Buttermilk and Honey Rusks
Start your morning with a buttermilk and honey rusk—a crunchy, golden bite of comfort that pairs beautifully with your favorite coffee or tea. These South African-style rusks are gently sweet, buttery, and perfect for dunking. Made with a simple blend of pantry ingredients, this rustic bake fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.
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Why You’ll Love These Buttermilk and Honey Rusks
These rusks strike the perfect balance: crunchy without being dry, sweetened with honey instead of sugar, and enriched with buttermilk for a tangy, tender base. Baked, then dried slowly, rusks are meant to last—and make every cup of tea a bit more special.
Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Made with 6 simple ingredients
- Lightly sweetened with honey
- Buttery and crisp—the perfect dunking snack
- A wholesome alternative to cookies or biscotti
Ingredients List
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup honey
- 1½ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup melted butter
Optional: Add-ins like raisins, sunflower seeds, or chopped nuts
Necessary Tools for Preparation
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9×13-inch baking dish or loaf pans
- Sharp knife for cutting rusks
- Wire rack for drying
- Oven (for baking and drying)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish or line with parchment. - Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. - Add wet ingredients
Pour in the honey, buttermilk, and melted butter. Stir gently until a thick, sticky dough forms. - Shape and bake
Transfer dough to the baking dish. Spread evenly and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and set. - Cool and slice
Let cool for 15 minutes. Slice into fingers or blocks. - Dry the rusks
Place slices on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Reduce oven to 200°F (95°C). Dry for 3 hours, flipping halfway through, until completely crisp.
Tips for Perfecting the Buttermilk and honey rusks Recipe
- Use full-fat buttermilk for the richest flavor and texture.
- For variety, add a handful of raisins, dried cranberries, or seeds.
- Drying time may vary depending on your oven—rusks should feel firm and crisp throughout.
What to Serve With It
- Dunk into hot tea, rooibos, or coffee
- Serve alongside yogurt and fresh fruit
- Pair with warm milk and a drizzle of extra honey for dessert
Storage Instructions
- Store cooled rusks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks
- Freeze in batches for up to 3 months—toast to refresh!
General Information
Rusks are a traditional South African treat, often served in the morning or during afternoon tea. These buttermilk and honey rusks are a simplified version, made without yeast or eggs, and naturally sweetened with golden honey for a wholesome crunch.
Looking for more cozy bakes? Try these:
And don’t forget to pin and share your bake on Pinterest!
FAQ
Can I make these rusks dairy-free?
Yes—use dairy-free buttermilk (almond milk + lemon juice) and vegan butter.
Are rusks like biscotti?
Yes! They’re South Africa’s version—less sweet, thicker, and more rustic.
How do I know when they’re fully dried?
They should feel completely hard and dry to the touch with no softness inside.
Can I reduce the honey?
You can, but it may slightly affect texture and browning.
Conclusion
These buttermilk and honey rusks are a celebration of old-fashioned baking—simple, satisfying, and made to savor. Whether you enjoy them at sunrise or with a bedtime cup of tea, they’re the kind of comforting bite you’ll want to keep on hand.
💬 Made them? Let us know in the comments or tag your batch on Pinterest!
Print
Comforting Buttermilk and Honey Rusks Recipe (Crisp, Golden & Sweet)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 rusks 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Traditional buttermilk and honey rusks—golden, crunchy, and naturally sweetened. These South African-inspired bakes are perfect for dunking into tea or coffee.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup honey
1½ cups buttermilk
½ cup melted butter
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease baking pan.
-
Mix flour, baking powder, salt.
-
Add honey, buttermilk, and melted butter. Stir to form dough.
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Press into pan and bake 30–35 minutes.
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Cool, slice, and dry in oven at 200°F for 3 hours.
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Cool completely before storing.
Notes
Try adding seeds, dried fruit, or oats for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: South African
