If you’re looking for a quick and tasty snack, rock buns are an absolute winner! These little sweet bites are perfect for tea time, a quick breakfast, or a fun baking project with minimal fuss. Rock buns are known for their crumbly texture, thanks to the butter and flour base, and their sweet, fruity flavor that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea. Here’s how you can make your own batch of these delightful buns!

Ingredients:

  • 225g self-raising flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon mixed spice (a warm, aromatic spice blend)
  • 110g butter (unsalted, chilled)
  • 55g sugar (caster or granulated)
  • 150g mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas, etc.)
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • A little sugar to sprinkle on top

Instructions:

  1. Preparing the Dry Ingredients:
    • Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F).
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, baking powder, and mixed spice. The spice will give your buns a lovely, warm aroma and flavor.
  2. Rubbing in the Butter:
    • Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingers, rub the butter and flour together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. This step is key to getting that classic crumbly texture in your rock buns.
  3. Adding the Sugar and Fruit:
    • Stir in the sugar and mixed dried fruit, ensuring the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the flour-butter mixture.
  4. Binding the Dough:
    • Crack the egg into the bowl and add the milk. Mix everything together until it forms a slightly sticky dough. Don’t worry if it’s a little rough; rock buns are meant to be rustic!
  5. Shaping the Buns:
    • Using a tablespoon, scoop out a small amount of dough and form it into a rough ball. Place it onto a baking tray, leaving some space between each bun for expansion during baking. Repeat this for the rest of the dough.
  6. Baking:
    • Sprinkle a little sugar over the top of each bun to give them a nice, sweet crust. Place the tray in the preheated air fryer and bake for around 14 minutes. The buns should be golden brown on the outside, with a firm yet slightly soft center.
  7. Cooling and Serving:
    • Once baked, allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm with a nice cup of tea, but they’re also delicious at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (per bun, assuming 12 servings):

  • Calories: 135 kcal
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
    • Fiber: 1 g
    • Sugar: 8 g
  • Fat: 6 g
    • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 27 mg
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Potassium: 90 mg
  • Vitamin A: 4% DV
  • Vitamin C: 0% DV
  • Iron: 4% DV
  • Calcium: 2% DV

Notes:

  • You can reduce the sugar content or swap it out with a sugar substitute for a lighter version.
  • If you prefer, you can add other dried fruits or even chocolate chips for a variation.
  • For a more indulgent treat, serve with a dollop of clotted cream or a drizzle of honey.

These rock buns are incredibly easy to make and perfect for those moments when you want something homemade but don’t have a lot of time. Enjoy these delicious treats fresh out of the air fryer or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days!