Mary Berry Coconut Buns Recipe

Deliciously soft and rich with a hint of sweetness, Mary Berry Coconut Buns are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert. These buns have a soft, fluffy texture and are filled with a coconut-sugar mixture that adds a tropical twist. The combination of soft bread and sweet coconut makes these buns irresistible for anyone who loves light, sweet bread with a hint of flavor.

What are Mary Berry Coconut Buns?

Mary Berry Coconut Buns are soft, yeast-raised buns filled with a sweet coconut mixture. The dough is enriched with butter and milk to create a tender texture, and the filling adds a rich, tropical flavor from shredded coconut. After baking, the buns are golden and lightly crisp on the outside, with a moist, coconut-infused center.

Other Popular Recipes

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

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Fluffy and Soft: The enriched dough results in light, pillowy buns.
• Delicious Coconut Filling: A sweet coconut filling adds a unique flavor and texture.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, a tea-time snack, or even dessert.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
• Kid-Friendly: The slightly sweet flavor and soft texture are loved by children.
• Freezer-Friendly: These buns are stored well, so you can make them ahead of time.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Coconut Buns

To make 12 coconut buns, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 450g (3 ½ cups) strong white bread flour: For structure and a light texture.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
• 7g (1 packet) fast-action dried yeast: Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
• 50g (¼ cup) caster sugar: Sweetens the dough slightly.
• 50g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and softness to the dough.
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk: Activates the yeast and adds moisture.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough and adds extra richness.

For the Coconut Filling:

• 100g (1 cup) desiccated coconut: Provides a sweet, tropical flavor and texture.
• 75g (⅓ cup) caster sugar: Sweetens the filling.
• 2 tbsp milk: Adds moisture to the filling and helps bind it.

For the Glaze:

• 2 tbsp milk: To brush the buns for a golden finish.

Equipment

To make Mary Berry Coconut Buns, you’ll need the following equipment:

• Mixing bowls: For combining the dough ingredients.
• Electric mixer with dough hook (optional): To knead the dough.
• Rolling pin: To roll out the dough for the filling.
• 9×13 inch baking tray: For baking the buns.
• Parchment paper: To line the baking tray.
• Pastry brush: For brushing the glaze.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Coconut Buns

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 450g (3 ½ cups) strong white bread flour, 1 tsp salt, 7g fast-action dried yeast, and 50g (¼ cup) caster sugar.
• Mix 50g (¼ cup) melted butter, 250ml (1 cup) warm milk, and 1 beaten egg in a separate bowl.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring to form a soft dough.
• 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, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Filling

• In a small bowl, mix together 100g (1 cup) desiccated coconut and 75g (⅓ cup) caster sugar.
• Stir in 2 tbsp milk to form a moist, crumbly filling.

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 out the dough into a rectangle, about 30x40cm (12×16 inches) in size.
• Spread the coconut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Shape the Buns

• 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.
• Place the buns, cut side up, on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 5: Second Rise

• Cover the buns with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes, or until they have puffed up.

Step 6: Bake the Coconut Buns

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Brush the tops of the buns with 2 tbsp milk for a golden finish.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown on top and cooked through.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

• Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delicious coconut-filled goodness!

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Coconut Buns?

• Butter: Spread a little butter on a warm bun for extra richness.
• Jam: A fruity jam like raspberry or strawberry pairs beautifully with the coconut.
• Tea or Coffee: A hot beverage is the perfect companion to these buns.
• Whipped Cream: Adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, coconut-filled buns.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the buns.
• Honey Drizzle: For extra sweetness, drizzle a bit of honey over the top of the buns.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Coconut Buns

Follow these expert tips to ensure your Mary Berry Coconut Buns turn out perfect every time:

• Ensure Warm Milk: Use warm, but not hot, milk to activate the yeast. Hot milk can kill the yeast, preventing the dough from rising.
• Knead Well: Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, which will result in a light, fluffy texture.
• Don’t Overfill: Spread the coconut filling evenly, but don’t overfill, as this can make rolling and cutting the dough difficult.
• Second Rise is Crucial: Let the buns rise a second time before baking to ensure they are light and fluffy.
• Serve Fresh: These buns are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they can be reheated if necessary.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Coconut Buns

Looking to add a twist to the classic coconut buns? Here are a few easy variations:

• Chocolate Coconut Buns: Add chocolate chips to the coconut filling for a sweet twist.
• Lemon Zest: Add grated lemon zest to the dough or filling for a bright citrus flavor.
• Nutty Buns: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans in the filling for added crunch.
• Cinnamon Buns: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the coconut filling for a spiced version.
• Coconut Glaze: Drizzle the baked buns with coconut-flavored icing for an extra layer of sweetness.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Coconut Buns

To keep your coconut buns fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

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

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Coconut Buns

To enjoy your coconut buns warm and fresh, here’s how to reheat them:

• Oven: Reheat in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for about 10 minutes to restore their soft texture.
• Microwave: Warm individual buns in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a quick fix.

How Can I Make Mary Berry Coconut Buns Healthier?

If you want to create a healthier version of these buns, here are a few tips:

• Reduce Sugar: Decrease the amount of sugar in the dough and filling, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the white flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Use Less Butter: Reduce the amount of butter in the dough or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
• Coconut Oil: Replace the butter in the dough with coconut oil for a lighter option.
• Add Seeds: Mix flaxseeds or chia seeds into the dough for extra nutrition.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 270
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 15g

FAQs

Can I Freeze Mary Berry Coconut Buns?

Yes, you can freeze Mary Berry Coconut Buns. After baking and cooling, wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the buns at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a freshly baked texture.

Why Are My Coconut Buns Dense?

Dense coconut buns can result from not allowing the dough to rise properly. Make sure your yeast is fresh and active, and give the dough enough time to rise in a warm place. Additionally, avoid over-kneading the dough, as this can make the buns tough and dense.

How Do I Know When My Coconut Buns Are Done Baking?

Coconut buns are done baking when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of a bun; if it comes out clean, the buns are ready.

Can I Use Fresh Coconut Instead of Desiccated Coconut?

Yes, you can use fresh coconut instead of desiccated coconut in this recipe. Just make sure to finely grate the fresh coconut and lightly toast it to remove excess moisture before mixing it into the filling. This will prevent the filling from becoming too wet.

Final Words

The Mary Berry Coconut Buns Recipe is a delicious and satisfying treat, perfect for anyone who loves the tropical flavor of coconut combined with soft, fluffy bread.

Give them a try and enjoy the irresistible combination of soft dough and sweet coconut filling!

More By British Baking Recipes

• Mary Berry White Bread
• Mary Berry Fridge Cake
• Mary Berry Blondies

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