Description
Buttermilk rusks are a traditional South African baked treat, known for their crunchy texture and subtly sweet, tangy flavor. They’re a type of double-baked bread, similar to Italian biscotti, but with a distinct character rooted in South African culinary heritage. Made from a dough of flour, buttermilk, sugar, butter, and yeast or baking powder, they’re shaped into small rectangles or rounds, baked once to cook through, then sliced and baked again at a low temperature to dry out completely. This second baking gives them their signature crispness, perfect for dunking in tea or coffee—a ritual many South Africans swear by, which we believe, you will as well.
Buttermilk lends a slight acidity that balances the sweetness and adds a tender crumb before the drying process, being the classic version which keeps it simple. They’re rustic, unpretentious, and built to last, often stored in tins for weeks without losing their appeal. Think of them as a hardy, comforting snack with a nostalgic vibe, tied to early mornings or late-night chats over a warm drink.
