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 haven’t had rock cakes in forever!
Could I substitute almond flour?
Thank you
Ooh, I don’t know what the texture would be like, but I’m thinking more like rocks than cakes, Sharon~ I would maybe use a little at first attempt, and see how that goes. If you’re trying for GF, then I’d use a GF mix instead of almond flour, along with some xantham gum. Good luck, CC
For the fruit mix is it 2oz or is it 1/2 cup?
Coz 2 oz is a quarter cup and 1/2 cup shld be bout 4oz.
Sorry but isnt 1 cup equivalent to 8oz? I’m confused.
This is why everyone in the US should throw away their cups and all buy scales! There is a difference between weight and volume and this is one example. 2 oz of liquid is equal to 1/4 cup, but it’s much different when it comes to things like fruit, and cereal.
Here’s an example: 2 oz of corn flakes is NOT equal to 1/4 cup of corn flakes, because if you weigh 2 oz of corn flakes then measure them in cups, you’ll end up with maybe 4 cups. Does that clear up the confusion?
So in the rock cakes situation, the recipe says 2 oz of fruit, so I weigh it and then put it in a cup measure and it was 1/2 cup. I would never use cups in any of my recipes if I could. It’s so inaccurate for baking which is why I alway recommend buying a scale. I’d advise you to buy one, too :) Good luck. CC
I agree! Since becoming hooked on The Great British Baking Show and many of your recipes, I now weigh my ingredients in as many recipes as I can. My bakes come out so much better weighing vs using measuring cups. My only problem is when a recipe doesn’t give weights but only cups in the directions. How can I convert it to weights without changing the outcome of the bake?
Fantastic, Mary Louise! So happy to hear that. In response to your question, there really isn’t a way to reverse it as we wouldn’t know exactly what the weight would have been. Continue using solid recipes that use weight measurements is my suggestion. :) CC
Aren’t these just scones?
No, THESE are scones. You’re getting mixed up because I have seen plenty of American “scones” that look like these, but they are not true scones (if you want an authentic British scone.)
What is in the mixed spice blend?
Hi Lynne, here’s a BBC recipe. CC
Another great recipe, you’re batting a 1,000! The rock cakes are light, airy and delicious. I yielded a total of 20, the last 4 just came out of the oven. I followed the recipe but had to substitute almond milk and did add 1t of vanilla, mine baked for around 10 minutes. Perfecto! I’m not sure how I came to find your site but after trying a few of your other recipes, (all of which were quite delicious) I’m thrilled I did.
I’m so happy to hear this, Mary Louise! I don’t mind where or how you found me, but I too am just happy that you did and are enjoying my recipes! Glad you liked the rock cakes and hope you find many more recipes to enjoy! Thank you! CC
Saw one for half fat half butter but lost
Sorry, Maureen, I don’t understand?
To all things Harry Potter!
Yes!!! :)