🌸 Classic Egg-Free South African Scones Recipe with Amasi & Optional Custard Twist 🌸
Soft, golden, and melt-in-your-mouth – these scones are steeped in culture and crafted with care for everyone, even those who avoid eggs.
🥄 Introduction
In South Africa, scones are more than just a baked treat—they’re a symbol of hospitality, tradition, and community. Whether served at Sunday tea, weddings, church functions, or cozy family gatherings, these fluffy delights are always welcome. This egg-free version of traditional scones ensures that even those with dietary restrictions or religious preferences can enjoy them fully. Made with amasi (a fermented milk similar to buttermilk) and enriched optionally with vanilla custard, these scones are unbelievably soft, rich in flavor, and uniquely African in character.
🛒 Ingredients (Yields ~50 medium-sized scones)
- 10 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 10 teaspoons baking powder
- 500g Rama margarine (or Wooden Spoon brand)
- 2 cups amasi (or substitute with buttermilk/plain yogurt)
- 1 cup vanilla custard (optional – adds richness & color)
- 1 tsp salt (optional but enhances flavor)
🧈 Instructions
🥣 Step-by-Step Method:
- Prepare the Dry Mix
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and optional salt. This ensures even distribution and a light texture. - Add the Margarine
Cut the Rama into cubes and add to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips to rub it in until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. - Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the amasi and custard (if using) together until smooth. - Combine Wet and Dry
Create a well in the flour mixture and slowly pour in the liquid. Mix gently with a spoon or your hands until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix – this keeps the scones soft. - Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, gently pat the dough to about 2.5–3 cm thick. Cut out rounds using a scone cutter or a glass dipped in flour. - Bake the Scones
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the scones on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Leave a small gap between each.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown on top and cooked through. - Cool & Serve
Let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm with jam, butter, or whipped cream.
🕰️ History of South African Scones
Scones were brought to southern Africa during the British colonial era, but local bakers made them their own by incorporating ingredients like amasi, giving them a more rustic and tangy flavor. Over generations, recipes were adapted to suit cultural and dietary norms—like this eggless version used by many for religious or health reasons. Adding custard is a modern twist that adds nostalgia and warmth, reminiscent of old-school desserts and township bakeries.
🌱 Benefits of This Recipe
- Egg-free: Perfect for clients with allergies or specific dietary needs.
- Uses amasi: Rich in probiotics, aids digestion, and adds unique flavor.
- Scalable: Perfect for large gatherings, bake sales, or catering.
- Customizable: Add raisins, currants, or custard for extra flair.
- Budget-friendly: Uses staple ingredients, minimal waste.
🧬 Formation – What Makes These Scones Special?
The science behind the softness:
- Baking powder gives the lift and fluffiness.
- Margarine creates tenderness and helps trap air.
- Amasi reacts with the baking powder for a gentle rise.
- No eggs? No problem. The texture remains moist and airy without them.
❤️ Conclusion
These scones are more than just a treat—they’re a memory in the making. With their golden crusts and tender, slightly tangy insides, they’re perfect for any time of day. Whether served with a hot cup of tea or stacked high at a celebration table, they speak to tradition, community, and care. The custard twist adds a hint of indulgence, but even without it, these scones shine with flavor and texture.
💕 Scone Lovers Say…
🌟 “I’ve tried so many eggless scone recipes, but this one is a winner—soft, fluffy, and full of flavor!” — Lerato M.
🌟 “Perfect for my clients who don’t eat eggs. They keep coming back for more!” — Chef Tumi
🌟 “I added a spoon of custard like you suggested… WOW. What a difference!” — Nandi S.
🍽️ Nutrition Estimate (per scone, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~28g |
| Protein | ~4g |
| Fat | ~10g |
| Sugar | ~5g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg (egg-free) |
| Sodium | ~190 mg |
Note: Values vary depending on portion size and optional ingredients used.
🔁 Optional Serving Methods
- Serve with apricot jam and fresh cream.
- Split and fill with custard and strawberries.
- Brush tops with milk or custard pre-bake for golden color.
- Sprinkle tops with sugar for a slight crunch.
Would you like a printable version or to scale this for bakery production?