Rock Buns are a delightful treat, perfect for starting your day or enjoying with an afternoon beverage. These rustic pastries, especially the Jamaican version, offer a unique and satisfying experience. Imagine a crumbly, slightly sweet bun studded with coconut and raisins – that’s the essence of a Jamaican Rock Bun. This simple recipe brings the warm flavors of the Caribbean right to your kitchen, no fancy equipment needed!
What Exactly Are Jamaican Rock Buns?
Jamaican Rock Buns are often compared to British scones, but they boast a character all their own. Their name comes from their irregular, craggy appearance, resembling small rocks. Unlike smooth, uniform pastries, rock buns are intentionally rustic and charmingly uneven. The texture is crumbly and slightly dense, making them substantial enough to enjoy as a light breakfast or a fulfilling snack. What sets the Jamaican rock bun apart is the addition of tropical ingredients like shredded coconut, plump raisins, and sometimes a hint of spice. This recipe focuses on highlighting the sweet, nutty flavor of coconut, creating a truly irresistible bake.
Simple Tools for Delicious Rock Buns
You’ll be pleased to know that making these Jamaican rock buns doesn’t require any special tools. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to combine all your ingredients.
- Large Spoon: For easy mixing – no electric mixers required!
- Baking Tray: To bake your rock buns to golden perfection.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This straightforward recipe uses readily available ingredients to create authentic Jamaican rock buns.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for our rock buns.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: For a light and crumbly texture.
- 5 tablespoons salted butter, diced into cubes: Adds richness and flavor.
- ¼ cup white or brown sugar: For sweetness. Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor.
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons dried unsweetened coconut (divided use): The star ingredient, providing tropical flavor and texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 ounces raisins: For chewy sweetness and texture.
- ½ cup milk: To bring the dough together.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: For sprinkling on top and adding extra sweetness and a slight caramelization.
Baking Your Jamaican Rock Buns: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to bake your own batch of delicious Jamaican rock buns:
- Preheat your oven to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures the rock buns bake evenly and get a lovely golden crust.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Sifting removes any lumps and ensures a lighter texture.
- Add the diced butter to the flour mixture. Toss the butter cubes in the flour to coat them. Then, using your fingers or a pastry blender, gently press each cube flat and continue to break apart and toss in the flour until the butter is in pea-sized pieces. This creates small pockets of butter that contribute to the crumbly texture.
- Add the sugar and ½ cup of coconut to the bowl and stir to combine. This evenly distributes the sweetness and coconut flavor throughout the dough.
- In a separate small bowl, add vanilla extract to the milk and stir to combine. This infuses the milk with vanilla for added flavor.
- Pour half of the milk and vanilla mixture into the flour mixture. Stir to combine, then add the raisins. Gently incorporate the raisins with the spoon, being careful not to overmix.
- Add the remaining milk mixture and mix until a stiff dough forms. Do not overmix the dough; just ensure there are no large flour pockets and the dough is smooth enough to handle. Overmixing can lead to tougher rock buns.
- Use a large spoon to drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking tray. The shape should be rustic and uneven – embrace the “rock” bun look!
- Sprinkle the tops of the buns with the remaining 2 tablespoons of coconut and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. This adds extra coconut flavor, sweetness, and a beautiful caramelized topping.
- Bake for 12 minutes, or until the rock buns are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking tray before serving. Enjoy warm with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly delightful treat.
Jamaican Rock Buns
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Jamaican Rock Buns are incredibly versatile. They are traditionally enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them a staple for breakfast or afternoon tea time in Jamaica. Their slightly sweet and satisfying nature also makes them a wonderful snack any time of day. Try them with:
- Your morning coffee: A perfect way to start your day with a touch of sweetness and tropical flavor.
- Afternoon tea: Enjoy a rock bun as a delightful accompaniment to your tea break.
- A light dessert: Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
These Jamaican Rock Buns are more than just a recipe; they are a taste of island comfort. Easy to make and wonderfully flavorful, they are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
