Updated post on 25-12-2017

I have decided to update recipe 2 for Chinese New Year purposes. For Recipe 2, it can keep longer, tastier and fluffier which is unlike those traditional recipe 1 which is more floury, fulfilling and suitable for teatimes or meal replacement. 

I am making a batch for my buyers and waiting for their feedback . However, personally my family members and myself like this amended version very much .

INTRODUCTION

I believed most female readers will not be unfamiliar with rock cakes aka rock buns … It is one of the very basic recipe taught in Secondary School’s Home Economics or Home Science or Domestic Science classes introducing students to the baking fundamentals.

In my humble opinion, it was taught because success rate was high, simple method of preparation and no complicated equipment were required.  However, it produces a tasty and aromatic cake like structure bake…

Having said that, though simple, to prepare a good rock buns need some simple pointers to remember. Improper handling of rock bun preparation will produce a hard and chewy cake as gluten have developed.

I have decide to blog this humble recipe so as to share with those readers who do not have a chance to learn this recipe from the secondary school like me…In addition, most may have forgotten such simple recipe that was taught 20-30 years ago..

Per Wikipedia:

A rock cake, also called a rock bun, is a small, hard fruit cake with a rough surface resembling a rock.

“Rock cakes originated in Great Britain, where they are a traditional teatime treat, but are now popular in many parts of the world. They were promoted by the Ministry of Food during the Second World War since they require fewer eggs and less sugar than ordinary cakes, an important savings in a time of strict rationing. Traditional recipes bulked them with oatmeal, which was more readily available than white flour.

A typical modern recipe for 12 cakes requires about 200 g of flour, 100 g of butter or margarine, 50 g of sugar, 1 beaten egg, 1teaspoon of baking powder, 2 tablespoons of milk, 150 g of dried fruit such as currants, raisins, candied orange peel, etc., and a pinch of nutmeg and mixed spices. Usually, flour and butter are first mixed until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs; then the other ingredients are added to create a stiff dough, which is dropped from a spoon to a baking tray or roughly formed with two forks. The cakes (optionally sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon) are baked for about 15 minutes at 200 °C,^[1][2] retaining an uneven form and contour.” (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_cake)

Most recipes for rock cakes are rather standard and for this illustration, i have prepared purely based on Wikipedia’s definition above. Outcome is more than satisfactory as  both kids and wife like this pastry very much.. It took me less than 45 minutes (including baking) to get everything done…Is it not fast?

WHAT IS REQUIRED

Servings: Prepared 10- 12 rock cakes

Recipe 1 – Traditional denser recipe for Teatimes 

• 200 grams of plain flour
• 100 grams of butter
• 50 grams of castor sugar
• 150 grams of dried mixed fruits
• 1 egg (not in picture)
• 2 tablespoons of milk
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of mixed spice (optional)

Recipe 2 – Amended recipe for Chinese New Year 

• 150 grams of self raising  flour
• 100 grams of butter
• 50 grams of castor sugar
• 150 grams of dried mixed fruits
• 1 egg (not in picture)
• 2 tablespoons of milk (optional)

Recipe 1 and Recipe 2 method of preparation is the same 

STEPS OF PREPARATION

• Pre-heat the oven to 200 degree Celsius

• In a bowl, add the soften butter and flour. Use FINGER TIPS  to rub the butter and flour such that it resembles bread crumbs. Add in the mixed fruits and sugar. Use a fork or a tablespoon to stir such that it is well mixed. Make a well in the centre and crack the egg follow by the milk.

• Use the tablespoon or fork to lightly and swiftly mixed it until it form a sticky dough. Take a spoonful and drop the batter on the baking tray leaving some space for expansion.  Bake in the pre-heated oven of 200 degree Celsius for about 15-20 minutes or until a skewer inserted to the cakes comes out clean. Best served warm.

• For Chinese New Year Recipe 2, you can lightly use your palm to shape it round with about 15 grams dough.  Bake in the pre-heated oven of 160 degree Celsius for about 15-20 minutes . Cooled completely before storing in an air tight container.  (as cookies are much lighter and smaller, the temperature have been amended accordingly .

Notes:

• The handling shall be light and fast and no pressing of the dough. Shaping should not be done too. Both steps are to ensure that adequate air are introduced to the cakes so that they can be fluffy.  Light handling will ensure no formation of gluten that causes the cake to be chewy and hard.

CONCLUSION

I am not a teacher in Home Economic or Domestic Science… But I do hope that what I have illustrated here do make sense and do not contradict with what your teacher have taught and give you a rock cake that you like. New bakers, this is one of the recipes that you should try and it will boost your confidence of baking as chances of success are great… and the syllabus will not include this recipe as the first very recipe for no reason..

Hope you like the post today. Cheers and have a nice day.

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