Fruit And Nut Scones
These Fruit and Nut Scones are a delightful treat packed with the sweetness of dried fruits and the crunch of nuts. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, they offer a comforting blend of flavors and textures that appeal to both fruit lovers and those craving a hearty baked good.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups Raisin Bran cereal ⓘ
- 1/2 cup date crystals or chopped dried fruit ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- melted butter to brush tops ⓘ
- cinnamon-sugar to sprinkle ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cut in the margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Beat the eggs and milk together, then add the date crystals or chopped dried fruit to soften.
- Stir the egg mixture into the flour mixture and blend well.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it to a thickness of 3/4 inch.
- Cut the dough into 12 equal wedges or rounds and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the scones with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can substitute the margarine with unsalted butter for richer flavor, and for a healthier option, try using coconut oil. If you don't have date crystals, chopped dried apricots or figs work well. Remember to handle the dough gently to keep the scones fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these scones warm with a spread of clotted cream or butter for a delightful treat. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. They also make a lovely addition to brunch alongside fresh fruit or yogurt. For a special touch, serve with Low-Fat Dip for a creamy contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to three months. Reheat frozen scones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit And Nut Scones contains roughly 440 calories, with 6g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (68% of the Daily Value), calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 555mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the scones may be denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balanced texture while adding more nutrients.
What can I add to customize the flavor of these scones?
You can add chocolate chips, citrus zest, or dried cranberries to customize the flavor. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also add an interesting twist to the scones, making them unique.
How do I know when the scones are done baking?
The scones are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them after the 10-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).