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.
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.
In a large mixing bowl, sift the self-raising flour and baking powder. Add the diced butter to the bowl.
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.
Stir in the caster sugar and mixed dried fruit, ensuring the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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.
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.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the rock cakes are golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
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.
Find it online: https://britishbakingrecipes.co.uk/mary-berry-rock-cakes/