Delicious and Easy-to-Make Kitchener Buns Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of self-rising flour
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup of milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 cup of raspberry jam
1 cup of whipped cream
2 cups of powdered sugar
4 tablespoons of hot water
1/2 teaspoon of red food coloring

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 180C/350F and line a muffin tray with paper liners.
In a large bowl, mix the self-rising flour and sugar together.
Add the softened butter, milk, eggs and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined and the batter is smooth.
Divide the batter among the lined muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the buns comes out clean.
Allow the buns to cool in the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the buns are cooled, cut a small hole in the top of each bun.
Fill each hole with a spoonful of raspberry jam and a dollop of whipped cream.
In a separate bowl, mix the powdered sugar, hot water and red food coloring together to create a thick pink icing.
Drizzle the icing over the buns, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Allow the icing to set before serving.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
Spatula - A utensil used for mixing and scraping the sides of the bowl.
Muffin Tray - A tray with individual cups to hold the batter.
Paper Liners - Liners used to prevent the buns from sticking to the muffin tray.
Wire Rack - A rack used to cool the buns after baking.
Knife - Used to cut a small hole in the top of each bun.
Spoon - Used to fill each bun with raspberry jam and whipped cream.
Whisk - An accessory used to mix the powdered sugar, hot water, and food coloring for the icing.

Recipe variations

Instead of using raspberry jam, try using strawberry or blackberry jam for a different flavor.
If you prefer a different type of filling, consider using lemon curd or Nutella.
For a more indulgent version, you can add chocolate chips to the batter.
To make it gluten-free, substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
If you prefer a vegan option, replace the milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk, use vegan butter, and substitute the eggs with a flax egg or applesauce.
For a crunchy texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts on top of the buns before baking.
To add a hint of citrus flavor, you can zest a lemon or orange and mix it into the batter.
If you prefer a different colored icing, you can use food coloring of your choice or omit it altogether.
For a savory twist, omit the sugar from the batter and fill the buns with cream cheese and chives or a savory spinach and feta filling.
To make mini Kitchener buns, use a mini muffin tray and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Recipe overview

Affectionately known as a South Australian classic, the Kitchener bun is a delightful sweet treat that is sure to please your taste buds. Starting with a base of soft, fluffy dough, these sweet buns are filled with a luscious raspberry jam and a dollop of whipped cream, and then finished with a drizzle of thick, pink icing. The Kitchener bun recipe is simple to follow and perfect for baking beginners. The process involves mixing a few basic ingredients to create the dough, baking until golden brown, and then filling and decorating to your heart's content. One bite of these deliciously sweet and creamy buns will transport you to a quaint bakery in the heart of South Australia. The only thing better than making these delicious buns is the joy of sharing them with friends and family. So, put on your baker's hat and let's get started on this delightful treat.

Common questions

Can I substitute self-rising flour with all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute self-rising flour with all-purpose flour, but you will need to add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt for every cup of all-purpose flour used.
Can I use a different flavor of jam?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any flavor of jam you prefer. Strawberry, blueberry, or even apricot would work well.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter in this recipe. Just make sure it is softened and at room temperature.
Can I make the buns in advance?
Yes, you can make the buns in advance. Once they are fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, it's best to add the jam, whipped cream, and icing just before serving.
Can I skip the red food coloring in the icing?
Yes, you can skip the red food coloring if you prefer. The icing will still taste delicious without it.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
Muffin Tray - Used to bake the Kitchener buns in the oven.
Paper Liners - Liners placed in the muffin tray to prevent the buns from sticking.
Wire Rack - Used for cooling the baked buns.
Toothpicks - Used to check if the buns are fully cooked by inserting them into the center.
Spoon - For mixing the batter and filling the buns with raspberry jam and whipped cream.
Bowl - Used for mixing the powdered sugar, hot water, and food coloring to make the icing.

Origin stories

The Kitchener bun is a beloved bakery treat that hails from South Australia. While its name may suggest connections to the English city of Kitchener, the bun's story is firmly rooted in the Australian city of Adelaide. During World War I, the original "Berlin bun" underwent a name change due to anti-German sentiment, and was patriotically renamed after the British field marshal, Lord Kitchener. Interestingly, despite the English-sounding name, this jam and cream-filled sweet bun topped with a dusting of powdered sugar is uniquely South Australian and you'd be hard-pressed to find it in Kitchener, England. It’s a classic example of how food history can be shaped by the larger social and political trends of the times.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.