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)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	230 kcal
Carbohydrates	38 g
Protein	5 g
Fat	6 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Sugar	10 g
Sodium	150 mg
Fiber	1 g

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

Version	What to Do
Pink Iced Buns	Add pink food coloring to the icing
Custard-Filled	Fill with thick vanilla custard
Coconut Topped	Sprinkle desiccated coconut on wet icing
Chocolate Iced	Add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to icing
Lemon Iced	Add lemon juice/zest to the icing

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.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 35–40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Difficulty: Easy to Medium

Servings: 6 individual pies or 1 large family pie

Introduction

These Corned Beef, Onion, and Potato Pies are a savory staple, especially popular in the UK and Ireland. Made with pantry ingredients — canned or leftover corned beef, creamy potatoes, and sweet sautéed onions — the filling is encased in buttery pastry and baked until golden and crisp.

Perfect for weeknight meals, packed lunches, or picnics, these pies are both budget-friendly and soul-satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 tbsp butter or oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or mixed herbs (optional)
• 1 (12 oz / 340g) can corned beef, chopped
• Splash of milk or beef stock, if needed for moisture

For the Pastry:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (115g) cold butter, diced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4–6 tbsp cold water

Alternatively, use 2 sheets of store-bought shortcrust pastry.

For Assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional: sesame seeds or flaky salt for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pastry

1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add cold butter and rub together with fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Add cold water a tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough comes together.
3. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

While the pastry chills, prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a pan over medium heat, melt butter and add chopped onion. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until soft.
2. Add diced potatoes and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring, until potatoes are fork-tender. Add a splash of water or stock if sticking.
3. Stir in chopped corned beef and heat until fully combined and warm. Remove from heat.
4. Let the mixture cool slightly before assembling pies.

Step 3: Assemble the Pies

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out pastry to about 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface.
3. Cut into circles or rectangles large enough for your pie tins (or form freehand hand pies).
4. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each base.
5. Top with another piece of pastry. Press edges to seal (use a fork for a decorative crimp).
6. Cut a small steam vent in the top of each pie.
7. Brush tops with beaten egg.

Step 4: Bake

• Place pies on a baking tray lined with parchment.
• Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
• Let cool slightly before serving.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days
• Freezer: Freeze before or after baking (wrap tightly); bake from frozen at 350°F for 40–45 minutes
• Reheat: Oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or air fryer at 325°F for 5–6 minutes

Nutrition (Per Pie, Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Carbohydrates	28 g
Protein	13 g
Fat	28 g
Saturated Fat	10 g
Fiber	2 g
Sodium	700 mg

Values vary based on pastry type and meat used.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with mushy peas, baked beans, or a simple green salad
• Add a dollop of brown sauce, English mustard, or chutney on the side
• Enjoy cold for a traditional picnic or lunchbox treat

Variations

Variation	Description
Cheesy Pie	Add ½ cup grated cheddar to the filling
Spicy Version	Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne
Vegetarian Option	Swap corned beef for sautéed mushrooms or lentils
Mini Party Pies	Use muffin tins to make bite-sized pies
Puff Pastry Upgrade	Use puff pastry for a lighter, flaky crust

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food
• Great use for canned or leftover corned beef
• Easy, freezer-friendly, and versatile
• Ideal for make-ahead meals or gatherings
• Budget-friendly and filling

Final Thoughts

Corned Beef, Onion, and Potato Pies are the kind of humble, nostalgic dish that never goes out of style. Crispy on the outside, soft and savory inside, they’re perfect for feeding a crowd, stocking the freezer, or enjoying with a hot cup of tea on a rainy afternoon.

Whether you’re bringing a taste of the UK to your kitchen or just craving a hearty bake, this recipe brings comfort and flavor in every bite