Mary Berry Cherry Rock Cakes Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re a fan of baking and looking for something easy yet delicious to try, Mary Berry’s cherry rock cakes are a must!

These little treats are the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with the sweetness of cherries adding a lovely pop of flavor. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this simple recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic British bake that’s both nostalgic and full of charm. Plus, they’re a fantastic snack with a cup of tea, and who can resist the magic of a Mary Berry recipe?

Mary Berry Cherry Rock Cakes Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create Mary Berry’s delightful Cherry Rock Cakes, a traditional British treat with a modern twist, you will need a variety of simple yet essential ingredients. These ingredients come together to form a rustic, crumbly texture that perfectly complements the sweet, slightly tart flavor of the cherries. Here’s the full list:

1. Self-Raising Flour (225g): This flour gives the rock cakes their light and airy texture without the need for additional leavening agents like baking powder. It’s the base for your dry ingredients.

2. Butter (100g): Butter adds richness and moisture, making the cakes tender and giving them a lovely buttery flavor. It’s essential for creating that melt-in-the-mouth texture that you expect from a classic rock cake.

3. Caster Sugar (75g): The subtle sweetness of caster sugar balances the tartness of the cherries and gives the cakes a fine texture. Caster sugar is preferable because it dissolves more easily, giving the cakes a smoother consistency.

4. Mixed Dried Fruit (100g): This mixture of dried fruits, often including raisins, currants, or sultanas, brings a chewy element to the rock cakes, contrasting nicely with the crunchier texture of the cake itself.

5. Maraschino Cherries (75g): Mary Berry’s version adds a burst of color and sweetness with maraschino cherries, which provide a glossy finish and a soft, juicy bite.

6. Egg (1, beaten): An egg helps to bind the ingredients together while adding richness and moisture to the dough.

7. Milk (2-3 tablespoons): This small amount of milk helps to bring the dough together and create the perfect consistency for shaping the cakes. It should be added gradually to avoid making the dough too wet.

8. Ground Almonds (50g): Ground almonds contribute a subtle nuttiness and a slightly denser texture, enhancing the overall flavor of the cakes.

9. Ground Mixed Spice (1 tsp): A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, mixed spice is a traditional ingredient that infuses the cakes with a gentle spiciness, complementing the sweetness of the fruit.

10. Pinch of Salt: A small pinch of salt helps to balance out the sweetness of the cake, ensuring the flavor is rounded and not overly sugary.

11. A little extra caster sugar for sprinkling: Before baking, a light dusting of caster sugar over the top gives the cakes a slight crunch and a beautiful golden finish once they are baked.

Equipment Needed

Creating Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes requires only a few basic pieces of kitchen equipment. These will ensure that you can bake efficiently and accurately:

1. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large mixing bowl to combine the dry ingredients and a smaller bowl for the wet ingredients. Having two bowls will make the process smoother and more organized.

2. Measuring Spoons and Scales: Accurate measurements are key to getting the right texture in rock cakes. You’ll need both weighing scales to measure your flour, butter, sugar, and other dry ingredients, as well as measuring spoons for the spices and milk.

3. Pastry Cutter or Fingers: If you don’t have a pastry cutter, you can simply use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour. This process, known as "rubbing in," is important for achieving the crumbly texture of the rock cakes.

4. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A wooden spoon is useful for mixing the ingredients together after you’ve rubbed in the butter. Alternatively, a spatula can be used to fold the ingredients without overworking the dough.

5. Baking Tray: A baking tray or sheet is required to place the shaped rock cakes onto for baking. It’s best to line the tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

6. Cooling Rack: Once the rock cakes are out of the oven, you’ll need a cooling rack to allow them to cool properly without becoming soggy.

7. Oven: An oven preheated to the right temperature is essential for even baking. Mary Berry suggests a temperature of 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes

Making Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes is a simple, yet satisfying, process that yields delicious results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these traditional treats:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Tray: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the cakes from sticking during baking.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift the self-raising flour and mixed spice together. Sifting ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed and that no lumps remain in the flour. Add a pinch of salt to the mixture for balance.

3. Rub in the Butter: Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, or your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. The key here is to work quickly to avoid melting the butter, which ensures a crumbly texture.

4. Add Sugar and Ground Almonds: Stir in the caster sugar and ground almonds, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

5. Incorporate the Fruit: Add your dried mixed fruit and chopped maraschino cherries. The dried fruit will give a lovely chew to the cakes, while the cherries offer a burst of sweetness. Gently fold the fruit into the dough without over-mixing.

6. Add the Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg and milk together. Gradually pour this mixture into your dry ingredients, stirring gently until the dough just comes together. You may not need all the milk, so add it a little at a time.

7. Shape the Dough: With your hands or two spoons, form small heaps of dough onto the prepared baking tray. These should be roughly the size of a golf ball, as the cakes will spread slightly during baking. They don’t need to be perfect; the rustic look is part of their charm!

8. Bake the Cakes: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the rock cakes are golden brown and firm to the touch.

9. Cool and Serve: Once baked, transfer the rock cakes to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. Sprinkle a little extra caster sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch before serving.

