Delight in the simplicity and flavor of Mary Berry’s raspberry buns, a classic treat perfect for any time of day. Soft, fluffy, and filled with tangy raspberry jam, these buns are a delightful indulgence.
This guide will take you through the steps to create these delicious raspberry buns. Alongside, you’ll gain insights into their history, variations, and storage tips.
What are Raspberry Buns?
Raspberry buns, a staple in British baking, are soft buns filled with raspberry jam. Known regionally as jammy buns, jam puffs, or jam splits, they have roots in Wales, traditionally made on a griddle or bakestone. Similar to rock cakes and related to Welsh cakes and scones, these buns have been a cherished snack, offering a quick energy boost.
What is Mary Berry Raspberry Buns Recipe?
Mary Berry Raspberry Buns Recipe is a simple and delicious recipe for making soft, fluffy, and jam-filled buns that are perfect for breakfast, tea time, or any occasion that calls for a sweet indulgence. The recipe is from Mary Berry, a British baking legend who has written over 70 cookbooks and hosted several TV shows. She is known for her reliable and mouthwatering recipes that are easy to follow and always turn out great.
Why You Love this Recipe
There are many reasons to love this recipe, such as:
- Ease of Making: Requires basic ingredients and simple kitchen tools, making the process straightforward and enjoyable.
- Versatility: Offers flexibility to use various jams and add ingredients like dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate for different flavors.
- Comforting Taste: Produces soft, fluffy buns with a delicious raspberry jam center, perfect for a warm, homey treat.
- Nostalgic Appeal: Evokes fond memories, embodying a classic, cherished recipe in British baking.
Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry Raspberry Buns
To make Mary Berry’s raspberry buns recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Self-raising Flour: A blend of plain flour with baking powder and salt already mixed in. It’s essential for helping the buns rise and become airy. To make your own, mix 225 grams of plain flour with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Ground Mixed Spice: A combination of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice. This mix adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the buns. You can purchase it ready-made or create your own blend using these spices.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the dough. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, but it should be softened at room temperature.
- Caster Sugar: A fine-grained sugar that dissolves easily, lending a subtle sweetness to the buns. It’s preferred over granulated sugar for a smoother texture.
- Egg: Acts as a binding agent for the dough, contributing to the structure and color of the buns. Use one large egg, lightly beaten.
- Milk: Provides the necessary liquid for the dough’s consistency. About 4 tablespoons of full-fat milk are needed, but the amount may vary slightly depending on the dough.
- Raspberry Jam: The key ingredient that fills the buns with a fruity, tangy flavor. Approximately 50 grams are needed, and you can opt for raspberry or other berry jams. Ensure the jam isn’t too runny or thick.
- Icing Sugar: A fine powdered sugar used for dusting over the finished buns. It adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the appearance.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Raspberry Buns
Making Mary Berry’s raspberry buns recipe is very easy and fun. You can even involve your kids or friends in the process and enjoy some quality time together.
Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the baking tray
First, you need to preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (180 degrees Celsius for a fan-assisted oven or gas mark 6) and grease a couple of baking trays. You can use butter, oil, or cooking spray to grease the trays or line them with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will prevent the buns from sticking to the trays and make them easier to remove.
Step 2: Make the dough
Next, you need to make the dough for the buns. In a large bowl, sift the flour and the ground mixed spice. This will aerate the flour and make the buns lighter and fluffier. Add the butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs. This will create pockets of air and fat in the dough that will expand and melt in the oven, making the buns tender and moist.
Add the sugar and the egg to the mixture and stir with a wooden spoon. Gradually add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until a thick and sticky dough is formed. You may not need all the milk, or you may need more, depending on the humidity and the type of flour you use. The dough should be soft but not too wet or dry.
Step 3: Shape the buns and fill them with jam
Now comes the fun part: shaping the buns and filling them with jam. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough briefly and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, about the size of a ping-pong ball, and place it on the prepared baking tray. Leave some space between the buns, as they will expand in the oven.
Using a floured finger, poke a hole into the top of each bun, gently pressing right down. Spoon a small amount of jam into these holes, using a small teaspoon and adding a little water to your jam beforehand to make it easier to pour. Be careful not to overfill the holes, as the jam will bubble and spill over in the oven.
Step 4: Bake the buns and sprinkle with icing sugar
Finally, you need to bake the buns and sprinkle them with icing sugar. Bake the buns in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly if left too long.
Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking trays before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle some icing sugar over the buns for a sweet and snowy effect. Enjoy your raspberry buns while they are still warm, or at room temperature, with a cup of tea or coffee.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Raspberry Buns
Mary Berry Raspberry Buns are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with some accompaniments to make them more complete and enjoyable.
Some of the options are:
- Tea or coffee: These are the classic beverages to pair with raspberry buns, as they complement the sweetness and tartness of the jam, and help wash down the buns. You can choose your favorite type of tea or coffee, such as black, green, herbal, or latte, and add some milk, sugar, honey, or lemon to your liking.
- Butter or cream: These are the classic toppings to spread over the buns, as they add some richness and creaminess to the buns, and enhance the flavor and texture of the jam. You can use salted or unsalted butter, or whipped or clotted cream, depending on your preference.
- Fresh fruits or berries: These are the classic garnishes to add some freshness and color to the buns, as they contrast the warmth and softness of the buns, and balance the sweetness and tartness of the jam. You can use any fruits or berries that are in season, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, apples, pears, or bananas, and slice or chop them as you like.
