Your in-laws/friends/neighbours/new boyfriend’s or girlfriend’s parents are dropping in at short notice. What do you do? Frantically grab some flour, lemon soda and cream (yes, JUST flour, lemon soda & cream) and magically whip up these light and fluffy scones in just 20 minutes, that’s what … and then hey presto they think you’re a baking whizz and love you forever.
Now I can imagine what you’re thinking. “Scones made with only 3 ingredients? Seriously? OK, maybe, but they must taste pretty average …”.
I can forgive you because I must admit I’d probably think the same if I were you. I love simple no-fuss recipes, as you’ve probably gathered by now if you’re a regular here, but surely this sort of thing takes ‘quick and easy’ to just plain lazy. Scones are pretty easy to make anyway, aren’t they, so why bother making them even easier?
Well, I guess I have a bit of a confession to make then. I find rubbing the butter into scones or pastry and then wrestling with all the gunky ‘bits’ trying to gather them into a neat ball of dough pretty tiresome at the best of times and so usually avoid it like the plague. Yup, me and store-bought ready-make pastry are pretty good friends.
So the wonderful thing about these scones made with lemon soda (that’s plain old lemonade in the UK!) and cream is that you DON’T HAVE TO DO THAT. Just whisk the lemon soda and cream together, dump it into some self-raising flour, stir around a bit then gather it into said dough ball. You still have to do the loathsome gathering, but I promise you that it’s really easy. I literally had my ball of dough all ready to squash down and cut scone-shapes out of within about 5 minutes of getting my ingredients out. Less than 15 minutes later I had perfect looking scones fresh out of the oven and ready to have jam and cream smeared all over them.
And they aren’t ‘average’ in any way. They’re light and fluffy and delicious (in my humble opinion as always).
I’d been meaning to make these scones for a couple of weeks now ever since Mr. Scrummy came home clutching a gorgeous little pot of home-made strawberry jam that a colleague had given him, but I had almost decided not to post the recipe assuming that it was one that everyone already knew.
Well, maybe you have seen this simple lemon soda scone recipe before, but if so hopefully this post is a good reminder to give them another go some time soon. I think they’re so clever! Obviously the cream combined with the lemon soda substitutes nicely for the usual butter, milk and sugar you put in plain scones.
Oh, and they don’t taste of lemon, just in case you were wondering – at least if you use the bargain basement cheapest of the cheap clear lemonade you can get here in the UK like I did. For the ‘cream-slathering’ I also used something called Cornish clotted cream which is far too rich for me but which it seems everyone else in the UK would kill for, so try it if you ever get a chance!
Easily ‘jazz up’ these scones by adding dried fruit, chopped dates and walnuts, cheese … whatever you can think of that you like in a scone, really.
I reckon this recipe definitely has potential to become an ‘old trusty’ that you will pull out again and again. Give it a go and let me know if you agree!
Update: I just found out that it is International Scone Week this week … how weird is that? And how appropriate! The lovely Tandy over at Lavender and Lime is hosting a ‘scone link party’ this week so I’ve decided to link up to that. Hope you hop on over to Tandy’s blog and check out all the lovely scone recipes!
http://tandysinclair.com/international-scone-week-2015/
3-ingredient strawberries and cream ‘magic’ scones
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour
- 2/3 cup lemon soda lemonade in the UK! If you're in the US, Sprite would work!
- 2/3 cup double cream heavy cream
to serve
- strawberry jam and whipped cream
Instructions
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Line a baking tray with baking paper and pre-heat the oven to 220C/430F.
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Sift the flour into a large bowl.
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Stir the lemonade and cream together, then pour into the flour. Gently fold everything together until just combined, then bring dough together into a ball (it will be soft and a bit sticky).
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Pat dough down onto a lightly floured surface so that it’s about 3 or 4 cm thick, then use a smallish pastry cutter to cut out rounds (keep gathering the dough back up and patting it down again.You should get around 8 scones).
