Mary Berry Chelsea Buns Recipe

Indulge in the classic British treat with this Mary Berry Chelsea Buns Recipe. These sweet, sticky buns are filled with currants or raisins, cinnamon, and sugar, then rolled up and baked to perfection. Glazed with sugar syrup for a glossy finish, they’re a delicious treat for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a special occasion. Though they require some time for the dough to rise, the result is worth it, yielding soft, fluffy buns that are irresistibly good.

What are Mary Berry Chelsea Buns?

Mary Berry Chelsea Buns are a traditional British sweet roll made with enriched yeast dough, filled with dried fruit and cinnamon, then rolled up like a cinnamon roll. After baking, they are brushed with a sugar glaze to give them a glossy, sticky finish. These buns are perfect for serving warm with tea or coffee and are a timeless favorite.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Raspberry Buns
• Mary Berry Coconut Buns
• James Martin White Bread

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Traditional British Recipe: Experience an authentic taste of Britain with these classic buns.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a dessert.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of dried fruit and cinnamon creates a comforting, sweet flavor.
• Soft and Fluffy: The enriched yeast dough ensures these buns come out light and tender.
• Beautiful Presentation: The spiraled buns are visually appealing, making them a great addition to any table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These buns can be prepared in advance and warmed up before serving.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Chelsea Buns

To make 12 Chelsea Buns, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 450g (3 ½ cups) strong white bread flour: Provides the structure for the dough.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavor.
• 1 packet (7g) fast-action dried yeast: Helps the dough rise.
• 50g (¼ cup) caster sugar: Sweetens the dough.
• 300ml (1 ¼ cups) warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture.
• 50g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted: Enriches the dough for a tender crumb.
• 1 large egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.

For the Filling:

• 50g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, softened: To spread over the dough.
• 75g (⅓ cup) light brown sugar: For sweetness in the filling.
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the filling.
• 150g (1 cup) currants or raisins: Provides a chewy texture and sweetness.

For the Glaze:

• 2 tbsp golden syrup or apricot jam: Brush over the baked buns for a sticky, glossy finish.

Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to make Mary Berry Chelsea Buns:

• Mixing bowls: For combining the dough ingredients.
• Electric mixer with dough hook attachment (optional): To knead the dough.
• Rolling pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
• Sharp knife: To cut the dough into buns.
• 9×13 inch baking dish or tray: To bake the buns.
• Parchment paper: To line the baking tray.
• Pastry brush: To glaze the buns after baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Chelsea Buns

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 450g (3 ½ cups) strong white bread flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 packet (7g) fast-action dried yeast, and 50g (¼ cup) caster sugar.
• Warm the 300ml (1 ¼ cups) milk slightly and mix in 50g (¼ cup) melted butter and 1 beaten egg.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
• Knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes or use an electric mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

• While the dough is rising, mix 75g (⅓ cup) light brown sugar and 2 tsp ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
• Grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

• Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a rectangle, about 30x40cm (12×16 inches) in size.
• Spread 50g (¼ cup) softened butter evenly over the surface of the dough.
• Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the butter, followed by the 150g (1 cup) currants or raisins.

Step 4: Roll the Dough into a Log

• Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly into a log.
• Cut the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife.

Step 5: Arrange and Proof the Buns

• Arrange the buns cut side up in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each bun.
• Cover the dish with a damp cloth and let the buns rise for 30-40 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are touching each other.

Step 6: Bake the Chelsea Buns

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.

Step 7: Glaze the Buns

• While the buns are still warm, brush them with 2 tbsp golden syrup or apricot jam to give them a sticky, glossy finish.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

• Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Chelsea Buns?

Here are some perfect pairings to complement these delicious Chelsea buns:

• Butter: Spread a little butter on a warm bun for extra richness.
• Clotted Cream: Adds a luxurious touch to the buns.
• Jam or Marmalade: A fruity spread pairs beautifully with the sweet buns.
• Tea or Coffee: A hot beverage is the perfect companion for these buns.
• Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream is a great contrast to the sticky buns.
• Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit balances the richness of the buns.
• Hot Chocolate: A rich, comforting drink to enjoy alongside the buns.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Chelsea Buns

Follow these expert tips to ensure your Mary Berry Chelsea Buns come out perfectly every time:

• Use Warm Milk: Ensure the milk is warm, but not too hot, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
• Knead the Dough Thoroughly: Proper kneading ensures a soft and fluffy dough that rises well.
• Don’t Overfill: Spread the filling evenly, but be careful not to overfill, as this can make rolling and cutting the dough difficult.
• Allow for Proper Rising: Give the dough enough time to rise both before and after shaping the buns for the best texture.
• Brush with Syrup While Warm: Glazing the buns while they’re still warm helps the syrup soak in and gives them a sticky finish.
• Serve Fresh: These buns are best served fresh out of the oven, but they can also be reheated if necessary.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Chelsea Buns

Looking to add a twist to the classic Chelsea buns?

Here are a few easy variations:

• Nutty Buns: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch.
• Chocolate Chelsea Buns: Sprinkle chocolate chips along with the currants for a chocolatey version.
• Citrus Flavor: Add orange or lemon zest to the dough or filling for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Mixed Spice Buns: Replace the cinnamon with a mixed spice blend for a warmer, spicier flavor.
• Glazed Icing: Instead of syrup, drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and water over the buns for a sweet glaze.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Chelsea Buns

Here’s how to keep your Chelsea buns fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Freeze the baked and cooled buns for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven before serving.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Chelsea Buns

To enjoy your Chelsea buns warm and fresh, follow these reheating tips:

• Oven: Reheat in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for about 10 minutes for a freshly baked texture.
• Microwave: Warm individual buns in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften them up.
• Steam: For a soft and moist bun, use a steamer to gently reheat the buns without drying them out.

How Can I Make Mary Berry Chelsea Buns Healthier?

If you’re looking to make a healthier version of these classic buns, here are a few suggestions:

• Reduce Sugar: Cut down on the sugar in the dough and fill by using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
• Whole Grain Flour: Replace half of the white bread flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Low-Fat Milk: Use low-fat or plant-based milk to reduce fat content.
• Less Butter: Reduce the amount of butter in the filling or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
• Add Seeds: Incorporate flaxseeds or chia seeds for extra nutrition.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 290
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 6g
• Sugar: 18g

FAQs

Can I Freeze Mary Berry Chelsea Buns?

Yes, you can freeze Mary Berry Chelsea Buns. Once baked and cooled, wrap the buns individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the buns at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a freshly baked taste.

Why Didn’t My Chelsea Buns Rise?

If your Chelsea buns didn’t rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or improper proofing conditions. Ensure the yeast is fresh and check that your milk is warm, but not too hot, as high heat can kill the yeast. Additionally, give the dough enough time to rise in a warm, draft-free place for proper proofing.

How Do You Keep Chelsea Buns Fresh?

To keep Chelsea buns fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, refrigerate the buns for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving to refresh their texture.

Can I Make Chelsea Buns Without Dried Fruit?

Yes, you can make Chelsea Buns without dried fruit. Simply omit the currants or raisins from the filling and consider adding alternatives like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a different flavor profile.

Final Words

The Mary Berry Chelsea Buns Recipe is a delightful blend of soft dough, sweet dried fruit, and a sticky, glazed finish.

Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or reheated later, these buns are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, they’re a wonderful way to bring a little British baking tradition into your home.

Give them a try and savor each bite of these delicious spiraled buns!

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