South Africa · Africa

Beskuit (Rusks)

Bake, break, and dry for hours: rusks engineered to constant moisture.

South African beskuitbuttermilk rusks

The Chemistry in This Bake

Slow-drying baked dough pieces in a low oven for hours until they reach a stable, low-moisture state.

Learn the full technique →

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Buttermilk
  • Sugar
  • Butter
  • Eggs
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Anise seeds (optional)

Method

  1. Mix a stiff buttermilk dough and knead briefly.

  2. Press into a slab pan and bake at 180 °C until a loaf-like cake is cooked through, about 45 minutes.

  3. Cool, then break or cut into thick fingers.

  4. Lay the pieces cut-side up on trays.

  5. Dry in a 100 °C oven for 4-6 hours, turning occasionally, until completely dry through.

  6. Cool and store airtight; they keep for weeks.