Mary Berry Raspberry Buns Recipe

If you enjoy classic British baking with a fruity twist, Mary Berry Raspberry Buns are a lovely place to start. Inspired by the baking style of Mary Berry, these soft buns balance a light, buttery crumb with the gentle sharpness of raspberries. They taste rich but not heavy, making them ideal for afternoon tea, weekend baking, or a simple homemade treat. The total time is modest, and the method relies on basic baking techniques, so the process feels calm and familiar from start to finish.

What are Mary Berry Raspberry Buns?

Mary Berry Raspberry Buns are small, tender, sweet buns made with a simple cake-style batter and studded with raspberries. Unlike yeast-heavy bakery rolls, these buns bake quickly and stay soft inside. The raspberries break slightly as they cook, creating pockets of bright flavour that cut through the sweetness and keep each bite fresh and balanced.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Lemon Drizzle Muffins
• Mary Berry Raspberry Roulade
• Mary Berry Raspberry Jam
• Mary Berry Raspberry Cheesecake

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Reliable texture – Soft inside with a light golden top that bakes evenly.
• Balanced sweetness – The raspberries add natural sharpness, not overpowering sugar.
• Time-friendly bake – From bowl to oven without long resting periods.
• Versatile treat – Works for breakfast spreads, tea tables, or casual desserts.
• Beginner-friendly – Straightforward steps using everyday ingredients.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Raspberry Buns

• Self-raising flour – 200 g
• Unsalted butter (softened) – 100 g
• Caster sugar – 100 g
• Eggs – 2 large
• Milk – 2 tablespoons
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
• Fresh or frozen raspberries – 150 g
• Lemon zest (optional) – 1 teaspoon

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Mixing bowl – Gives enough space to cream and fold gently.
• Electric hand mixer or wooden spoon – Helps achieve a smooth batter.
• Muffin tray – Keeps the buns evenly shaped.
• Paper cases – Prevent sticking and make serving easy.
• Cooling rack – Allows air to circulate and avoids soggy bases.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Raspberry Buns

• Prepare the oven – Preheat to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a muffin tray with paper cases.
• Cream butter and sugar – Beat until pale and fluffy; this traps air for a lighter bun.
• Add eggs gradually – Mix in one at a time, keeping the batter smooth.
• Stir in flavourings – Add vanilla and milk, blending gently.
• Fold in flour – Use a light hand to avoid knocking out air.
• Add raspberries – Fold carefully so they stay mostly whole.
• Bake until set – Cook for 18–22 minutes until lightly golden and springy to the touch.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Overmixing the batter – Led to dense buns, which were fixed by folding the flour gently.
• Too many raspberries – Made the centres wet, corrected by sticking to measured amounts.
• High oven temperature – Caused fast browning, solved by checking oven accuracy.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Raspberry Buns

• Reduced sugar option – Cut caster sugar to 75 g without losing structure.
• Wholegrain swap – Replace 50 g of flour with wholemeal flour for extra fibre.
• Lower-fat dairy – Use reduced-fat butter and semi-skimmed milk.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Raspberry Buns

• Butter alternative – Use 100 g baking margarine for a lighter crumb.
• Sugar swap – Try 90 g light brown sugar for a deeper flavour.
• Fruit change – Blueberries or chopped strawberries can replace raspberries at 150 g.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Raspberry Buns

• Classic tea moment – A cup of English breakfast tea balances the sweetness.
• Creamy contrast – Serve warm with lightly whipped cream on the side.
• Fresh addition – A small bowl of mixed berries keeps things bright.
• Simple spread – A thin layer of butter melts beautifully into the crumb.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Raspberry Buns

• Room-temperature ingredients – They blend more smoothly and bake evenly.
• Gentle folding – Keeps the crumb soft and avoids toughness.
• Even portioning – Use an ice-cream scoop for uniform baking.
• Oven middle shelf – Promotes steady heat circulation.
• Check early – Every oven behaves differently, so test at 18 minutes.
• Cool briefly – Let them rest 5 minutes before lifting out of the tray.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Raspberry Buns

• Citrus lift – Add extra lemon zest for a fresher aroma.
• White chocolate touch – Fold in 50 g white chocolate chips.
• Almond note – Sprinkle flaked almonds on top before baking.
• Jam centre – Swirl in 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam per bun.

Storing Mary Berry Raspberry Buns the Right Way

• Room temperature – Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration option – Store chilled for 3–4 days, well wrapped.
• Freezer-friendly – Freeze cooled buns for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Raspberry Buns (If Needed)

Warm in a low oven at 150°C for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. This refreshes softness without drying them out.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~220 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~28 g
• Fat: ~10 g
• Protein: ~4 g
• Sugar: ~15 g

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FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries for Mary Berry’s Raspberry Buns?

Yes, frozen raspberries work well in raspberry buns. Use them straight from the freezer without thawing, and fold them gently into the batter to avoid excess colour bleeding and moisture.

Why did my raspberry buns turn out dense instead of light?

Dense buns usually happen due to overmixing the batter or adding flour too aggressively. Gently folding the flour and raspberries helps keep the texture soft and airy.

How do I stop raspberries from sinking to the bottom of the buns?

Lightly toss the raspberries in a teaspoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This simple step helps distribute the fruit evenly throughout the buns.

How do I know when raspberry buns are fully baked?

The buns are ready when they are lightly golden on top, spring back when pressed gently, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Raspberry Buns are the kind of bake that feels comforting and familiar, like a well-worn recipe card pulled from a kitchen drawer. They come together with simple steps, reward gentle handling, and deliver flavour that feels balanced and honest. If you enjoy bakes that look inviting and taste even better, these buns deserve a place in your regular rotation.