A Traditional South African Treat with a Creamy Twist
These Amasi Scones are soft, fluffy, and bursting with the rich tang of amasi —a traditional South African cultured milk. Made without eggs, these scones rely on baking powder and amasi for their rise and tenderness, giving you a warm, comforting treat perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.
A delicious egg-free twist on a classic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧁 No Eggs Needed: Perfect for vegans or those with egg sensitivities.
- 🥛 Amasi Magic: The slight tang and richness from amasi gives a unique flavor and texture.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: From flour to oven in under an hour—no fancy tools required.
- 🌼 Flaky Layers: Margarine rubbed into flour creates buttery, flaky layers we all crave.
- ❄️ Great for Meal Prep: Keeps well and reheats beautifully—ideal for weekend brunches or school mornings.
Ingredients (Makes 20–24 scones):
For the Dry Mix:
- 10 cups all-purpose flour (1.25 kg / 1,250g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g – optional for mild sweetness)
- 10 tsp baking powder (about 3 tbsp + 1 tsp – for leavening power)
For the Wet Mix:
- 500g (1 lb) margarine , cold and cubed (or butter if not vegan)
- 2 cups amasi (cultured milk – or substitute with buttermilk or kefir)
- 1 cup vanilla custard (optional – adds richness and depth)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Baking Sheet
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) .
Line a large baking sheet or tray with parchment paper or lightly grease with margarine.
Set aside while preparing the dough.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar (if using)
- Baking powder
Make sure everything is evenly mixed—this ensures consistent rising across all scones.
Step 3: Cut in the Margarine
Add cold cubed margarine to the dry ingredients.
Using your fingertips, rub the margarine into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs .
This step is key to creating flaky, layered scones .
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Gradually pour in the amasi , about ½ cup at a time, gently mixing with a wooden spoon or hands.
If using vanilla custard , stir it in now—just until fully incorporated.
Tip: Don’t overmix! The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and tender .
Step 5: Knead Gently
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead just until smooth—about 30 seconds to 1 minute .
Over-kneading leads to tough scones—handle with care!
Step 6: Roll & Cut the Scones
Roll out or pat the dough to 1-inch thickness .
Use a round cookie cutter or glass dipped in flour to cut out scones.
Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each for even baking.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes , or until the scones are golden brown and puffed up .
They should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 8: Cool Slightly & Serve Warm
Transfer to a wire rack and let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Serve warm with:
- A thick layer of jam or marmalade
- A dollop of whipped cream or coconut yogurt
- Or enjoy plain for that pure, creamy scone experience
Each bite brings together:
- Buttery layers
- Tangy amasi richness
- And that signature South African comfort
Tips for Success:
- 🥣 Use Cold Margarine: For best texture—like pie crust, cold fat = flakiness.
- 🥛 Amasi Substitute: Use buttermilk, sour milk, or kefir in a pinch.
- 🍪 Sweet or Savory? These scones work both ways—add herbs or cheese for savory version.
- ❄️ Freezer-Friendly: Freeze baked scones and reheat in oven for fresh taste later.
- 🧈 Brush With Margarine After Baking: Adds shine and enhances the traditional flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Ideal with tea, coffee, or rooibos tea for a true South African feel.
- Great for breakfast, brunch, or as an after-school snack.
- Perfect alongside stews or soups—or simply with a book and a cup of warmth.
Nutritional Information (per scone, makes 20 – approximate):
(Without jam or toppings – based on regular flour and margarine)
- Calories: ~200 kcal
- Protein: ~3g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fat: ~10g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~5g
These Soft and Fluffy Egg-Free Amasi Scones bring all the joy of traditional scone-making to life—without eggs and with a uniquely creamy tang. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or learning more about South African cuisine—they’re a must-bake.
So go ahead and try this recipe today… because once you taste one—you’ll be making them again and again!
