Mary Berry’s Chelsea Bun is a classic British treat, featuring a soft, sweet dough filled with currants and a hint of cinnamon, all rolled up and baked to golden perfection. It’s a delightful choice for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.
This recipe serves 8-10 people and can be prepared in approximately 2 hours.
What is Mary Berry, Chelsea Buns?
A Mary Berry Chelsea Bun is a traditional British sweet bun made from an enriched dough filled with dried fruit and spices, rolled up and baked until golden brown.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Sweet: The perfect combination of a soft, sweet dough and a fruity filling.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this recipe accessible for all bakers.
- Versatile: Enjoy these buns for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These buns are sure to impress family and friends with their delightful flavor.
- Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing like the satisfaction of baking from scratch.
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Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Chelsea Buns
- 500g (1.1 lbs) strong white bread flour: Essential for a good structure and rise.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors.
- 50g (1.75 oz) caster sugar: Adds sweetness.
- 300ml (10 fl oz) warm milk: Activates the yeast and helps bind the dough.
- 1 large egg: Adds richness to the dough.
- 50g (1.75 oz) unsalted butter, melted: For a soft, tender crumb.
- 1 sachet (7g) fast-action dried yeast: Leavening agent to help the dough rise.
- 200g (7 oz) currants: Traditional filling, adding sweetness and texture.
- 50g (1.75 oz) light muscovado sugar: For a rich, caramel flavor in the filling.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- 3 tbsp apricot jam: To glaze the buns and add a lovely shine.
Useful Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking tray
- Pastry brush
- Kitchen scale
- Sharp knife
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Chelsea Buns
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and caster sugar.
- Activate the yeast: In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until frothy.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk mixture. Add the egg and mix to form a dough.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Mix filling ingredients: In a bowl, combine the currants, light muscovado sugar, and ground cinnamon.
Step 3: Assemble the Buns
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 40×30 cm (16×12 inches).
- Add the filling: Sprinkle the currant mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll up the dough: Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- Cut into pieces: Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them cut-side up on a greased baking tray.
- Second rise: Cover the buns with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Buns
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Bake: Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Glaze: Warm the apricot jam and brush it over the hot buns to glaze.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Chelsea Buns?
- Clotted Cream: Adds a rich, creamy contrast.
- Fresh Berries: Provides a fresh, tangy balance.
- Hot Tea: The perfect pairing for a classic British treat.
- Butter: For a simple yet delicious option.
- Honey: Adds extra sweetness.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Chelsea Buns
- Use fresh yeast: Ensures the dough rises properly.
- Roll the dough tightly: Prevents gaps and keeps the filling intact.
- Don’t overbake: Avoids dry buns.
- Let the dough rise fully: Resulting in light, fluffy buns.
- Glaze while hot: For a shiny, sticky finish.
Variations of Mary Berry Chelsea Buns
- Add nuts: For extra crunch and flavor.
- Use different dried fruits: Such as raisins or sultanas.
- Add a citrus twist: With some orange or lemon zest.
- Try different spices: Like nutmeg or cardamom.
- Make mini buns: For a bite-sized treat.
How do I Store Mary Berry Chelsea Buns Leftovers?
- Airtight container: Keeps them fresh for a few days.
- Refrigerate: Extends their shelf life.
- Freeze: For long-term storage, up to 3 months.
- Wrap individually: For convenient, single servings.
- Use a bread box: For a traditional storage method.
How do I Reheat Mary Berry Chelsea Buns Leftovers?
- Microwave: For a quick warm-up.
- Oven: To keep them crispy.
- Toaster oven: For a convenient option.
- Steam: For a soft, moist bun.
- Skillet: For a lightly toasted surface.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 52g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 6g
FAQs
How do I get my Chelsea buns to rise properly?
Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. Use warm (not hot) milk to activate the yeast, and allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place. Covering the dough with a damp cloth helps retain moisture, promoting a better rise.
Why are my Chelsea buns dense?
Dense buns can result from under-kneading the dough or not allowing it to rise fully. Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic, and let it rise until doubled in size. Ensure the dough rises a second time after shaping the buns.
Can I make Chelsea buns without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can make Chelsea buns by hand. Mix the ingredients in a large bowl and knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. It may take a bit longer, but the result will be just as good.
How can I prevent the filling from leaking out of my Chelsea buns?
Roll the dough tightly and evenly when shaping the buns. Seal the edges by pinching them together. Additionally, avoid overfilling the dough to prevent excess filling from leaking out during baking.
Final Words
Creating Mary Berry’s Chelsea Buns at home is a delightful and rewarding experience. These sweet, sticky buns are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with friends and family. Enjoy baking and savoring every bite!