Scones are a British dessert classic and are oh so delicious when topped with copious amounts of jam and cream.
While the easy option is to buy scones from the shop, you can’t really compete with homemade baking and while it may be more effort, the result is so much more satisfying. Thankfully scones are really easy to make and it’s simply a case of throwing all the ingredients into one bowl, being careful not to overwork the dough. If you handle the dough too much while mixing you can be left with pretty dense and dry scones, and nobody wants that.
But there is an easy way to avoid this error and all you need is one liquid ingredient. According to baking experts, soda water is the answer to deliciously light scones and will help you to achieve the “ultimate fluffiness”.
The carbonation in soda water forms bubbles which get trapped in the dough as it’s mixed together, creating tiny air pockets. These pockets of air then expand as your scones bake, aerating the dough and giving it more rise to ultimately result in a lighter and fluffier scone.
The same results can also be achieved by adding lemonade to your mixture, but this will alter the overall flavour of your scones and make them slightly sweeter. As such, soda water is a better option if you want to make a more savoury scone.
Experts at Taste.com.au explain: “One advantage of not adding lemonade to scones and using soda water instead is that you can give savoury scones the carbonation treatment without the sweetness of lemonade. The result? All the ultimate fluffiness of a sweet scone – but in savoury form.”
Baking experts say you simply need to substitute the liquid in your scone recipe for the same amount of soda water instead. Some recipes also use soda water as a replacement for some of the fat, instead using cream and soda water in equal portions instead of butter and milk.
As soda water contains added minerals this can impart a subtle tangy flavour to your scones depending on the type of water you use. So if you’re keen to keep a neutral taste, sparkling water can be a good substitute instead.
Our Country Life adds: “Why use carbonated soda in scones? Extra fluffiness – the carbonation creates tiny air pockets in the dough, resulting in lighter scones.
“No need for baking powder – carbonated soda acts as a natural leavening agent. Subtle flavor enhancement – depending on the soda you use, you can add a touch of sweetness or a slight tang.”