Name: Mary Berry Rock Cakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 225g self-raising flour – Provides structure and helps the cakes rise.; 1 tsp baking powder – Adds a bit more lift.; 100g butter (cold and diced) – Adds richness and helps create a crumbly texture.; 75g caster sugar – Sweetens the cakes without making them overly sweet.; 100g mixed dried fruit – Adds texture and bursts of sweetness; you can use raisins, currants, or sultanas.; 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.; 2-3 tbsp milk – This helps bring the dough together and keeps it moist.

Description

Mary Berry’s Rock Cakes are small, rustic cakes made with flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and mixed dried fruits. They have a slightly rough, craggy surface but a soft, crumbly texture inside. Unlike more complex cakes, rock cakes are easy to make with minimal ingredients, making them a popular choice for both beginner bakers and those looking for a quick treat.

Ingredients

Scale

225g self-raising flour – Provides structure and helps the cakes rise.
1 tsp baking powder – Adds a bit more lift.
100g butter (cold and diced) – Adds richness and helps create a crumbly texture.
75g caster sugar – Sweetens the cakes without making them overly sweet.
100g mixed dried fruit – Adds texture and bursts of sweetness; you can use raisins, currants, or sultanas.
1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
2–3 tbsp milk – This helps bring the dough together and keeps it moist.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tray

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the rock cakes from sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift the self-raising flour and baking powder. Add the diced butter to the bowl.

Step 3: Rub in the Butter

Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. This step helps create a crumbly texture in the cakes.

Step 4: Add the Sugar and Dried Fruit

Stir in the caster sugar and mixed dried fruit, ensuring the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Add the Egg and Milk

In a small bowl, beat the egg with 2 tablespoons of milk. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a fork until the dough just comes together. If the dough is too dry, add an additional tablespoon of milk.

Step 6: Shape the Rock Cakes

Using a spoon, divide the dough into rough, rock-shaped mounds, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on the prepared baking tray. Space them out slightly as they will spread a little during baking.

Step 7: Bake the Rock Cakes

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the rock cakes are golden brown and feel firm to the touch.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove the tray from the oven and allow the rock cakes to cool on a wire rack. Serve them warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea.