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Buttermilk Rusks

Buttermilk Rusks

  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes + 3 hours drying time
  • Total Time: 4 hours
  • Yield: 24 rusks 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: South African
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Buttermilk Rusks are a beloved South African treat—crunchy, lightly sweet biscuits that are twice-baked and perfect for dunking into a hot cup of coffee or tea. These homemade rusks are rustic, satisfying, and store well for weeks.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Fold in raisins or nuts if using.
  5. Spoon the thick batter evenly into the baking dish and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Let cool completely, then cut into fingers or squares.
  8. Place cut rusks on a baking tray and dry in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 3–4 hours, turning once, until completely crisp and dry.

Notes

  • Store cooled rusks in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
  • Add aniseed or coconut for a traditional variation.
  • Perfect for dipping in coffee, rooibos tea, or hot chocolate.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 rusk
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: buttermilk rusks, South African rusks, double baked biscuits, coffee dunking treats, homemade rusks