Air Fryer Rock Cakes

Easy air fryer rock cakes when you want something sweet, quick! They are lovely eaten on their own or cut in half with a dollop of butter for a truly scrumptious treat.

Ingredients

The quantity is for 24 small rock cakes. Adjust the amount for smaller quantities.

• 225 g Self-Raising Flour
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 100 g Soft Margarine
• 50 g Granulated sugar
• 1 Egg (beaten)
• 2 tbsp Milk
• 75 g Sultanas
• 75 g Currants
• Brown Sugar (for sprinkling)

How to make rock cakes for the air fryer

• Grease an air fryer baking tray or line with baking paper.
• Add the flour, baking powder, margarine, sugar, egg and milk to a bowl and mix for about 10 seconds. This should be a stiff mixture. Scrape down the sides, add the sultanas and currants and mix through.
• Spoon out the rock cakes onto the baking tray using two teaspoons. Sprinkle each with brown sugar.
• Bake in the air fryer for about 9 minutes at 180℃/350℉, until beginning to brown on the edges. Lift onto a wire rack to cool.

Serving Suggestions

Rock cakes, also known as rock buns, are a traditional British treat that is simple to make and delicious to eat. They have a rough, crumbly texture that is quite distinctive. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most out of these delightful treats:

1. Classic Tea Time: Serve rock cakes with a pot of freshly brewed tea. Earl Grey, English Breakfast, or an herbal tea like chamomile can complement the sweet, crumbly texture of the cakes.
2. Coffee Break: Pair them with a strong coffee, such as an espresso or a cappuccino, to balance the sweetness with a bit of bitterness from the coffee.
3. Fresh out of the Oven: Enjoy rock cakes warm, just a few minutes after they’ve come out of the oven. This is when they’re at their most fragrant and delicious.
4. Butter Them Up: While they’re still warm, split them open and spread a little butter inside. The butter will melt into the cake, adding a rich, decadent flavour.
5. Jam or Preserves: Add a dollop of your favourite jam, marmalade, or lemon curd on top of a rock cake for an extra burst of fruity sweetness.
6. With Cheese: For a savoury twist, serve rock cakes with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. The contrast between the sweet cake and the tangy cheese can be quite delightful.
7. Dessert Platter: Create a dessert platter with a selection of rock cakes, scones, and other pastries. Serve with clotted cream and a variety of jams to let guests customize their treats.
8. Ice Cream Sandwich: Take two small rock cakes and sandwich a scoop of vanilla ice cream between them for a unique and delicious ice cream sandwich.
9. Yogurt Parfait: Crumble a rock cake over a bowl of Greek yoghurt and add a layer of fresh berries for a quick and easy parfait.
10. Pudding Base: Crumble them up and use them as a base for a sweet dessert like a trifle or a layered pudding, adding a nice texture contrast to the creamy layers.
11. With Fruit Salad: Serve a simple fruit salad alongside rock cakes for a refreshing and lighter dessert option.
12. Holiday Treat: During the holidays, rock cakes can be spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed spice to give them a festive flavour. Serve them as part of a holiday dessert spread.

Remember, rock cakes are quite versatile and can be customized with various add-ins like dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different serving options to find your favourite way to enjoy these delightful treats!

Storage

Keep in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They will last for up to 5 days.