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Place the scones on the baking tray so that they’re just touching, brush the tops with a little milk if you like (totally optional) then bake for around 12 to 15 minutes until nicely risen and lightly golden on top.
Recipe Notes
Recipe slightly adapted from Allrecipes.com
To make cheese scones, add 100 grams/3.5 ounces cheese to the flour before adding the lemonade/cream, then sprinkle another 50 grams/1.75 ounces on top before baking.
For fruit scones, add about 75 grams/2.5 ounces dried fruit to the flour before adding the lemonade/cream.
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Chrissy says
I can’t believe this exists- I can’t wait to make them! Is lemonade in the UK fizzy? I feel like I remember that from my Pimms’ cup and I think I have just the thing!
Helen says
Hi, Chrissy! I know, amazing, aren’t they? Yes, lemonade over here is fizzy. I was hoping that you Americans would understand my translation: lemon soda! 🙂
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
Wow – that is amazing that these are so easy to make. We have family coming at the weekend, so I have to make this!
Helen says
Really hope you do, Dannii! Let me know what you think! 🙂
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
Another great recipe, Helen! These scones look amazing – I cannot believe they’re made with just 3 ingredients – they look so fluffy and light! Definitely going to be trying these out, I’ve been wanting to make scones for ages now! 😀
Helen says
Oh, please do, Jess! They work so well and are so light and fluffy. Make sure you eat them warm out of the oven and with lots of clotted cream!
mila furman says
Helen…WHAT!!! Are you kidding me? This looks FABULOUS!!! I am so impressed!!! 3 ingredients! I am SOOO making these tonight 🙂
Helen says
So happy you’re impressed and want to make these, Mila! Let me know what you think … just remember to smother them in jam and cream! 🙂
Samina @ The Cupcake Confession says
I LOVEEEEE scones, Helen and now my love for them has increased tenfold (wait, let’s make it hundredfold) thanks to these beauties! 3 ingredients only? Rest assured, I’ll be making these every other day now!!!! <3
Helen says
Hi, Samina! How are you?? I really hope you do give these lovely scones a go! Let me know how you get on 🙂
[email protected] says
They look amazing, what a brilliantly easy recipe. I have to try this because now I’m craving scones and clotted cream 🙂
Helen says
Oh yes, sorry Janette! I should have known that the mention of clotted cream would make you miss it!
Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom says
LOVE these ‘magic’ scones! Scones were always such a treat when we were little. Though my mom would make them on a rare occasion (probably because they took a bit a time), I’ll have to send her this 3 ingredient recipe! Such a wonderful post, Helen! And that homemade jam looks amazing too! 🙂
Helen says
Oh, I’m so happy you want to send this recipe to your mom, Kathleen (blush blush). 🙂
Anne says
This is brilliant!!! I would have never thought that you could use lemon soda in scones to make them so light and fluffy!!!! Amazing!
Helen says
Thank you so much, Anne! Really hope you give these a go some time!
[email protected] says
OMG OMG!! Screeching with excitment here – I DO THIS!!! Aren’t they AWESOME??!! I swear, I made a batch using this method and the traditional and NO ONE knew the difference!! I LOVE YOUR BLOG! Pinning sharing shout out about this genius recipe!!
Helen says
Ha! Thanks, Nagi! Actually, I first tried this recipe when I was in Australia … I think a friend there told me about it. You sooo can’t tell the difference, though, can you? In fact, I think these are much lighter and fluffier than many other scones I’ve had. I love them!
mira says
These look gorgeous! And I love the pictures! Never made scones, because I always thought they take time, but this recipe is super simple and I’ll be trying it soon!
Helen says
Hi Mira! Thank you for the compliments and I really hope you do try these soon. 🙂
Rachel (Rachel's Kitchen NZ) says
As far as I am concerned this is the only recipe for scones!
Helen says
Great, isn’t it? Glad you like them, Rachel!
