| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 476 | 17g | 8g | 75g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 37g | 3g | 9g | 0.1g |
About Chelsea Bun
Warm, fluffy, aromatic, and unapologetically decadent, there’s nothing quite like a well-baked Chelsea bun. This quintessential British sweet bun hails from the 18th century, but its flavorful allure endures even in modern times. Possibly one of the greatest treasures to have been created in the bustling backstreets of London, the Chelsea Bun has been charming tastebuds and tea-times across generations with its delectable swirls of cinnamon, pecan, and raisins.
A Blast from the Past
The Chelsea Bun, steeped in its rich history and regal connection, traces its origin back to Bun House in London. The bakery’s proprietors had the privilege of serving these delightful treats to King George II and his family, thus popularising this bread across the kingdom. One can almost imagine, the aristocracy savouring each morsel of this sugary roll, as the aroma of cinnamon and spices wafted through the corridors of their grand castle.
The Flavor symphony
The true magic of this bread unfolds as you take a bite and discover the harmony of flavors in your mouth. The dough, lightly sweetened and made tender with the use of warm whole milk, eggs, and unsalted butter, serves as the perfect moist canvas for the radiant filling. The mingling of the aromatic spices such as ground cinnamon, brown sugar, with the slight crunch of chopped pecans and the sweetness of raisins – it is truly a tasteful art. All this goodness is then glazed with a simple mixture of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract giving it a shiny, inviting crown.
Lovers of Cinnamon Rolls or Sticky Buns will find a familiar comfort in Chelsea Bun. Although it has its own distinct texture and flavor, its warm spices and sweetness align beautifully with these similar bread varieties. For a perfect indulgent brunch, pair the Chelsea Bun with a Savory Frittata or a Healthy Smoothie.
And there you have it – a morsel of history, a symphony of flavors, and a comforting, familiar taste, all bundled up in the form of delectably soft, glazed Chelsea Bun. A simple yet satisfying treat you can enjoy with your morning cuppa or as a dessert, this British gem indeed merits its special place in the delightful world of bread.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup warm whole milk
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cups raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
Step One
Start by warming up the whole milk, then add the active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for around 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar and fine salt. Then, make a well in the mixture and pour in the yeast and milk mix.
Step Three
Add in the melted butter, large egg, and vanilla extract. Start combining the ingredients together to form a dough. If the dough is too sticky, add extra flour as needed until it is easy to knead.
Step Four
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. After that, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it and let it rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step Five
While the dough is rising, create your filling. Mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, softened unsalted butter, raisins and chopped pecans in a bowl.
Step Six
After an hour, when the dough has risen enough, roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. After that, spread your filling evenly over the dough. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one of the short edges, then cut into thick slices.
Step Seven
Place these slices into a buttered baking dish, cover, and let rise for another half hour. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you’re waiting.
Step Eight
Bake in the preheated oven for around 20 – 25 minutes, until they’re golden brown.
Step Nine
While the buns are baking, prepare your glaze. In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract, until it’s smooth.
Step Ten
Once the buns are done, let them cool slightly, then drizzle your glaze over the top. Serve while warm, and enjoy your homemade Chelsea Buns!
