Home made Iced Buns.

Soft, fluffy yeast buns with sweet icing — just like the bakery!

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Bake Time: 12–15 minutes

Total Time: About 2 hours 15 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate

Makes: 10–12 buns

Introduction

Iced Buns are a beloved classic in British bakeries — soft, slightly sweet buns topped with glossy white icing. Some versions are left plain on the inside, while others are filled with jam, whipped cream, or custard.

These buns are light and airy, with a deliciously sticky top and endless room for personalization. They’re perfect for tea parties, after-school treats, or just for baking something nostalgic.

Ingredients

For the Buns:

• 3 ½ cups (450g) strong white bread flour
• 1 packet (7g) instant yeast
• ¼ cup (50g) caster sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk
• ¼ cup (60ml) warm water
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup (50g) unsalted butter, softened

For the Icing:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 1–2 tbsp cold water or milk
• A few drops of vanilla or almond extract (optional)
• Food coloring (optional)

Optional Fillings:

• Jam (strawberry, raspberry, or blackcurrant)
• Sweetened whipped cream
• Custard
• Buttercream

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add warm milk, warm water, and beaten egg. Mix until combined.
3. Add softened butter and knead for 8–10 minutes (or 5–6 minutes in a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.
4. Form into a ball and place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.

Step 2: First Rise

• Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Buns

1. Punch down the dough and divide into 10–12 equal pieces.
2. Shape each piece into a smooth oval or sausage shape by tucking the edges under.
3. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray, spacing slightly apart but close enough they might touch when baked.
4. Cover loosely and allow to rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.

Step 4: Bake

• Preheat your oven to 375°F / 190°C (170°C fan / Gas mark 5).
• Bake buns for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
• Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before icing or filling.

Step 5: Make the Icing

1. In a bowl, sift the icing sugar.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of water or milk and mix. Add more liquid a few drops at a time until smooth but thick enough to cling to the bun.
3. Add a drop of vanilla extract or a touch of color if desired.

Step 6: Ice the Buns

• Spread or spoon icing over the top of each bun. Let set for 10–15 minutes.

For a glossy finish, dip the tops into the icing and let the excess drip off.

Step 7: Fill the Buns (Optional)

• Once the buns are iced and set, slice horizontally (but not all the way through, like a hot dog bun).
• Pipe or spoon in jam, whipped cream, or custard.

Storage & Freezing

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days
• Refrigerate: If filled with cream, refrigerate and eat within 24 hours
• Freeze: Un-iced buns can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and ice when ready to serve

Nutrition Info (Per Bun, Approximate – unfilled)

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a hot cup of tea
• Dust lightly with powdered sugar for extra charm
• Decorate with sprinkles, glacé cherries, or edible glitter
• Fill with raspberry jam & whipped cream for a bakery-style treat

Variations

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bakery-style buns from your own kitchen
• Soft, sweet, and satisfying
• Customizable with fillings, toppings, or icing colors
• Kid-friendly and nostalgic
• Great for tea parties, birthdays, or special treats

Final Thoughts

Whether you grew up with them or are discovering them for the first time, Homemade Iced Buns are a joy to bake and share. They’re simple yet beautiful, indulgent yet light — and nothing beats the smell of freshly baked buns cooling on the rack.