| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 460 | 16g | 8g | 76g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 31g | 4g | 9g | 0.42g |
About Gluten-Free Chelsea Bun
Our favorite Gluten-Free Chelsea Bun is a tempting delight that can make anyone’s mouth water. If you have been searching for a guilt-free snack that is indulgently sweet and surprisingly gluten-free, this is your stop. We promise it does not compromise a single bit when it comes to taste or texture; it’s everything you can dream of in a Chelsea bun, minus the gluten. An absolute treat, this bread only uses specific alternatives that steer clear of gluten while maintaining a delightful balance that echoes the authentic Chelsea bun. Good Housekeeping offers a fantastic original recipe for context.
The Chelsea Bun Story
The Chelsea bun, first baked in the 1700s in the Bun House, a London institution, is an integral part of British culinary lore. These sweet, sticky, fruity rolls were a favourite of both King George II and King George III. Our Gluten-Free Chelsea Bun offers the same fruity and delightful rolls that pay homage to this delightful tradition – minus the gluten, and with all the expected lusciousness intact.
Just the Right Treat at Any Time
This bread is perfect for different meals and various moods. It’s an excellent breakfast served in a platter of fruit and juice, a delightful afternoon snack with tea, a delicious dessert after dinner, or whenever you need a pick-me-up. The Gluten-Free Chelsea Bun can also complement savory dishes splendidly. Think ham or bacon— the sweet and sticky bun cutting through the salty, smoky meat makes for a fantastic surprising combo, somewhat similar to the US iconic Monte Cristo sandwich. Bon Appétit has a great recipe you can try.
The glaze for the bun shines as additional aesthetic perfection, rendering a glossy shine to these tantalizing swirls. And we dare say, the combination of butter, sugar, and cinnamon swirling through the layers is pure magic in every bite.
Even in the gluten-free world, nothing can beat the charm of homemade bread. So go on, roll up those sleeves, tap into your inner pastry chef, and bake yourself a delightful batch of Gluten-Free Chelsea Bun!
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups gluten-free bread flour
- 2 teaspoons xanthan gum
- 1 tablespoon dried yeast
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup caster sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- For the glaze:
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
Method
Step One
Combine gluten-free bread flour, xanthan gum, dried yeast, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Step Two
In a medium saucepan, combine the caster sugar, milk, and water. Over medium heat, stir until the sugar has dissolved. Let this mixture cool until it’s warm but not hot to touch. After it has cooled sufficiently, whisk in the eggs and vegetable oil.
Step Three
Pour the liquid mixture from Step Two into the dry mixture from Step One. Stir well to make sure the ingredients fully combine, creating a dough. Remember that this dough will be on the sticky side due to the absence of gluten.
Step Four
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface, then knead gently for 5 to 7 minutes. Once kneading is complete, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step Five
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan, then stir in the brown sugar, raisins, and ground cinnamon. Keep this mixture warm until ready to use.
Step Six
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface until it’s roughly a rectangle shape with a thickness of about 0.5 cm. Spread the filling from Step Five all over the dough, leaving a small gap around the edges. Start rolling the dough from the long side till you achieve a log shape.
Step Seven
Slice the log into rounds using a serrated knife, then place these rounds onto a baking sheet, making sure the cut side is facing up. Cover these with a damp cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step Eight
Bake at 180 degrees Celsius (or 350 degrees Fahrenheit) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden and well risen.
Step Nine
For the glaze, stir together white sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Brush this glaze over your freshly baked Chelsea buns as soon as they come out of the oven.
Step Ten
Allow your Gluten-Free Chelsea Buns to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them while they are still warm!
