
Introduction to Strawberry Rhubarb Scones
As summer rolls in, there’s nothing quite like the burst of flavor from fresh strawberries and tangy rhubarb. That’s why I absolutely adore making Strawberry Rhubarb Scones. They’re not just baked treats; they’re a little piece of sunshine you can enjoy any time of day! Picture this: a busy morning, and you’ve got these warm scones ready to impress your family. Their delightful aroma fills the kitchen, creating a delightful sense of home. Trust me, these scones are a quick solution to elevate your breakfast or afternoon tea. They’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Rhubarb Scones
These Strawberry Rhubarb Scones are the perfect blend of ease and flavor. They’re simple enough that even the busiest moms can whip them up in under 40 minutes. The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb dances on your taste buds, creating a delightful symphony. Plus, who can resist that golden-brown crust? Every bite is a little slice of summer, making it a treat that everyone will cherish!
Ingredients for Strawberry Rhubarb Scones
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving those delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Scones. Each component plays an essential role in delivering the perfect flavor and texture. Here’s a brief overview of what you’ll need. Remember, the exact amounts can be found at the bottom of the article for easy reference.
Essential Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your scones, giving them structure and softness.
- Granulated sugar: It sweetens the dough and helps achieve a lovely golden finish.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent ensures your scones rise beautifully, creating a light texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors, bringing out the sweetness of the fruit.
- Ground cinnamon: It adds a warm, cozy hint of spice, elevating the overall taste.
- Unsalted butter: Cold butter is crucial for flaky scones, creating those delightful layers!
- Heavy cream: It brings richness and moisture, ensuring your scones are tender and creamy.
- Egg: This binds the ingredients together and contributes to a lovely golden color.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this adds a sweet aroma and elevates the flavor profile.
- Fresh strawberries: These juicy beauties bring sweetness and a burst of color to your scones.
- Fresh rhubarb: Tangy and unique, rhubarb adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of strawberries.
Optional Ingredients
- Milk: A light brushing of milk gives a beautiful sheen to the scone tops before baking.
- Coarse sugar: Sprinkling this on top adds a delightful crunch and a sweet finish.
- Substitutes: Feel free to switch out strawberries and rhubarb with other fruits. Blueberries and peaches work wonderfully too!
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Scones
Creating these Strawberry Rhubarb Scones is a breeze! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of warm, golden treats that your family will love. Let’s dive right in!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for baking, as it ensures your scones rise properly. While the oven is warming up, you can prepare your ingredients. It’s like warming up for a big game; you want to be ready for action!
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This blend is the heart of your scones, creating the perfect base. Trust me, the aroma of these dry ingredients will make your mouth water. Just be sure to mix them well for even flavor!
Cut in the Butter
Now comes the fun part! Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to your dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You’re looking for pea-sized pieces of butter here. This process creates those coveted flaky layers we all adore!
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. This mix brings moisture and richness to your scone dough. It’s a little like giving your scones a refreshing shower—bringing them to life!
Mix it Together
Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently mix it until the dough just starts coming together. Be careful not to overwork it; you want to keep those lovely buttery lumps. Think of it like a relaxing dance; you want to move gracefully, not stomp around!
Fold in the Fruit
Now, it’s time to fold in the diced strawberries and rhubarb. This step adds those fresh flavors and vibrant colors that will make your scones shine. Gently mix until the fruit is evenly distributed. Just imagine the sweet and tart combination bursting with flavor in every bite!
Shape the Scones
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently press it into a disk, about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, cut the disk into 8 wedges. Place them on a prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone. They need room to rise and dazzle!
Bake to Perfection
Brush the tops of your scones with a bit of milk, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle coarse sugar on top. This step gives them a beautiful finish. Now, bake for 18-22 minutes or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone buzzing with anticipation!
Tips for Success
- Use cold ingredients, especially butter and cream, to achieve flaky scones.
- Don’t overmix the dough; a gentle touch is key for tenderness.
- For best results, enjoy these scones fresh from the oven.
- Experiment with different fruits for a refreshing twist!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: One large for dry ingredients and one small for wet.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending everything in those bowls.
- Pastry cutter or fork: Essential for cutting butter into flour.
- Baking sheet: A lined sheet is key for easy cleanup.
- Knife or pastry cutter: For slicing the scones into wedges.
Variations of Strawberry Rhubarb Scones
- Berry Medley: Swap out strawberries and rhubarb for a mix of blueberries and raspberries for a delightful twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these scones suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
- Whole Wheat Delight: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
- Herb-Infused: Add finely chopped fresh basil or mint to the mixture for a refreshing herbal touch.
- Vegan Variation: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use coconut or almond cream instead of heavy cream.
- Spiced Kick: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dry ingredients.
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Rhubarb Scones
- Serve warm with a dollop of clotted cream or whipped butter for a decadent treat.
- Pair with a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade to complement the fruity flavors.
- For a charming presentation, arrange the scones on a pretty platter with fresh berries and mint leaves.
- Enjoy with a side of fruit salad for a wholesome breakfast spread.
- Invite friends over for a tea party and serve these scones alongside assorted jams.
FAQs about Strawberry Rhubarb Scones
As you prepare to bake these delightful Strawberry Rhubarb Scones, you might have a few burning questions. Here are some common queries that often come up, along with helpful answers!
Can I freeze Strawberry Rhubarb Scones?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked scones. Simply shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze for about 30 minutes. Once firm, transfer them to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for rhubarb?
If you can’t find rhubarb or want to try something different, consider using diced apples or peaches. They bring their own sweetness and flavor, creating a delicious variation of these scones.
How do I know when my scones are done?
Your scones should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. A perfectly baked scone will have a lovely light and flaky texture!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remember to cover it tightly so it doesn’t dry out. When you’re ready to bake, shape and bake directly!
What’s the best way to store leftover scones?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, consider freezing them as mentioned earlier. Enjoy them warm for a delightful treat!
Final Thoughts
Making Strawberry Rhubarb Scones is truly a delightful culinary adventure! The joy of combining fresh strawberries and tangy rhubarb creates a medley of flavors that dance in every bite. There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a batch of warm scones from the oven, filling your kitchen with their sweet aroma. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying some well-deserved “me time,” these scones bring a touch of summer bliss to your table. So go ahead, embrace the joy of baking these delightful treats and create cherished moments, one bite at a time!
Print
Strawberry Rhubarb Scones
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious scones made with fresh strawberries and rhubarb, perfect for summer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup diced fresh rhubarb
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing the tops)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until the dough just starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Gently fold in the strawberries and rhubarb, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently press it into a disk about 1-inch thick.
- Cut the dough into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone.
- Brush the tops of the scones with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- These scones are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
- You can substitute other fruits if desired, such as blueberries or peaches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg