Butter Vanilla Rock Cakes

Vanilla Rock Muffins are great for Sunday mornings, the aroma wafting throughout the house as excitement starts to bubble. So easy with few ingredients, these vanilla rock muffins will soon be your favorite, I promise!

INGREDIENTS

225g Self Raising Flour
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Essence
150g Butter
75g Sugar
1 Egg
1 Cup Milk

METHOD

Grease or butter a baking tin

Sift flour, sugar and pinch of salt

Rub in the butter with your finger tips until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs

Stir in the milk and mix. The batter will be soft and sticky

Use ice cream scoop to scoop out the dough. You can use a normal tablespoon or serving spoon if you want larger muffins

This gives you the chance to have evenly shaped muffins

Drop the soft dough on the baking tray

Leave enough space between the dough to give them room to expand

You can smoothen the dough or leave it rugged for that rocky feel

Continue scooping and placing on the baking tray

So simple and fast without the hustle

I love how they already look

The dough gives you around 10 - 12 rock muffins

Place the baking tin inside the oven

Set the bake time to 25 minutes

I couldn't wait for them to bake

After 25 minutes check if the muffins are golden brown

You can add 10 more minutes to get a deep brown color

Straight out of the oven with a delicious vanilla aroma

Allow to cool on the baking tray then transfer to cooling rack for a few minutes

Serve with tea, or drink of your choice

I love the ruggedness of these rock muffins

Crunchy on top but fluffy and soft on the inside

BUTTER VANILLA ROCK CAKES

Recipe by Mulunga Alukwe

Prep time: 10 Minutes
Cook time: 30 Minutes
Total time: 40 Minutes
Yield: 3 Servings
Ingredients

• 225g Self Raising Flour
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Essence
• 150g Butter
• 75g Sugar
• 1 Egg
• 1 Cup Milk

Cooking Directions

1. Grease or butter a baking tin. Sift flour, sugar and pinch of salt. Rub in the butter with your finger tips until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the milk and mix. The batter will be soft and sticky
2. Use ice cream scoop to scoop out the dough. You can use a normal tablespoon or serving spoon if you want larger muffins. This gives you the chance to have evenly shaped muffins
3. Drop the soft dough on the baking tray. Leave enough space between the dough to give them room to expand. You can smoothen the dough or leave it rugged for that rocky feel. Continue scooping and placing on the baking tray. The dough gives you around 10 - 12 rock muffins
4. Place the baking tin inside the oven. Set the bake time to 25 minutes. After 25 minutes check if the muffins are golden brown. You can add 10 more minutes to get a deep brown color
5. Allow to cool on the baking tray then transfer to cooling rack for a few minutes. Serve with tea, or drink of your choice. I love the ruggedness of these rock muffins. Crunchy on top but fluffy and soft on the inside

Butter Vanilla Rock Cakes – FAQs

1. What are rock cakes?

Rock cakes are small, rustic, slightly crumbly sweet buns with a rough surface, often studded with dried fruit or nuts, flavored here with butter and vanilla.

2. Can I make them vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use a flax or chia egg instead of a regular egg to make them vegan-friendly.

3. Are rock cakes healthy?

They are a treat with moderate sugar and fat content. Using whole wheat flour or adding oats can boost fiber.

4. How long do they keep?

Store in an airtight container; they stay fresh for 3–4 days at room temperature. Freeze for longer storage.

5. Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Raisins, currants, chopped nuts, or even chocolate chips work great.

Nutrition Card – Approx. per cake (40g)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value (DV)	Notes
Calories	150–180 kcal	—	Depends on size and ingredients
Protein	2–3 g	4–6%	From flour and eggs
Carbohydrates	20–25 g	7–8%	Mostly from flour and sugar
Sugars	8–10 g	—	Added sugar and vanilla
Fat	7–9 g	10–14%	Butter or margarine content
Fiber	1–2 g	4–8%	Varies if whole grain flour is used

Dietary Compatibility & Notes

Diet Type	Compatible?	Suggestions
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	Traditional recipe includes butter and eggs
Vegan	✅ With modifications	Use plant-based butter and egg substitutes
Gluten-Free	❌ No	Contains wheat flour
Nut-Free	✅ Yes	Unless nuts are added
Dairy-Free	✅ With mods	Use dairy-free margarine or oil

Serving Tip:

Enjoy with tea or coffee. Warm slightly before serving for a soft texture, or spread with jam or vegan butter for extra indulgence.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.

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