How to make quintessentially British Rock Cakes loved by Harry Potter

Rock cakes, also known as rock buns, are a deliciously light traditional British cake. They are a childhood favourite sweet treat in the UK and extremely easy to make.

Rock cakes are a traditional British cake with a long history and have been popular in the UK for centuries. Because they are extremely economical to make, they use only one egg and less sugar than other cakes, they were extremely popular during times of rationing in the Second World War. In fiction, they are enjoyed by Harry Potter and Ron Weasley in the Philosopher’s Stone as well as by characters in a couple of Agatha Christie books. So easy to make you can get your children involved, and in fact , these were the first cakes I ever made when I was nine years old.

Instructions: In a bowl mix 225g self raising flour (or 225g plain flour with 2 teaspoons baking powder) and half a teaspoon of salt. Then combine with 125g margarine until it resembles breadcrumbs. Next mix in 75g sugar and 50g currants or sultanas. Now add 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla essence and stir until combined. Grease a baking sheet and, using 2 forks, roughly shape into 10-12 cakes. Keep them rough looking as they are meant to look like rocks.

Bake at 200°C / fan 180° C for about 12 to 15 minutes until firm and slightly golden. Cool on a wire rack and eat warm or cold. These freeze well too.