- Yogurt or ice cream: These are the classic desserts to serve with the buns, as they add some coolness and smoothness to the buns, and create a delightful contrast of hot and cold, and soft and crunchy. You can use any flavor of yogurt or ice cream that you like, such as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or raspberry, and scoop or drizzle them over the buns.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Raspberry Buns
Here are some pro tips to help you make perfect raspberry buns every time:
- Flour Sifting for Optimal Lightness: Always start by sifting the flour and spice. It’s the secret to lighter, fluffier buns, ensuring a delicate texture.
- Butter Incorporation Technique: Use your fingertips, not palms, to incorporate butter into the flour. This technique is key to creating the right texture in the dough, resulting in moist and tender buns.
- Gradual Milk Addition: Add milk slowly, one tablespoon at a time. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect dough consistency, as it can vary based on flour type and environmental humidity.
- Dough Kneading and Dividing: Briefly knead the dough, then divide it into 12 equal parts. This ensures even baking and proper expansion of the buns in the oven.
- Jam Filling Method: Carefully create a hole at the top of each bun for the jam. Add a bit of water to the jam for easier handling. This prevents the jam from spilling out during baking.
- Baking and Monitoring: Bake the buns in a preheated oven, keeping a close watch. The perfect baking time results in a golden brown color and just the right firmness.
- Finishing with Icing Sugar: A sprinkle of icing sugar adds a sweet touch and visual appeal to the raspberry buns. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, ideally with a hot beverage.
Variations of Mary Berry Raspberry Buns
You can vary the flavor of the buns by using different kinds of jam, such as apricot, cherry, or lemon curd.
- Jam Varieties: Experiment with different jams like apricot, cherry, or lemon curd to alter the buns’ flavor profile.
- Citrus Zest Addition: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Festive Ingredients: For a special touch, mix in dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips. Drizzle melted chocolate or glaze on top for extra indulgence.
- Savory Version: Create savory buns by removing the sugar and jam, instead of using fillings like cheese, ham, or bacon. Enhance with herbs like rosemary or thyme for added aroma.
- Gluten-Free and Vegan Options: Substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. Use dairy-free butter, milk, and vegan egg replacers for a vegan-friendly alternative.
How do I store Mary Berry Raspberry Buns Leftovers?
- Storage Duration: Keep leftover raspberry buns in an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the buns to cool completely to avoid sogginess and potential mold growth.
- Individual Wrapping: Wrap each bun in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in a single layer in a ziplock bag. This prevents them from drying out and retains flavor.
- Label and Date: Clearly label and date the storage container or bag. This helps in tracking freshness and expiry dates.
- Optimal Storage Conditions: Store the container or bag away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture to maintain the buns’ quality and safety.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Raspberry Buns Leftovers?
If you want to reheat your raspberry buns leftovers, you can microwave them for a few seconds, or bake them in a low oven for 10 minutes, until they are warm and soft.
Here are some tips to reheat them properly and safely:
- Thaw the buns if they are frozen, by leaving them at room temperature for an hour, or in the refrigerator overnight.
- Remove the plastic wrap or foil from the buns, or open the ziplock bag, to allow the steam to escape and prevent the buns from becoming soggy and mushy.
- Place the buns on a microwave-safe plate or a baking sheet, and cover them loosely with a damp paper towel or a piece of parchment paper, to keep them moist and prevent them from burning.
- Microwave the buns on high for 10 to 15 seconds, or bake them in a preheated oven at 150 degrees Celsius (130 degrees Celsius for a fan-assisted oven or gas mark 2) for 10 minutes, or until they are warm and soft. Do not overheat them, as this will dry them out and make them hard and tough.
- Enjoy your reheated raspberry buns with some butter, cream, fresh fruits, yogurt, or ice cream, as desired.
How do I make self-raising flour if I don’t have it?
You can make your own self-raising flour by adding 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to 225 grams of plain flour. Sift the mixture well and use it as you would use self-raising flour.
What kind of jam can I use for raspberry buns?
You can use any jam made from berries, such as strawberry, blackberry, blueberry, or blackcurrant. You can also use apricot, cherry, or lemon curd for a different flavor. Make sure the jam is not too runny or too thick, and add a little water to it before filling the buns.
How do I prevent the jam from spilling over the buns in the oven?
You can prevent the jam from spilling over the buns by making a deep and narrow hole in the top of each bun and filling it with a small amount of jam. You can use a floured finger, a piping bag, or a syringe to make the hole and fill it with jam. Be careful not to overfill the hole, as the jam will bubble and expand in the oven.
How do I make the buns more festive or savory?
For a festive touch, add dried fruits, nuts, chocolate chips or glacé cherries into the dough. Drizzle finished buns with lemon or vanilla glaze for extra sweetness too.
For a savory take, omit the sugar and jam. Instead, fill the buns with shredded cheese, cooked meats, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms. You can also knead chopped rosemary, oregano, or garlic right into the dough for a savory aroma and flavor. Simply get creative with fillings and toppings to tailor these buns however you’d like!
Final Words
Mary Berry’s raspberry buns recipe is a classic and easy recipe that you can make at home with simple ingredients and minimal effort. They are soft, fluffy, and filled with tangy raspberry jam that will delight your taste buds. They are perfect for breakfast, tea time, or any occasion that calls for a sweet indulgence.
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make Mary Berry’s raspberry buns recipe step by step, with tips and tricks to ensure success. You also learned some interesting facts about the history and variations of raspberry buns, as well as how to store and freeze them for later use.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you and see your raspberry buns creations. Happy baking!