Expert Tips

1. Cold Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is cold when you rub it into the flour. Cold butter creates a flaky, crumbly texture, which is crucial to the success of rock cakes.

2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: Unlike some cakes, you don’t want to overmix the dough for rock cakes. Gently bring the mixture together so it remains light and airy.

3. Vary the Fruit: While maraschino cherries are a great choice, feel free to experiment with different dried fruits like dried apricots, cranberries, or even mixed berries. Just ensure that the fruits are chopped into small pieces to distribute evenly.

4. Oven Temperature: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the rock cakes as they bake. If your oven runs hot, you may want to check them at the 15-minute mark to avoid over-baking.

5. Add a Zest of Citrus: For an extra pop of flavor, you could add a small amount of lemon or orange zest to the dough. This will elevate the fruity notes and add a fresh, zesty aroma.

Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes are a delightful treat that blend simplicity with flavor. The combination of sweet cherries, dried fruits, and aromatic mixed spice creates a warm, comforting cake that is perfect for an afternoon tea, a cozy snack, or even as a portable dessert for picnics.

The method is straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find, making this recipe ideal for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these rock cakes offer a delicious result that will surely be a hit with friends and family. With a few expert tips to perfect the texture and flavor, you can enjoy these scrumptious treats any time you want a taste of British baking at its finest.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes

Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes are a beloved classic, offering a delightful combination of tender scones and the burst of sweet cherries. If you’re looking to put your own spin on this recipe or want to make it a little more exciting, there are plenty of ways to vary it to suit your taste. Here are some easy, creative variations to try:

1. Adding Different Dried Fruits

   While cherries are the traditional choice, you can experiment by swapping them out for other dried fruits like sultanas, raisins, cranberries, or currants. Each fruit will bring its own unique sweetness and texture to the cakes. If you’re using cranberries, consider adding a touch of orange zest for a refreshing citrus contrast.

2. Nuts for Texture

   Incorporating nuts adds an extra layer of crunch and flavor. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would complement the sweetness of the cherries beautifully. For a richer taste, lightly toast the nuts before mixing them into the dough to enhance their natural flavor.

3. Zesty Citrus Twist

   If you enjoy a zingy, refreshing flavor, try adding some citrus zest to the dough. Lemon zest is a classic choice, but orange or lime zest would also work wonderfully. The citrus flavor will cut through the sweetness of the cherries, making each bite feel even fresher.

4. Spiced Up Rock Cakes

   For an aromatic touch, introduce some ground spices into the dough. Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or mixed spice will infuse the rock cakes with warmth and depth. A touch of ground ginger could also add an extra layer of kick, balancing the sweetness of the cherries with a subtle heat.

5. Dark Chocolate Chips

   If you’re a chocolate lover, try folding in a handful of dark chocolate chips into the dough. The slightly bitter chocolate will contrast beautifully with the sweet cherries, creating a more indulgent treat. For a fun variation, you could drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cakes after baking for a decadent finish.

6. Vegan-Friendly Cherry Rock Cakes

   For a plant-based version, it’s simple to substitute the butter and milk. Use dairy-free butter or margarine and swap regular milk for a non-dairy option like almond or oat milk. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and the result is just as delicious, offering the same crumbly texture and fruity sweetness.

7. Cherry and Almond Rock Cakes

   Pairing cherries with almonds is a classic combination, so consider adding almond extract to the batter or folding in some finely ground almonds along with the cherries. This variation brings a nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with the sweet fruit.

8. Savoury Cherry Rock Cakes

   For those who prefer something less sweet, try a savory variation by reducing or omitting the sugar and adding finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. You could also experiment by using olives and sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherries, turning your rock cakes into a delicious, herby snack.

Each of these variations maintains the core simplicity of Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes, but with a twist that makes them even more exciting. Feel free to experiment and find the perfect balance that works for you!

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

If you’ve baked a batch of Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes and find yourself with some leftovers, don’t worry!

Storing them properly will ensure they stay fresh and delicious for longer. Here are some best practices to help you store your leftover rock cakes:

1. Room Temperature Storage

   Cherry Rock Cakes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days. To do so, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to prevent them from drying out.

   Be sure to store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. This will help maintain their soft, crumbly texture.

2. Refrigeration for Longer Freshness

   If you want to extend the life of your rock cakes, refrigerating them is an option. Place the cakes in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap to protect them from absorbing any odors in the fridge.

   They should stay fresh for about a week when stored this way. However, be mindful that refrigeration can sometimes make the cakes a bit firmer, so you may want to warm them up slightly before serving.

3. Freezing Rock Cakes

   For longer-term storage, freezing is a great option. To freeze, allow the cakes to cool completely before wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

   Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method will preserve their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back some of that fresh-baked charm.

4. Reviving Leftovers

   If your leftover rock cakes have gone a little too firm, you can revive them by warming them in the oven for 5-10 minutes at a low temperature (around 150°C/300°F). This will help soften the crumb and restore some of that just-baked freshness. You can also microwave them for a few seconds to achieve the same effect, though be cautious not to overheat them.

