How to Make Fat Rascals (But Skinnier and With Chai Tea!)
If you're a fan of scones but looking for a healthier and lighter version, try making this recipe for Betty's fat rascal scone, but with a skinnier twist. This recipe swaps out some of the butter and sugar for mashed banana to reduce the calorie count and adds a touch of chai tea for a unique and delicious flavor. The mashed banana adds a natural sweetness and a moist texture while the chai tea provides a warm and spicy flavor that's perfect for fall. This skinnier and healthier version of Betty's fat rascal scone is perfect for those who are looking for a satisfying and delicious treat that won't compromise their health goals. So why not give this recipe a try and indulge in this guilt-free and tasty scone today!
Infusing masala chai into recipes is so easy to do and gives a wonderful flavour to many cakes and bakes. I especially love using masala chai in creamy indulgent recipes just like these naughty little rascals.
Skinny Fat Rascals: A Healthier Twist on the Classic Betty’s Tea Room Scones
Indulge in a guilt-free treat with our skinny fat rascals recipe, which puts a healthier twist on the classic scones by using alternative ingredients like bananas and adding the fragrant flavors of chai tea to make the perfect pairing for a cup of tea.
What is a Bettys Fat Rascal?
Made by the infamous Betty’s Tea Rooms for more than 30 years, a fat rascal is a wonderful fruity scone/rock cake decorated with glacé cherries and almonds to look like a face.
Why is it Called a Fat Rascal?
A fat rascal is called so because it’s not the skinniest of treats and is fat on flavour with bold spices, zesty citrus peel and sweet dried fruit. Apparently the very first fat rascals were made with lard, however, these days they are made with butter and sometimes cream. The original Betty’s fat rascal recipe is a closely guarded secret so no one really know exactly what goes inside.
What is Another Name for Fat Rascals?
A fat rascal is a cross between a scone, a rock cake and a bun. They are sometimes referred to as northern turf cakes. A turf cake is a buttery flat type cake that’s well known in Yorkshire.
If you love aromatic fruity buns with your tea you may also love these masala chai infused rock cakes.
How do you eat a Fat Rascal?
Feel free to eat a fat rascal (or skinny-fat rascal) any way that takes your fancy. You can enjoy them on their own with a hot cuppa, I would totally recommend having one with a coconut chai latte. You can also cut them in half just like a scone and enjoy with cream and jam.
How Many Calories are in a Fat Rascal?
While the recipe maybe a closely guarded secret, it’s no secret that fat rascals are, well, a bit fattening. One fat rascal can contain anywhere between 400-600 calories each with around 25 grams of fat. My skinnier version contains around 315 calories each with just 6 grams of fat. Even less if you divide the mixture into 8 slightly smaller cakes when baking.
These skinny-fat rascals are made using mashed banana in place of the butter and egg which makes them vegan friendly, a dash of coconut oil, a drizzle of maple syrup and flavoured with my favourite tea to bake with, masala chai.
Are Fat Rascals Vegan Friendly?
Regular fat rascals usually contain lard or butter and eggs, so they are not considered vegan friendly. These skinny rascals are vegan friendly, and made without butter/lard and eggs. As an alternative, I’m using a mashed ripe banana and a drizzle of coconut oil. Plus, instead of using sugar, I’m using a small amount of maple syrup to naturally sweeten these skinny little rascals.
Tips for Making my Skinny Fat Rascals
I’m using self raising flour for this recipe, you can substitute for plain (all purpose) flour with baking powder and salt. For every 1 cup of plain flour used, add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
You can use loose leaf tea or tea bags for this recipe. Use 1 tea bag per 1 teaspoon of loose leaf tea. Allow the tea infuse in a cup of hot milk for around 5 minutes before removing the leaves and adding the steeped milk to the recipe.
I love infusing cakes and bakes with masala chai, however, if you prefer to skip the tea, simply leave out the tea and add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and half a teaspoon of ground ginger instead.
The mixture will make 6 very large cakes, you can easily make 8 slightly smaller cakes.
If you would like to create a vegan friendly glaze before putting these in the oven, mix together 1 tablespoon of maple syrup with 1 tablespoon of milk (almond, soy, oat etc…) and brush over the cakes. Alternatively you can use an egg wash.
Making these skinny rascals is quite possibly one of my easiest recipes ever and you can’t really go wrong!
How to Make Skinny Fat Rascals From Scratch
INGREDIENTS (Serves 6-8)
2 cups (300g) of self raising flour
1 medium ripe banana
1 cup (8fl oz) of milk (soy, almond, coconut etc…)
6 teaspoons of masala chai (or 6 tea bags)
1/2 cup (85g) of sultanas (or raisins)
1/4 cup of maple syrup
1 lemon zest
2 tablespoons of coconut oil
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
To Decorate (Optional)
Glace cherries
Sliced almonds
METHOD
Pre heat the oven to 400*F/200*C/Gas Mark 6 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Warm through a cup of milk either in the microwave or on the hob. Add the tea and allow to infuse before removing the leaves. Set the steeped tea aside ready to use in the recipe.
In a mixing bowl, mash the banana using a fork, add the coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon zest and infused masala chai.
Fold in the self raising flour and then add the sultanas.
Using a spoon, dollop large spoonfuls onto your lined baking sheet. Add the glace cherry eyes and sliced almond mouth.
Place in the oven and bake for around 20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy around the edges.
Leave to cool slightly and enjoy while warm with a lovely cuppa :)
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It is important to note that any health advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or overall health. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice.