vegan and gluten-free rock cake

Vegan Rock Cakes (no eggs, baking powder, or gluten)

Vegan Rock Cakes Recipe

Traditional rock cakes, also known as rock buns, are small cakes with a rough surface that resembles a rock, hence the name. Created during the Second World War, rock cakes were popular because fewer eggs and sugar are required to make than ordinary cakes which were essential savings during the time of strict rationing.  They are a British classic, quite clearly but also taste delicious. Perhaps one of the easiest British baked treats to make with a few staple ingredients. The traditional rock cake dough consists of self-rasing flour, baking powder, egg, sugar, and milk with dried fruit, rolled into balls and baked until delicious; crispy on the outside, soft and crumbly on the inside.  
vegan rock cake

Here at LiberEat, we do things allergy and dietary requirement-friendly. This British rock cake recipe is egg, dairy, and gluten-free but has no compromise on flavour or texture.

Vegan Rock cake without eggs recipe

If you have never made or tried rock cakes, the best way to describe them is to compare them with scones. They are similar in taste, texture, and sweetness. The crumbly texture is quite similar.

The difference is that scone dough is rolled and cut out using cutters to make a pretty and suitable cut in half shape. Rock cakes are dropped in dollops onto the baking tray. As easy as that! Rock cakes are the quicker and easier option out of the two. 

We love an easy, under 60-minute treat here at LiberEat, who doesn’t? You can bake and eat within an hour, whilst they are still warm!

They work well as an afternoon tea treat with a cup of tea.

vegan rock cake

Rock Cakes recipe with no baking powder

If you do not want to use baking powder or simply don’t have it in the house, you can use gluten-free self-raising flour instead. This will act as the raising agent instead.

Vegan Rock Cakes Recipe

Vegan Rock Cakes Recipe

A classic British bake made vegan, egg and gluten-free. Vegan Rock Cakes are perfect as an afternoon tea treat with a cup of tea. No baking powder option.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: British
Keyword: gluten-free bake, no eggs, vegan bakes
Servings: 12
Calories: 346kcal
Author: Cara

Ingredients

  • 350 g gluten-free plain flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 150 g caster sugar
  • 175 g vegan Stork margarine
  • 110 g raisins/sultanas
  • 5 tbsp plant-based milk we used oat milk

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 175 degrees Celsius and line two trays with baking sheets
  • Rub the vegan butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs
  • In a different mixing bowl, mix together the sugar, salt, baking powder, and raisins
  • Combine the mixture from the two bowls together with a mixing spoon. Add a tbsp of milk at a time until the dough sticks together. Don't over mix this, or the dough and rock cakes will become dense
  • Spoon the mix as even dollops onto a lined baking tray
  • (Optional) sprinkle over granulated sugar, then bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden
  • Enjoy!

Recipe Variations:

  • Try adding cranberries or chocolate chips instead of raisins 
  • Add a teaspoon of mixed spice to the dough for a warm autumnal flavour 
  • You can add lemon or lime juice for a brighter flavour summery taste
  • Add vegan cheese – check out our favourite vegan cheese options here

Storage:

  • Rock cakes will keep up to three days within an airtight container or well wrapped in foil
  • Can be frozen

If you enjoyed this homemade British rock cake recipe, We are sure you’ll more LiberEat recipes, including recipes from The Vegan Society’s Vegan Trademark & lots of other amazing creators!

Some of our other vegan and gluten-free recipes:

LiberEat’s content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always take precautions and use appropriate judgement to protect yourself and others under your care with regard to food allergies.

LiberEat has a unique allergen detection technology that helps prevent errors in allergen data on food packaging and menus. This can help to protect your customers from the 14 major allergens- find out more about these with our allergen information hub.

Correctly managing and reviewing your allergen data is important for keeping you and your customers safe. Errors in allergen data can cause potentially devastating allergic reactions and expensive product recalls. Give yourself peace of mind and get in contact with us to find out more about how LiberEat can help protect your business.

To find out how LiberEat Technology supports food businesses to detect allergens and errors, to protect consumers