Rock Cakes from Harry Potter (Rock Buns)
Rock Cakes from Harry Potter have a bad reputation. Hagrid made them and they were just like rocks. However, proper rock cakes, or rock buns, are nothing but soft and delicious!
I grew up with my mother making rock cakes all the time.
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I’ve wanted to share her rock cakes and raspberry buns recipes with you for a long time. Somehow, there just never seems to be enough time to make all the recipes I want to make!
However, a while ago I came across a recipe for rock cakes from someone who had never heard of them before Harry Potter. She had made them once and shared the recipe. I don’t even want to know where she got the recipe because they weren’t proper rock cakes! 😫 Of course, no credit was given to where the recipe came from, which is another issue altogether.
Another classic British biscuit: Bourbon Biscuits
What are Rock Cakes from Harry Potter (Rock Buns)?
In the Harry Potter book series, Hagrid makes rock cakes and Harry almost breaks a tooth on one. They are in true fashion for Harry Potter, really hard as rocks!
Another “rock” treat: Crunchie rocks chocolate candy are so good!
What are traditional, British Rock Cakes/Rock Buns?
The rock cakes that I grew up with (possibly a Scottish recipe) are like a wet scone dough, filled with currants and baked as is. They are not rolled out as scones, and purposefully are made to look rough. They are very simple and easy to make and taste absolutely wonderful! Unlike the rock cakes from Harry Potter, they are light and soft, and won’t break your dental work!
I don’t know if there are variations on rock cakes, but these are from an authentic, old Scottish recipe book. Enjoy!
Rock Cakes from Harry Potter (Rock Buns)
adapted from Lofty Peak cookbook
makes about 2 dozen (depending on the size you make them)
FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE BELOW
Ingredients
Directions
Preheat oven to 425°F (215°C)
Line cookie sheets with silicone baking sheets or parchment paper.
Sift the flour, baking powder (and mixed spice, if using) and set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the egg. Next, mix in the sifted flour and milk. As it comes together, add the dried fruit.
Mix just until combined. Do not over mix.
With two forks, make “rock-like” cookies on the tray about 2″ apart. They should not be smooth.
Sprinkle with a little sugar and bake in the upper part of the oven for about 12 minutes. (It could range from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your oven.)
Remove from tray and place on cooling rack. When cool, enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Looking for more Harry Potter treat inspiration?
And don’t miss this classic Knickerbocker Glory (featured in the HP books!)
Rock Cakes from Harry Potter (Rock Buns)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¾ stick butter
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ cup currants or golden raisins (Sultanas)
- 1 egg
- 2 ½ oz milk
- ⅛ tsp mixed spice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (215°C).
- Line cookie sheets with silicone baking sheets or parchment paper.
- Sift the flour, baking powder (and mixed spice, if using) and set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the egg. Next, mix in the sifted flour and milk. As it comes together, add the dried fruit.
- Mix just until combined. Do not over mix.
- With two forks, make "rock-like" cookies on the tray about 2" apart. They should not be smooth.
- Sprinkle with a little sugar and bake in the upper part of the oven for about 12 minutes. (It could range from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your oven.)
- Remove from tray and place on cooling rack. When cool, enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Notes
- Use quality ingredients for the best results.
Nutrition
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I think I will get my wand, incant “wingardium leviosa “ and whip up a batch of these beauties! All along, I’ve known that this particular spell had to do with baking… Seriously, it makes things rise!
I love it!
I know I would love rock cakes! The Harry Potter connection makes them all that more interesting!
I think you would as they’re not too sweet!
could you exchange buttermilk for regular milk ?
Well, the buttermilk will make them rise more, so if you do, cut down the baking powder to just 1 tsp. Let me know how they turn out, Christine! CC
Delicious looking
Thanks so much, they’re yummy!
Used to make these with added candied peel and chopped chocolate. Kids loved them. And you need kids to eat them as they don’t keep all that well. Mmmmm wouldn’t mind one right now!!
Yes! The original recipe has candied peel in it. They’re so good!
Ok, I am probably the only person on earth (besides Valentina) that hasn’t read Harry Potter so it could explain why I have never heard of a rock cake/bun. I love scones and currants, so I am sure I will LOVE these crazily named buns. And those raspberry buns sound fabulous as well.
Can’t tell you how much I wish I had one of those on the empty plate next to my coffee right now. Even though my boys (& husband) and read all the Harry Potter books and seen the movies, I haven’t really followed them. So sadly, I haven’t even heard of a rock cake. That said, I love anything resembling a light, fluffy scone. I choose golden raisins. :-)
Hi. I dislike raisins,currants,sultanas etc and I tend to pick them out. However, the person I am going to make them for likes them. Is there a way you can suggest for me to adapt the recipe and do half batch plain, half batch with the dried fruit? Thank you :)
Sure, just divide the dough in half before adding the fruit. Add half the amount of fruit to one half of the dough. Enjoy!
Love! Haven’t had these in years, so may have to get around to trying these!
I know! Those and raspberry buns! Love making things from my childhood (I’m sure you already know that)! haha! CC