These Easy Coconut Rock Buns are a treat you don’t want to miss! They are soft, sweet, and packed with the delightful flavor of coconut. Plus, they come together quickly, making them perfect for snack time.
Honestly, I love how fun and cheerful these buns look. You can’t help but smile when you see them! They are great for sharing with friends or enjoying all by yourself—no judgment here! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Self-Raising Flour: This flour is essential for giving the buns their lift. If you don’t have it, you can make your own by combining plain flour with baking powder (about 1 teaspoon of baking powder per 100g of flour).
Desiccated Coconut: This ingredient gives the buns their wonderful coconut flavor and chewy texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use shredded coconut, but make sure it’s unsweetened if that’s your preference.
Caster Sugar: Caster sugar helps with sweetness and texture. If you want to cut down on sugar, you can substitute it with coconut sugar or use less maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
Raisins or Sultanas: These add a nice burst of sweetness. You can easily switch them out for dried cranberries or chopped dates based on what you have on hand or your flavor preference.
Butter: While melted butter adds richness, you can replace it with coconut oil for a full coconut flavor or use a dairy-free alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
How Do I Achieve the Right Texture in Coconut Rock Buns?
Getting the perfect texture in these buns is key! Here are some helpful tips:
- Be gentle when mixing. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated to keep them fluffy.
- If the mixture is too sticky, you can lightly flour your hands to shape the buns without adding more flour to the mix.
- Keep an eye on baking time. The buns should look golden, and a toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean to know they are done.
Following these tips will ensure that your buns are wonderfully fluffy on the inside while still having a nice golden crust!
Easy Coconut Rock Buns
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 250g self-raising flour
- 100g desiccated coconut
- 100g caster sugar
- 100g raisins or sultanas
- 1 large egg
- 150ml milk
- 50g butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- Extra caster sugar for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to bake. In just about half an hour, you’ll have a batch of warm, coconutty rock buns ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Tray:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, desiccated coconut, caster sugar, raisins or sultanas, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. This will ensure all those yummy flavors blend together!
3. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat the large egg with the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if you’re using it). This will create a lovely rich mixture to add to your dry ingredients.
4. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Don’t worry if the dough is sticky and thick—that’s exactly how it should be!
5. Shaping the Buns:
Using two spoons or a scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking tray. Make sure to leave some space between each bun, as they will spread slightly while baking.
6. Adding a Sweet Touch:
If you like your buns with a little extra sweetness, sprinkle a bit of caster sugar on top of each one. This gives them a lovely, crunchy topping!
7. Baking Time:
Pop the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown on the top and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
8. Cooling the Buns:
Once they’re done, take the buns out of the oven and carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. This helps them keep their shape and not get soggy.
9. Enjoying the Treats:
These coconut rock buns are delicious warm or at room temperature. Serve them as a quick snack or a delightful addition to afternoon tea. Enjoy every bite of this tasty treat!
These coconut rock buns are not only easy to make but are also delightfully packed with coconut flavor and fruity bites! Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it contains a leavening agent, or add baking powder accordingly to ensure fluffy buns.
What Can I Substitute for the Raisins?
If raisins aren’t your favorite, feel free to swap them for dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or chocolate chips! Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
How Do I Store Leftover Coconut Rock Buns?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make These Buns Vegan?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and use a plant-based milk and melted coconut oil in place of butter.
