admin1 Homemade iced cream buns are a delicious old-fashioned bakery favorite featuring soft, fluffy sweet bread rolls topped with a generous layer of smooth, sweet icing. These classic treats are perfect for afternoon tea, weekend baking, lunchboxes, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and comforting.
Made with simple ingredients, this easy iced cream bun recipe creates beautifully soft buns with a delicate crumb and a sweet vanilla icing that sets perfectly on top.
Recipe Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 25 minutes |
| Rising Time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Baking Time | 15–18 minutes |
| Total Time | Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Servings | 10 buns |
| Course | Dessert, Snack |
| Cuisine | British |
| Oven Temperature | 350°F (180°C) |
Ingredients
For the Sweet Bread Buns
- 3½ cups (450 g) all-purpose flour or strong bread flour
- 2¼ teaspoons (7 g) instant yeast
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Sweet Icing
- 1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Filling
- ½ cup whipped cream
- 2 tablespoons strawberry or raspberry jam
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, instant yeast, and sugar.
Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 5 minutes if you want to check that the yeast is active.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, flour, and salt.
Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface.
Knead for approximately 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Gradually knead in the softened butter until completely incorporated.
The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not excessively sticky.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl.
Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Allow it to rise in a warm place for approximately 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Buns
Gently punch down the risen dough to release excess air.
Divide it into 10 equal portions.
Shape each portion into a smooth ball, then gently roll it into an oval or short sausage shape.
Place the buns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the shaped buns loosely and allow them to rise for another 30–40 minutes.
They should become noticeably puffy and soft.
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 6: Bake the Buns
Place the tray in the preheated oven.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the buns are lightly golden on top and cooked through.
Avoid overbaking, as this can make the buns dry.
Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack.
Allow them to cool completely before icing.
Step 7: Prepare the Icing
Place the powdered sugar in a mixing bowl.
Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk or water.
Mix until smooth.
Add a little more liquid if needed to create a thick but spreadable icing.
The icing should be thick enough to coat the buns without running off completely.
Step 8: Ice the Buns
Once the buns are completely cool, spread a generous layer of icing over the top of each bun.
Alternatively, dip the tops into the icing and allow the excess to drip off.
Place the iced buns on a wire rack and allow the icing to set for approximately 20–30 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Estimated nutrition per bun, without optional cream or jam filling.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 275 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Sugar | 15 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients and icing quantity used.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Iced Cream Buns
Use Warm, Not Hot, Milk
Milk should be comfortably warm, around 100–110°F (38–43°C). Very hot milk can damage the yeast and prevent the dough from rising properly.
Knead Until Smooth
Proper kneading develops the dough’s structure and creates soft, fluffy buns.
Don’t Add Too Much Flour
A slightly tacky dough produces softer buns. Adding excessive flour can make them dry and dense.
Allow Enough Rising Time
The dough should double during the first rise and become puffy during the second rise.
Cool Before Icing
Warm buns will melt the icing and cause it to run off. Allow them to cool completely before decorating.
Delicious Variations
1. Classic Vanilla Iced Buns
Add extra vanilla extract to the icing for a rich, bakery-style vanilla flavor.
2. Strawberry Cream Iced Buns
Fill the buns with whipped cream and strawberry jam for a delicious cream bun variation.
3. Lemon Iced Buns
Add lemon zest to the dough and use lemon juice in the icing for a fresh citrus flavor.
4. Chocolate Iced Buns
Replace a few tablespoons of powdered sugar with cocoa powder to create chocolate icing.
5. Coconut Iced Buns
Sprinkle desiccated coconut over the icing before it sets for a tropical twist.
How to Store Homemade Iced Buns
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days if unfilled.
- Refrigerator: Cream-filled buns should be refrigerated and consumed within 1–2 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unfilled buns for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and ice before serving.
For the softest texture, enjoy the buns on the day they are baked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my iced buns dense?
Dense buns may result from insufficient kneading, too much flour, inactive yeast, or inadequate rising time.
Can I make iced buns without eggs?
Yes. Replace the egg with approximately 50 ml additional milk and use a little extra butter if needed. The texture may be slightly different.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Strong bread flour creates a slightly chewier structure while still producing soft, fluffy buns.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Yes. After kneading, cover the dough and refrigerate overnight. Allow it to come closer to room temperature before shaping and completing the second rise.
Are iced cream buns the same as cream buns?
Traditional iced buns are usually sweet bread rolls topped with icing. Cream buns are filled with whipped cream or custard. This recipe combines both options for a delicious homemade treat.
