Name: Sweet Baked Raspberry Buns
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Ingredients: Warm water; Egg; Vanilla extract; Melted butter; Flour; Sugar; Instant yeast; Salt; Vegetable oil (for brushing); Raspberry jam (store-bought or homemade); Powdered sugar; Water (for icing)

If you’re fond of the delightful taste of jelly donuts but prefer avoiding the mess of frying, Sweet Baked Raspberry Buns are your new best friend! These scrumptious treats bring forth the familiar sweetness and pillowy texture of a jelly donut, all without the grease. With a tender, oven-baked dough and a pocket of tangy raspberry jam, these buns are a fantastic option for satisfying your sweet tooth. Imagine combining the best parts of a dinner roll, a thumbprint cookie, and a Danish pastry — that’s what you get with these raspberry-filled wonders. With a simple preparation process, these buns are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you’re craving something special. Give them a try and discover an easier way to enjoy jelly donut flavors without the frying fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Baked Raspberry Buns Recipe

Here are just a few reasons why these raspberry buns will become a household favorite:

Easy Preparation: A straightforward yeast dough that requires no folding or laminating.
Fluffy and Soft: Yielding tender buns that boast a light, pillowy texture.
Delightful Flavor: Raspberry jam provides a tart yet sweet contrast that elevates the entire treat.
Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
Mess-Free Dessert: Baked goodness eliminates the mess from frying while still delivering delicious results.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the baking process, ensure your kitchen space is well prepared. Begin by gathering all of your ingredients to streamline the cooking process. For these sweet buns, you will need: a mixing bowl for combining ingredients, a flat workspace for kneading dough, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Several special tools will make the preparation more successful, including a thermometer to check the temperature of your water (to activate the yeast effectively), a pastry brush for applying oil, and a small jar or your thumb to create the indent for the raspberry jam. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready once your buns are shaped and rising. Finally, a cooling rack will enable the buns to cool evenly after baking. With these preparations, you’re on the path to raspberry bun success!

Ingredients

Warm water
Egg
Vanilla extract
Melted butter
Flour
Sugar
Instant yeast
Salt
Vegetable oil (for brushing)
Raspberry jam (store-bought or homemade)
Powdered sugar
Water (for icing)

Instructions

Step 1: Mix Ingredients

Start by blending your wet ingredients: warm water, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir these together until they are fully combined, setting the foundation for a delectable dough.

Step 2: Form the Dough

Incorporate the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Gradually add flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt, mixing until a sticky dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface to achieve a smooth and elastic texture, lightly dusting with more flour if necessary.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer your kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and place it in a warm spot. Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size, which should take about 45 to 60 minutes.

Step 4: Shape the Buns

Divide your dough into 8 equal balls (or 10-12 for smaller buns) and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to rise again until they appear puffy, approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 5: Add Raspberry Filling

Using your thumb or a small jar, press an indent into the center of each bun. Fill each indent with a teaspoon of raspberry jam, ensuring plenty of tasty filling in every bite.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the filled buns for around 15 to 20 minutes until they turn golden and the jam becomes bubbly. Your kitchen will fill with a delightful aroma!

Step 7: Cool and Ice

Once baked, allow the buns to cool slightly before drizzling them with a simple icing made by mixing powdered sugar, jam, and a splash of water. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Variations

Protein: You can add almond meal to the dough for extra protein content and a nutty taste.
Vegetables: Sneak in nutritional benefits by incorporating finely grated carrot or zucchini into the dough.
Spices: Experiment with flavors by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your dough.

Cooking Notes

Yeast Activation: Ensure the water temperature is between 105°F and 115°F to effectively activate the yeast.
Kneading: Don’t be afraid to add extra flour as needed while kneading to avoid sticky dough.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast Delight: Pair these buns with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast treat.
Sweet Ending: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Tips

Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for best results.
Use a pastry brush to apply oil, ensuring buns don’t stick to the baking sheet.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 250 calories per bun
Protein: 5g per bun
Sodium: 120mg per bun

FAQs

Can I use other types of jam besides raspberry?

Absolutely! You can substitute raspberry with your favorite jam flavors like strawberry, apricot, or blueberry for a different twist.

Is it possible to prepare these buns in advance?

Yes, prepare the dough a day ahead, let it rise, then refrigerate overnight. Shape and bake them when ready to serve.

Can I freeze these buns?

Baked buns can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

What can I do if the dough is too sticky?

Add small amounts of flour while kneading until the dough becomes smooth and manageable.

Conclusion

Sweet Baked Raspberry Buns are an absolute treat for those who love the flavor and texture of jelly donuts, sans the hassle of frying. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this recipe provides an opportunity to get creative with fillings and variations. Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a simple breakfast at home, these buns promise to delight every palate. Try them today, and don’t forget to leave a comment on how your version turned out, or any unique twists you added. Enjoy the indulgent allure of these delicious buns!