlight the pastry's delicate sweetness.
• Enhance with Cream Topping: Prepare a light vanilla-infused whipped cream as a soft, luxurious accompaniment that adds smooth richness to the crumbly rock cake texture.

How To Store James Martin Rock Cakes Properly

• Store rock cakes in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 3 days. Keep them in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual rock cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring they are completely sealed to prevent freezer burn.
• Leave rock cakes in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Best consumed within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture.
• Warm rock cakes in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power to restore their original soft and crumbly texture.

FAQs For James Martin Rock Cakes

• What are rock cakes traditionally associated with?

Rock cakes originated in Britain during World War II, when rationing made ingredients scarce. They became popular during this time as a simple, quick treat that didn’t require much sugar or butter.

The name comes from their rough, uneven appearance that resembles rocky terrain. Their bumpy surface is created by dropping the dough in irregular mounds, giving them a rugged, “rocky” look.

• Are rock cakes difficult to make?

Rock cakes are extremely easy to prepare. They require basic baking ingredients, minimal mixing, and take just 15 minutes to bake. Even beginner bakers can successfully make them with simple techniques.

Traditional Rock Cakes Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rock cakes have a crumbly exterior and soft inside, dotted with dried fruit – a simple, old-school bake that never really went out of style.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) self-rising flour
• 1/2 cup (110 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup (110 grams) mixed dried fruit
• 6 tablespoons (55 grams) currants

Binding Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 to 3 tablespoons milk

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (55 grams) sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Demerara sugar, for sprinkling, optional

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper or light grease.
2. Sift flour and baking soda together in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a light, airy base.
3. Incorporate softened butter into the flour mixture using fingertips, working until the texture resembles delicate breadcrumbs.
4. Gently fold sugar and dried fruit into the crumbly mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
5. Create a small well in the center of the mixture and whisk the egg with a tablespoon of milk.
6. Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients, carefully mixing to form a cohesive dough. If the mixture seems dry, slowly add milk one tablespoon at a time.
7. Portion the dough into 12 rustic mounds on the prepared baking sheets, each approximately 1/4 cup in size. Sprinkle with demerara sugar for added crunch and sweetness if desired.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and a firm, slightly crisp exterior.
9. Let cool slightly before enjoying. The rough texture and crumbly bite are part of their charm.

Notes

• Soften butter at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture in rock cakes.
• Choose dried fruits like currants, raisins, or mixed peel to add sweet bursts of flavor and traditional British character.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense rock cakes; gentle handling creates a light, crumbly texture.
• Sprinkle extra demerara sugar on top before baking for a delightful crispy, caramelized crust that adds extra crunch.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 181 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg