The Rocky Pastry

Rock bun is a specific type of pastry, distinguished by the hard, crust-like texture and sweet taste. This spicy British pastry usually also has a sugar-crust topping and is full of coarsely chopped dried fruit. Rock bun is also called rock cake as it is a cross between a cookie and a small cake. It is made using the rubbing in method. This method achieves a dry and open texture. Rock bun is baked in small mounds, which take on a rocklike appearance.

I made my very first batch of rock buns at school when I was 14 years old. Ever since then, I fell in love with the rocky pastry. Similarly, my sister and children too love them.

Rock Buns

What do we need:

2 cups flour
4 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup cold butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup mixed dried fruits
1/2 tsp ginger powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp clove powder
1 cold egg
1/4 cup cold milk


How do we do it:

In a food processor, place the flour, baking powder and cold butter. At a low speed, mix the ingredients until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Mix in sugar, the spices and the dried fruits with a metal spoon.

Slightly beat the cold milk and egg together. Gradually pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture. Gently stir just until the dough binds together. Drop the dough by teaspoonful on a greased or lined baking sheet. Bake at 200° C for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and cool on wire rack.



Enjoy Rock Bun with a cup of tea.