Rock cake

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Rock cake

File:Rock cakes.jpg

A plate of rock cakes

Rock cakes, also known as rock buns, are a type of small, hard fruitcake with a rough surface resembling a rock. They originated in the United Kingdom and are a popular treat in British cuisine.

History

Rock cakes became popular during World War II due to their simple recipe, which required fewer eggs and sugar than other cakes, making them an economical choice during times of rationing. The recipe was promoted by the Ministry of Food to encourage home baking with limited ingredients.

Ingredients

The basic ingredients for rock cakes include:

• Self-raising flour
• Butter
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Dried fruit (such as currants, sultanas, or raisins)
• Milk (optional, for a softer texture)
• Spices (such as cinnamon or nutmeg, optional)

Preparation

To prepare rock cakes, the dry ingredients are mixed together, and then the butter is rubbed into the mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs. The dried fruit is added, followed by the beaten eggs to form a stiff dough. The dough is then dropped in rough heaps onto a baking tray and baked until golden brown.

Variations

There are several variations of rock cakes, including:

• Adding chocolate chips instead of dried fruit
• Using different types of dried fruit or a combination
• Adding nuts or seeds for extra texture

Cultural References

Rock cakes have been mentioned in various works of literature and media. They are famously referenced in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, where they are a favorite of the character Rubeus Hagrid.

See Also

• Scone
• Tea cake
• Fruitcake
• British cuisine