Deliciously Crunchy Homemade Buttermilk Rusks Family Recipe Included
- LifeStyle Blogger
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
If you love a crunchy, buttery snack to enjoy with your tea or coffee, homemade buttermilk rusks are a perfect choice. These twice-baked biscuits have a satisfying crunch and a subtle tang from the buttermilk, making them irresistible. Making rusks at home is easier than you might think, and it allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking. In this post, I will share a cherished family recipe for basic buttermilk rusks, along with tips to ensure they are perfectly crunchy every time.
What Are Buttermilk Rusks?
Rusks are dry, crisp biscuits or twice-baked bread slices that originated in Europe but have become popular worldwide. Buttermilk rusks use buttermilk in the dough, which adds a slight tang and tenderness to the crumb. After baking the dough into a loaf, it is sliced and baked again at a low temperature to dry out the slices, creating a crunchy texture that lasts for weeks if stored properly.
These rusks are often enjoyed as a snack or breakfast item, dipped into tea or coffee. Their crunchy texture and subtle flavor make them a comforting treat that pairs well with both sweet and savory accompaniments.
Why Make Buttermilk Rusks at Home?
Store-bought rusks can be convenient but often lack the fresh flavor and perfect crunch of homemade ones. Making rusks at home lets you:
Control the ingredients for a healthier option
Adjust sweetness or add spices like cinnamon or cardamom
Avoid preservatives and artificial flavors
Enjoy the aroma of fresh baking in your kitchen
Share a family tradition or create new memories
The process is straightforward and requires basic pantry ingredients. Once you master the technique, you can experiment with different flavors and shapes.
See our range of Buttermilk Rusks:
Cherry Buttermilk Rusks
Peanut Butter Buttermilk Rusks
Almond Buttermilk Rusks
Ingredients for Basic Buttermilk Rusks
Here is the list of ingredients for the classic family recipe:
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
These ingredients create a slightly sweet, buttery dough with a tender crumb that crisps beautifully when baked twice.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Buttermilk Rusks
1. Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Add eggs one at a time to the butter, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
2. Bake the Loaf
Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Pour the dough into the pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Slice and Dry the Rusks
Once the loaf is completely cool, slice it into 1/2-inch thick slices.
Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Reduce the oven temperature to 250°F (120°C).
Bake the slices for 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping halfway through, until they are dry and crisp.
Let the rusks cool completely before storing.
Tips for Perfect Rusks Every Time
Use fresh buttermilk for the best tang and texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 1/2 cups of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Don’t slice the loaf too thin or the rusks may become too brittle.
Flip the rusks halfway through drying to ensure even crispness.
Store rusks in an airtight container to keep them crunchy for up to 3 weeks.
Experiment with adding nuts, dried fruits, or spices like cinnamon for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Buttermilk rusks are delicious on their own or with toppings. Here are some ideas:
Dip in hot tea or coffee for a soft, crunchy bite
Spread with butter and honey or jam
Serve with cheese and fresh fruit for a light snack
Crumble over yogurt or ice cream for texture
A Family Tradition Worth Sharing
This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family. Baking rusks together brings back memories of cozy kitchens and shared stories. It’s a simple pleasure that connects us to the past while creating something delicious for today.
Try this recipe yourself and enjoy the process of making crunchy, flavorful buttermilk rusks that your family will love.
Stainless Steel Baking Pan & Cooling Rack Set – Durable Pan with Extra-Thick Edges for Cooking and Baking - Click HERE for more information.
Comments