Bettys Launches New Cheesy Rascal: First Ever Savoury Version of Yorkshire’s Famous Fat Rascal

Bettys of Harrogate has launched the first-ever savoury version of its iconic Fat Rascal, introducing the new Cheesy Rascal to customers across Yorkshire.

The family-owned Yorkshire bakery and tea room chain, famous for its traditional Fat Rascals, has unveiled the exciting new addition to its popular Rascal range, combining rich cheeses, herbs and sundried tomatoes in a bold new recipe.

The launch marks the biggest change to the legendary Fat Rascal since Bettys first introduced the much-loved Yorkshire treat in 1983.

What Is the New Bettys Cheesy Rascal?

The new Cheesy Rascal takes inspiration from the original Fat Rascal while offering a completely different savoury flavour profile.

Made with mature Cheddar and Gruyère cheese, the savoury bake also includes sundried tomatoes, mustard and fragrant herbs. Staying true to the traditional Rascal look, each Cheesy Rascal features a playful face made from olives and cashews.

A Bettys spokesperson said:

“Baked with plenty of Cheddar and Gruyère for a wonderfully bold, cheesy punch, sundried tomatoes, a hint of mustard and a pinch of fragrant herbs add depth to its flavourful mischief.”

The spokesperson added:

“It’s a Rascal that’s impossible not to smile back at and even harder to resist. It’s hearty and irresistibly cheesy. We think it is perfect for summer picnics, lunches, breakfasts, supper and snacks.”

Bettys Fat Rascal: A Yorkshire Icon

The Bettys Fat Rascal has become one of Yorkshire’s most famous bakery products and a must-try treat for visitors to Harrogate, York and beyond.

Although Fat Rascals have their origins in Yorkshire baking traditions dating back to the 19th century, Bettys transformed the regional speciality into a globally recognised product. The rich, buttery bake combines elements of a scone, rock cake and fruit cake and is instantly recognisable thanks to its famous cherry-and-almond face.

Served warm and generously buttered, the Fat Rascal remains one of the best-selling products across Bettys Tea Rooms.

New Cheesy Rascal Sells Out Following Launch

The new savoury Rascal has already proven hugely popular with customers.

Following its launch in mid-May, the Cheesy Rascal sold out online and in Bettys branches during its first week on sale, highlighting the continuing popularity of the Yorkshire bakery’s signature products.

Today, Bettys produces more than 580,000 Rascals across its range every year, with products available in its five Yorkshire tea rooms and through its online shop.

The Complete Bettys Rascal Range

The new Cheesy Rascal joins a growing family of bakery favourites:

Fat Rascal®

The original buttery Yorkshire classic packed with currants, sultanas and candied citrus peel.

Gooey Rascal

A chocolate-filled version featuring chocolate chips and a gooey caramel centre.

Cheeky Little Rascals

Miniature versions of the traditional Fat Rascal, perfect for smaller appetites.

Cheesy Rascal

The first savoury Rascal, packed with Cheddar, Gruyère, herbs and sundried tomatoes.

The Story Behind Bettys of Harrogate

Founded in 1919 by Swiss baker and chocolatier Fritz Bützer, Bettys has become one of the most recognised names in Yorkshire hospitality.

From its original tea room on Cambridge Crescent in Harrogate, Bettys has expanded to multiple locations across Yorkshire while maintaining its reputation for handcrafted cakes, chocolates, afternoon tea and bakery products.

More than 100 years after opening its doors, Bettys continues to innovate while celebrating its Yorkshire heritage. The launch of the Cheesy Rascal demonstrates how one of Yorkshire’s most iconic food brands is finding new ways to delight customers while staying true to the traditions that made the Fat Rascal famous.

For fans of Yorkshire food, bakery treats and Bettys Tea Rooms, the arrival of the Cheesy Rascal could be one of the tastiest food stories of the year.