Dini @ The Flavor Bender says
I love this! 🙂 I love making Scones! I used to make it with self raising flour, but switched over to AP flour and using a raising agent in the last few years! I should get back to using self raising flour again!
There’s nothing quite like a beautiful scone with Strawberries and cream (Or clotted cream!!!) YUM!! (I might have to make a batch today… actually yes, I’m going to make a batch today! 😀
Helen says
Hi Dini! I’m so happy you like these and are going to try them … yippeee! Enjoy!
felicia | Dish by Dish says
Hi Helen!! I found your blog via your comment on Nagi’s! this scone recipe cannot be simpler! Great one to keep in mind for when guests unexpectedly pop up and still good enough to impress! 🙂
Cheers from Buenos Aires!
felicia
Helen says
Hello Felicia! So lovely of you to pop by and leave a comment – I don’t think I’ve ever had a visitor from Buenos Aires before! 😉
I’m really happy you like the scones, too! 🙂
gina says
Sounds amazing! Does anyone know if this would work with Sprite(The lemon-lime soda in the US)?
Helen says
Hi Gina! My guess is that it would work perfectly with Sprite! The lemonade I used here in the UK is exactly like Sprite – clear and fizzy. In fact I’ll update the recipe and suggest it! Thanks so much for the idea!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
We love this scone recipe-as you say it’s so easy. A friend told me that in some areas of Australia they make it using Fanta and Coke! 😮
Helen says
Oh wow … so now I’ve got to try the Fanta and Coke version!! Not sure about having brown scones, though … 😉
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Helen – I must live under a rock (with a huge yard) because, I had never heard of this recipe before! 3 ingredient scones?!?!?! I am flabbergasted and overjoyed all at the same time!
Helen says
Tee hee … I’m actually really happy you’ve never heard of these before as I thought maybe I was telling people something they new YEARS ago! Really glad you like the look of the recipe, Shashi! (and don’t worry, I live under a rock in a huge yard too sometimes!)
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Wow I can’t believe these scones are only three ingredients! These look fantastic, Helen! Love the flavor!
Helen says
Thanks, Gayle! 🙂
cheri says
Hi Helen, these are amazing,3 ingredients that is my kind of recipe. your timing is perfect. If you want to pop over to Tandy’s site Lavendar and Lime and link up for international scone week you can, she would love it.
Helen says
Yeah, I was amazed when you said it was scone week!! Will definitely pop over to Tandy’s site – I’ve visited it before – and link up if I’m not too late! Thanks, Cheri! 🙂
Bam's Kitchen says
Helen, I can just tell from ingredient list and gorgeous photos that these 3 ingredients put together are so rich and delicious and moist. Get the kettle going I will be right over!! Just pinned my friend!
Helen says
Thank you so much, Dear Bam! Quick … kettle is on!!
Joanne says
I don’t mind mixing butter into flour BUT I am always up for a good scone. Especially when slathered with strawberries and cream.
Helen says
🙂
Laura says
I love the ease of making these scones. My sisters wedding breakfast shower is just weeks away (i’m hosting) and i’m collecting ideas! And honestly, I need easy!! Don’t want to make anything too complicated. And that teacup on the side is gorgeous. Love it. So pretty.
Helen says
Happy to hear these might help you out, Laura! How exciting that your sister is getting married! The teacup is sweet, isn’t it? It was dirt cheap from a sort of Aladdin’s cave kind of shop!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Oh, WOW! I LOVE how super easy these are! But even better, I LOVE that they still look seriously delicious and like they took a lot more energy!! Seriously clever! Can’t wait to try these scones! Cheers to a beautiful day! 😉
Helen says
Easy recipes that don’t seem easy are my fave! Thanks, Cheyanne! 🙂
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
I am so glad your timing was perfect to take part in ISW2015. I made these 3 ingredient scones over the weekend as was amazed at how perfect they were 🙂
Helen says
It was a pleasure to take part, Tandy … thank you again! Also really happy that you tried the recipe out and liked it! 🙂
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Wow! These 3 ingredients scones are really magical. Fabulous and delicious! Also loved how simple and easy these are.