By following these simple storage techniques, you can ensure that your Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes stay delightful, whether you’re enjoying them the next day or months later.

What Goes Well With Cherry Rock Cakes

Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes are a versatile treat, and they pair wonderfully with a wide range of accompaniments. Whether you’re serving them for afternoon tea or as part of a breakfast spread, here are some ideas on what goes well with these sweet, crumbly cakes:

1. Clotted Cream or Whipped Cream

   For an indulgent touch, serve your cherry rock cakes with a dollop of clotted cream or freshly whipped cream. The rich, velvety cream contrasts beautifully with the crumbly texture of the cakes, making every bite feel luxurious.

2. Fruit Jam or Preserves

   A spoonful of fruit jam or preserves adds an extra layer of sweetness and moisture to the rock cakes. Traditional choices like strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam work wonderfully, but you could also try something more adventurous like fig or blackcurrant preserve. The fruity tang of the jam complements the sweetness of the cherries in the cakes.

3. Fresh Fruit

   If you’re looking for a lighter option, fresh fruit is the perfect complement to cherry rock cakes. A bowl of mixed berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, would pair beautifully. Alternatively, try some sliced peaches, nectarines, or even a handful of pomegranate seeds for a refreshing contrast.

4. Tea or Coffee

   The classic pairing with rock cakes, especially for an afternoon tea, is a well-brewed pot of tea. Earl Grey, Darjeeling, or even a strong English Breakfast tea will complement the sweet, fruity flavors of the cherry rock cakes perfectly. If you prefer coffee, a smooth latte or cappuccino will balance the cakes’ sweetness with its rich, robust flavor.

5. Cheese

   While typically served with sweet treats, cheese can be an excellent pairing for rock cakes, adding a savory note. A mild, creamy cheese like Brie or cream cheese pairs well with the sweetness of the cherries, or for a more robust option, try a sharp cheddar. The contrast between the sweet and savory elements elevates the flavor experience.

6. Yogurt

   For a lighter and slightly tangy accompaniment, try serving your cherry rock cakes with a side of Greek yogurt. The creaminess of the yogurt and its subtle tartness can balance the sweetness of the cake while adding a refreshing element to the treat.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes are the epitome of comfort baking, offering the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and nostalgia. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or explore the various creative variations suggested, these cakes are sure to be a hit for any occasion.

Their versatility makes them equally suited for afternoon tea, casual snacking, or even as a gift for friends and family. Properly storing leftovers ensures you can savor these treats for days, and knowing what goes well with them elevates your dining experience to new heights. So, get baking, enjoy these delightful cakes, and remember to share the joy with loved ones-they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time!.

FAQs

What Are Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes?

Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes are a delicious, fruity twist on the classic rock cakes. These cakes are made with a combination of dried cherries, butter, sugar, and self-raising flour. They have a slightly crumbly texture, similar to scones, and are perfect for tea time or as a sweet treat any time of day.

How Do I Make Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes?

To make Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes, you’ll need self-raising flour, butter, caster sugar, dried cherries, an egg, and a bit of milk. Mix the dry ingredients with the butter until it forms a crumbly texture, add the cherries and egg, and then gently mix everything together. After shaping the mixture into rough mounds, bake them in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan) for about 15-20 minutes until golden.

Can I Use Fresh Cherries In Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes Recipe?

While the recipe traditionally calls for dried cherries for their chewy texture, you can use fresh cherries. However, fresh cherries may release more moisture during baking, which could slightly alter the texture of the cakes. If using fresh cherries, make sure to chop them into smaller pieces and reduce the amount of milk used to maintain the consistency.

Can I Substitute The Dried Cherries With Other Dried Fruits?

Yes, you can easily substitute dried cherries with other dried fruits like raisins, currants, or dried apricots. The choice of fruit will alter the flavor, but the basic structure of the rock cakes will remain the same.

How Long Do Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes Last?

Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes are best enjoyed fresh but can last for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are fully cooled before freezing.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes In Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough for the cherry rock cakes ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to develop, and you can bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What Is The Texture Of Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes Like?

Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes have a slightly crumbly and rough texture, similar to scones, but with a bit more bite. The outer edges become golden and crisp, while the inside remains soft and slightly dense, giving you the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes Without Eggs?

Yes, you can make an egg-free version of Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes by using a suitable egg substitute such as a flaxseed mixture or a store-bought egg replacer. The texture might be a bit different, but the cakes will still be delicious.

How Do I Prevent The Rock Cakes From Being Too Dry?

To prevent the rock cakes from being dry, ensure you don’t overmix the dough, as this can make the cakes dense. Also, keep an eye on the baking time-overbaking can lead to dryness. The cakes should be golden brown but still slightly soft when you touch them.

Can I Add Spices Like Cinnamon Or Nutmeg To Mary Berry’s Cherry Rock Cakes?

Absolutely!

If you’d like to add a warm, spiced flavor to your cherry rock cakes, you can incorporate a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger into the dry ingredients. These spices pair wonderfully with the dried cherries and add a lovely depth of flavor.