These Easy Coconut Rock Buns are fluffy, sweet treats that are super simple to make! With only a few ingredients like coconut and flour, they bring a tropical twist to your baking.
Baking these buns is a breeze! They puff up nicely in the oven, and the coconut flavor makes your kitchen smell amazing. I like to enjoy them warm with a cup of tea—perfect for a cozy snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Self-Raising Flour: This flour is perfect for making the buns fluffy without needing to add extra yeast. If you don’t have self-raising flour, mix all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder for every cup you use.
Desiccated Coconut: The star ingredient for that lovely coconut flavor! If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can try using finely chopped nuts or oats as a delicious alternative.
Sugar: White sugar keeps things sweet and light. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar or maple syrup can work well, but they might change the texture slightly.
Butter or Margarine: I prefer butter for its rich flavor, but you can use margarine or even coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s melted!
How Do I Ensure My Buns Turn Out Fluffy?
To achieve light and fluffy buns, mix the wet and dry ingredients carefully! Overmixing can lead to dense buns, so combine until just moist. Additionally, using room temperature ingredients helps everything blend together smoothly.
- Preheat the oven well. An even heat helps the buns rise properly.
- Don’t skip lining the baking tray; this makes it easier to remove the buns and keeps them from sticking.
- Shape the buns gently into mounds. This keeps the air in and allows them to puff up nicely!
Easy Coconut Rock Buns
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk (plus extra if needed)
- 1/4 cup melted butter or margarine
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Time Needed:
This delightful recipe takes around 10 minutes to prepare and about 15-18 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll need approximately 30-35 minutes to enjoy these tasty treats from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that the buns will bake evenly. While the oven is heating up, line a baking tray with parchment paper to make for easy cleanup!
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the self-raising flour, desiccated coconut, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix them together well so that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter (or margarine), and vanilla extract if you’re using it. Make sure everything is well combined to create a smooth mixture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain some fluffiness in your dough. If it feels too dry, add a little more milk to reach a sticky consistency.
5. Shape the Buns:
Using a spoon, drop dollops of the mixture onto your prepared baking tray. Give them a rustic shape to resemble rock-like buns, making sure they are spaced apart for even baking.
6. Bake Them:
Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake the buns for 15-18 minutes. They should turn golden brown and will smell heavenly. Keep an eye out, as oven times can vary!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Enjoy your delicious coconut rock buns fresh, or store them in an airtight container for a few days.
These buns are perfect for any time of day—enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Coconut Rock Buns
Can I Use Unsweetened Coconut Instead of Desiccated Coconut?
Yes, you can use unsweetened coconut! Just note that it might affect the sweetness of the buns slightly, so you may want to adjust the sugar to taste.
What Can I Substitute for the Egg in This Recipe?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes). This will keep the mixture moist and help bind the ingredients together.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover coconut rock buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each bun in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag for up to a month.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Buns?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts for added flavor and texture. Just keep an eye on the moisture level, as different ingredients may require slight adjustments.