Helen says
Thank you, Anu! Really glad you like them, and thanks for passing by!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
What?! This is such a crazy recipe to me, Helen, I’ve never heard of putting lemonade/sprite in a scone! I’m so intrigued. They look delicious!
Helen says
I’m really happy so many of my blog friends haven’t heard of these … I thought they were something everyone knew about, but I’m learning that it’s probably an Australian thing! Really glad you like the idea, though … do give them a try!
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
3 ingredients? You’ve got to be kidding…and these scones look absolutely perfect!! I honestly can not wait to try this recipe.
Helen says
Love your enthusiasm, Marissa! Please do try them soooon! 🙂
Joanne T Ferguson says
I love your magic scones and would not have believed that scones could be made with three ingredients! Well done! Glad we are connected through our love of scones!
Helen says
I’m glad we’re connected through our love of scones, too! Thanks so much for passing by, Joanne!
Kirsty says
Wowsers Helen, just three ingredients whip up looking this good! What a fabulous recipe to have tucked away for emergency drop-in visits, impromptu morning teas, or whoops! its someones birthday at work the next day!
Helen says
They do look remarkably good for a 3-ingredient scone … I agree! Really happy you like them!
Gretchen says
Looks amazing, can’t wait to try it. Already pinned for next scone emergency. I never would have though of lemon soda plus no cutting in the butter is a definite cleanup perk.
Helen says
It’s great, isn’t it? Glad you like it too, Gretchen!
Thao @ In Good Flavor says
What a great recipe for scones… with only 3 ingredients and done in 20 minutes!! This is a definite go-to, in a pinch recipe.
Helen says
Glad you like it, Thao, and hope you try it! 🙂
Aimee / Wallflower Girl says
Scones are my favourite! I love that there are only 3 ingredients, I’ll have to try a veganised version of this 🙂
Helen says
Hello Aimee! Would be really interesting to see how you made this vegan … hope you give it a go! 🙂
[email protected] The Gastronomic Bong says
Only 3 ingredients!!! how amazing is that! these scones look wonderful, Helen.. lovely share! 😀
Helen says
Thanks so much, Arpita! Do give these a go some time – I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!
Moya says
Have never made scones with lemonade before… and they do look beautiful and bet taste gorgeous 🙂
Helen says
Hello Moya! These really do taste good – so light and fluffy. Please do try them!
Lori says
Hi! I made these and the dough was so “wet” I couldn’t do anything with it…it was more lIke a btater than a dough..had to add almost an additional cup of flour to make it workable.
The results were still pretty good but I’m still confused why I seem to have had such an “odd” result.
Lori
Lori says
more lIke a btater than a dough should say batter…sorry
Helen says
Hi Lori … hmmmmmm. To be honest, I’m as baffled as you over this one. It’s a pretty tried and tested recipe. Did you use heavy cream? I know the dough ends up pretty soft, but not like a batter. It’s definitely a soft dough. I’ll make these again in the new year, just to double double (double!) check the consistency. Sorry about that, but at least they still turned out OK! 🙂
Lori says
And I’ll try again too and double check my quantities.
Thanks so much!
Helen says
Hope you get a better result next time, Lori! 🙂
Susan Walker says
Very strange taste and not sweet enough. Made them yesterday and I wondered whether they would taste any good without butter, (and I also put a beaten egg in my usual recipe). and no they do not taste any good. I will stick to my usual recipe with butter and egg. These were just a total waste of time and ingredients.
Helen says
Hello Susan. Sorry to hear that you didn’t like this recipe, but I’m happy that you took the time to pop over and leave your feedback. These have always worked out well for me and I’ll use the recipe again, but of course you should stick to the recipe you’re most happy with.
Happy New Year!