Chelsea Buns Recipe Easy – Fluffy & Sweet Breakfast
Chelsea Buns Recipe Easy – Fluffy & Sweet Breakfast
Did you know that nearly 50% of people consider breakfast to be their favorite meal of the day? If you’re among them, you’ll want to try making Chelsea buns, which are not only fluffy and sweet but also surprisingly easy to prepare. Perfect for any morning or brunch gathering, these delightful treats blend nostalgic flavors with simplicity. But what’s the secret behind their irresistible texture and taste? Keep exploring to uncover the steps to creating these delectable, aromatic breads that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat, Chelsea buns are sure to impress. They offer unique ingredients and flavors that set them apart from typical rolls. With dried currants and spices like cinnamon and citrus zest, you’ll enjoy a distinctive taste adventure. Plus, you can customize fillings to match your preferences, whether it’s seasonal fruits or a custard twist.
Making Chelsea buns is easy and versatile. The dough is simple to prepare using basic ingredients like flour, yeast, milk, and eggs. You just roll and cut the dough to create that iconic shape.
These buns can be baked in different sizes and pans, allowing for creative presentation. Another great perk? You can freeze them for later use, so they’re perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks. Additionally, rehydrating currants enhances their flavor and moisture, leading to a more satisfying bite.
You’ll love the soft, fluffy texture paired with a crisp exterior. With their sweet and savory balance, Chelsea buns suit any occasion, whether for brunch or an afternoon treat.
Brush on the simple glaze while they’re warm for a touch of sweetness, and you’re all set. Enjoy experimenting with traditional and modern variations—it’s a delicious way to enhance your baking!
History
Chelsea buns have a rich history that adds to their charm and appeal. Originating around 1700 at the Chelsea Bun House in London, these delightful treats became an instant hit. Located between Chelsea and Pimlico, the bakery welcomed high society, including Kings George II and III. Imagine the scene—50,000 people queued up just to buy a bun!
During the 18th century, the Chelsea Bun House reached peak success, drawing the royal family and nobility for morning visits. The crowd’s enthusiasm was immense, as evidenced by record sales of 240,000 hot-cross buns on Good Friday in 1829. Richard Hands, known as Captain Bun, played a significant role in popularizing these treats.
Unfortunately, the bakery closed its doors in 1839, but its legacy lived on. While many imitations sprang up in the area, none could replicate the buns’ unique flavor and lightness.
Cultural significance is another facet of their history. Chelsea buns are featured in historical texts like John Timbs’ “Curiosities of London.” Even after the original bun house closed, street vendors in Westminster kept the tradition alive.
Today, Chelsea buns remain a beloved treat, celebrated for their enduring appeal and iconic status.
Recipe
Chelsea Buns are a delightful sweet treat that combines a soft, buttery brioche dough with a rich custard filling, often adorned with delightful spices and dried fruits. These buns, which can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, boast a luscious glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert, Chelsea Buns are sure to please anyone who takes a bite.
Making Chelsea Buns does require some patience, as the dough needs to rise a couple of times to achieve its fluffy texture. However, the process is well worth it for the warm, gooey, and fragrant end result. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to indulge in a delicious baking adventure. Additionally, these buns are characterized by a fluffy texture thanks to their proper dough handling techniques.
Ingredients:
– 250g whole milk, lukewarm
– 2 tsp (7g) instant yeast
– 60g sugar
– 560g all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp (3g) salt
– 2 eggs (about 100g not including shell), at room temperature
– 1 tsp (5g) vanilla bean paste
– 120g unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 110g sugar (for custard)
– 50g custard powder
– 125g egg yolks
– 410g whole milk (for custard)
– ½ tsp vanilla bean paste (for custard)
– ½ tsp salt (for custard)
– 20g unsalted butter (for custard)
– 50g brown sugar (optional)
– 85g raisins
– 315g powdered sugar (for glaze)
– ¼ tsp vanilla (for glaze)
– 3-4 Tbsp whole milk (for glaze)
Instructions:
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan, heat the milk and 120g of butter until melted and warm (about 110-120 degrees F). Allow it to cool slightly before mixing in the instant yeast and the eggs until well combined.
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Knead Dough: In a large bowl, combine the sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Pour in the wet mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for approximately one hour or until doubled in size.
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Prepare Custard: In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and custard powder. In a saucepan, heat the 410g of whole milk until hot but not boiling. Gradually add the sugar mixture and stir continuously until thickened. Remove from heat and mix in the 125g of egg yolks, ½ tsp vanilla bean paste, ½ tsp salt, and 20g of butter until smooth. Set aside to cool.
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Roll Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×8 inch rectangle. Brush the surface with melted butter (you can use some of the remaining butter).
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Add Filling: Sprinkle the brown sugar (if using), cinnamon, raisins, and spread the cooled custard evenly across the dough.
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Roll Up: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into individual buns, about an inch thick.
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Rise Again: Place the buns in a greased baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and let them rise at room temperature for about one hour, or until doubled in size.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top and baked through.
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Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and 3-4 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled buns once they’ve finished baking.
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Serve and Store*: *Serve the buns warm or at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed on the day they’re baked but can be stored at room temperature for another day or frozen for later use.
When making Chelsea Buns, feel free to experiment with the filling ingredients by incorporating different dried fruits or spices to suit your taste.
Also, confirm that the milk and butter mixtures are cooled properly before adding the yeast to prevent killing the yeast.
Finally, don’t rush the rising times; allowing the dough to rise adequately is key to achieving that light and fluffy texture that makes these buns irresistible!
Final Thoughts
When wrapping up your baking adventure, keep in mind that attention to detail is key for perfect Chelsea Buns. You want to begin with a short preparation time. This keeps the process simple and enjoyable. Measure your ingredients carefully to guarantee the buns are all the same size. Equal sizes help them bake evenly.
Make certain to preheat your oven to the correct temperature—400°F (200°C) or Gas Mark 6—before you start baking. Using traditional ingredients like currants or sultanas adds authentic flavor and texture. Your dough should be enriched with eggs, butter, and milk for that fluffy, soft result you desire. Additionally, using rapid-rise yeast ensures that you can enjoy your delicious Chelsea Buns in no time.
After you’ve rolled the dough, make certain to cut it into equal slices. This step is essential for uniform baking. As you set the buns to rise, allow space between them to guarantee proper airflow. Cover them with a cloth to maintain moisture during this period.
Finally, glaze the buns while they’re still warm. This helps the glaze adhere better, enhancing the flavors. With these tips, your Chelsea Buns will surely turn out delicious and inviting. Happy baking!
FAQ
If you’ve got questions about baking Chelsea Buns, you’re not alone! Let’s break down the essentials for making these delightful treats.
To start, you’ll need basic ingredients like flour, yeast, sugar, milk, eggs, and butter. You can customize your buns with fillings such as currants, raisins, cranberries, or apricots. For a finishing touch, consider glazing with powdered sugar, apricot jam, or even adding some citrus zest. Spices like cinnamon and flavors like vanilla or lemon zest can improve your buns too.
When preparing the dough, mix the yeast, sugar, milk, eggs, and flour together, then knead until it’s smooth. Allow it to rise until doubled in size. Traditional British treat Chelsea Buns are known for their unique combination of enriched yeast dough and sweet fillings.
Once risen, roll out the dough, spread your chosen filling, and roll it into a log. Cut this log into equal pieces, placing them on a baking sheet.
Bake your Chelsea Buns at around 190°C/370°F for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. After baking, cool briefly before glazing them for the best flavor.
