ULTRAMEL SCONES
There is something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked scones filling the kitchen on a quiet morning. This recipe for Ultramel Scones is designed to deliver that perfect bakery-style treat right in your own home. With a delightfully tender crumb and a subtly sweet flavour, they serve as the ideal canvas for your favourite jams, clotted cream, or a simple drizzle of honey, promising to elevate your next tea time or breakfast into a memorable occasion.
The name “Ultramel” comes from the unique inclusion of Ultramel custard, a beloved South African dairy treat. This ingredient is the secret to the scones’ incredibly soft and moist texture, setting them apart from more traditional, sometimes drier, versions.
This recipe simplifies the process without compromising on the result, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve a perfect batch of golden, pillowy scones that are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
7 cups cake flour
7 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1& 1/2 cup of sugar
500g cold butter,cubed
4 large eggs,lightly beaten
1 cup Ultramel custard
Milk,as needed for brushing
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a very large bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the sugar and whisk the dry ingredients until they are thoroughly combined.
Using your fingertips, a pastry cutter, or two knives, work the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. It is crucial that the butter remains cold to ensure the scones rise properly and achieve a flaky texture.
Create a well in the center of the flour-butter mixture. Pour in the lightly beaten eggs and the Ultramel custard. Use a wooden spoon or a spatula to gently mix until a soft, shaggy dough just begins to come together.
Be careful not to overmix. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about a minute, just until it forms a smooth ball. Pat the dough out to a thickness of about 3-4 cm.
Use a round cutter to stamp out your scones, placing them close together on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with milk and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are well-risen and golden brown on top.
Variations
For a classic and timeless flavour, consider adding a cup of sultanas or raisins to the dough. Soaking the dried fruit in a little warm tea or orange juice beforehand will plump them up and add an extra layer of moisture and flavour.
The sweet bursts of fruit throughout the scone pair wonderfully with the subtle custard notes, creating a treat that feels both familiar and indulgent.
If you prefer a zestier profile, the addition of citrus is a wonderful option. Incorporate the finely grated zest of one lemon or two oranges into the dry ingredients.
The bright, citrusy aroma will cut through the richness of the butter and custard beautifully. For an extra touch, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh citrus juice can be drizzled over the scones once they have cooled slightly.
For a truly decadent twist, chocolate chip scones are always a crowd-pleaser. Fold in a cup and a half of dark or milk chocolate chips after you have added the wet ingredients. The melted chocolate pockets within the warm scone are utterly irresistible.
You could also experiment with a teaspoon of cinnamon or mixed spice in the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic flavour that complements the custard base perfectly.
Tips
The single most important factor for light, flaky scones is ensuring all your ingredients, especially the butter and custard, are cold. Cold butter will create steam pockets as it melts in the oven, which is what gives the scones their lift and flaky layers.
If the dough feels like it is warming up, you can even chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before cutting and baking.
When combining your wet and dry ingredients, resist the urge to overmix. Mix only until the dough just comes together; a few dry spots are preferable to an overworked dough.
Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense scones. Similarly, when kneading and patting out the dough, be gentle and handle it as little as possible.
For the best rise, press straight down with your cutter and do not twist it. Twisting the cutter seals the edges of the scone, inhibiting its ability to rise upwards.
Placing the scones close together on the baking sheet, so they are just touching, helps them support each other as they bake, encouraging them to rise higher rather than spread out.
How to Store
Freshly baked scones are always best enjoyed on the day they are made, ideally while still slightly warm. Their crisp exterior and soft, fluffy interior are at their peak within a few hours of leaving the oven.
If you plan to serve them later the same day, simply allow them to cool completely and then keep them in a cool, dry place, covered with a clean tea towel.
For storing leftovers, place the completely cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature.
They will remain reasonably fresh for up to two days. Be aware that the texture will soften over time.
To refresh a day-old scone, you can warm it gently in a low oven for a few minutes, which will help restore some of its freshly-baked charm.
If you wish to keep scones for a longer period, they freeze exceptionally well. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and then place them all in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to three months. To serve, you can thaw them at room temperature and then warm them in the oven, or place the frozen scones directly into a preheated oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of the perfect scone is a rewarding baking achievement, and this Ultramel Scone recipe provides a wonderfully reliable path to success. The unique addition of custard guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is consistently soft and rich, setting these scones apart from any other. They are a testament to how a single special ingredient can transform a classic recipe into something extraordinary.
We hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your baking repertoire, bringing warmth and delight to your kitchen for many mornings and gatherings to come. Whether you stick to the classic version or explore the many delicious variations, these Ultramel Scones are sure to become a requested favourite. So, put the kettle on, slather a warm scone with your favourite topping, and enjoy a truly wonderful homemade treat.