Two loaves of buttermilk rusks on a cooling rack

Buttermilk Yeast Rusks

You need to try these South African Buttermilk Yeast Rusks recipe

What is Rusks?

rusk is a hard, dry biscuit or a twice-baked bread. It is sometimes used as a teether for babies. In some cultures, rusk is made of cake, rather than bread: this is sometimes referred to as cake rusk. In the UK, the name also refers to a wheat-based food additive.

Buttermilk Yeast Rusks
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Buttermilk Yeast Rusks

Buttermilk Yeast Rusks

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: EsmeSalon
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Drying Time: 6 hours
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 7 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 x 13 x 4 x 4β€œ loaves 1x
  • Category: Recipes
  • Cuisine: South African

Description

I LOVE baking! Baking yeast rusks used to be my one nemesis but I think I’ve got it now.

Use a kitchen scale when baking for best results


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 kg all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp instant yeast
  • 2 cup buttermilk
  • 100 ml butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • Lukewarm water

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Add yeast and mix well.
  3. Heat buttermilk until lukewarm and mix with butter.
  4. Mix the buttermilk mixture and eggs with the flour mixture.
  5. If needed, add a bit of water to make a soft dough. (I added water and the dough was too sticky. I had to add more flour to make it workable.)
  6. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  7. Using a stand mixer, if you have one, is the best way!
  8. Cover with a damp cloth and proof until doubled in size.
  9. Roll dough into balls and place them close to each other in greased loaf tins.
  10. Dough balls should be about 2” across.
  11. I have big 13 x 4 x 4β€œ loaf tins (USA Pans 13 x 4 x 4-Inch Loaf Pan)
  12. The dough fills two of those.
  13. Proof again until the dough reaches the top of the tins (about 40–60 mins).
  14. Bake at 350F for about 40 minutes.
  15. Remove from oven and cool on wire racks.
  16. Break apart and slice each rusk in half before drying in a low oven (180F) for about 6h.
  17. Or eat warm in the oven with butter.


Notes


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 184
  • Sugar: 8
  • Sodium: 213
  • Fat: 3
  • Saturated Fat: 2
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 33
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 5
  • Cholesterol: 20
Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes
Two loaves of buttermilk rusks on a cooling rack
Buttermilk Yeast Rusks

More delicious Rusk recipes on the blog

Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.

Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.

If you try out this delightful recipe, please let me know, rate it, and tag me on Instagram at @_esmesalon. I’m excited to see your amazing recreations, and I’m hooked on those mouthwatering photos!

We happily share our tasty and fantastic recipes and are excited to spread some love by sharing our posts at these awesome Linky Parties.

Copyright Β© 2026 esmesalon.com β€“ All rights reserved.

4 thoughts on “Buttermilk Yeast Rusks”

  1. Hi, I am about to make these. Just want to check that it’s 2 table spoons of yeast. Other recipes I have usually use 2 tsp.

    1. Morning Susan. I double checked the recipe and yes the lady that provided the recipe did indicate 2 T of yeast. Hope you will enjoy it. Thanks for checking and please let me know how it turned out.

    1. Hi Martha, WOW, I am so happy to hear it turned out well and that you love it. Should you have a moment to spare I will truly appreciate your support to revert back to this recipe, and at the very bottom leave us a rating and review since you made it. This is always extremely beneficial especially for other readers to see that you love it and made it. Thanks in advance for your time and help. Enjoy the rest of the Rusks.

Leave a Reply to Susan Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

 

Scroll to Top