Save Delightfully light and fluffy scones made with tart cherries and sparkling soda, these treats are perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. Enjoy a sweet bake that brings British charm to your table.
I remember baking these scones for the first time on a lazy Saturday morning, and the cherry aroma quickly filled our kitchen. The sparkling soda adds an irresistible lift for the fluffiest scones I've ever made.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g)
- Baking powder: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Sparkling cherry soda: 1/2 cup (120 ml), cold
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml), plus extra for brushing
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp
- Dried tart cherries: 3/4 cup (100 g) or chopped fresh/frozen, well-drained
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (55 g), cold and cubed
- Coarse sugar (optional): 2 tbsp for topping
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Cut in Butter:
- Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry blender or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Cherries:
- Stir in the dried cherries.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mix sparkling cherry soda, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
- Bring Dough Together:
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Shape & Cut:
- Turn dough onto a floured surface, gently pat into a 1-inch thick round and cut into 8 wedges.
- Top Scones:
- Place on baking sheet, brush tops with extra cream, and sprinkle coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake:
- Bake for 16–18 minutes until golden and set. Cool on wire rack before serving.
Save My kids love helping brush cream on top before baking, making this a fun family baking project. Sharing these scones at teatime always brings smiles around the table.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, pastry blender or fork, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheet, parchment paper, and pastry brush are all you need for easy scone making.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (cream, butter). May contain traces of nuts if processed in shared facilities. Always check product labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information (per scone)
Calories: 260. Total Fat: 10 g. Carbohydrates: 39 g. Protein: 4 g.
Save Serve scones warm for the best flavor, and add a spoonful of cherry jam for extra indulgence.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh or frozen cherries?
Yes, fresh or frozen cherries work well. Be sure to chop and drain them thoroughly before adding to the dough.
- → What does sparkling soda do for these scones?
Sparkling soda helps create a lighter, fluffier texture by adding extra lift to the scones as they bake.
- → Can I make these scones dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan butter for a satisfying dairy-free version.
- → How do I get a golden crust on my scones?
Brush the tops with additional cream and sprinkle coarse sugar before baking for that perfect golden finish.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these scones are vegetarian-friendly, containing no meat or animal-derived gelatin products.
- → What pairs well with these scones?
Serve with clotted cream, cherry jam, or a pot of black tea to complement their sweet-tart flavors.