Heavenly Boston Potato Buns with Pink Icing
Transport yourself back to your childhood with these delightful Boston Buns! A surprise ingredient—potato—adds a unique moistness and sweetness, making these buns an irresistible treat. Topped with a beautiful pink icing, these buns are perfect for a tea party or a sweet afternoon snack. Easy to make and delicious, they will surely become a family favorite.
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked potato
1 cup (sieved)
sugar
1 cup
mixed fruit
1 cup
milk
1 cup
self raising flour
2 cups
coconut
as needed
icing sugar
2 cups
fruit juice or water
as needed
vanilla essence
to taste
red food coloring
as needed
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and butter two 20 cm (8 in) round sandwich tins.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sieved potato and sugar until well combined.
3
Fold in the mixed fruit, milk, and self-raising flour. Mix thoroughly to ensure no lumps remain.
4
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared tins and smooth the tops.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
6
Once baked, allow the buns to cool completely in the tins before transferring to a wire rack.
7
While the buns are cooling, prepare the pink glace icing by placing the icing sugar in a bowl. Stir in a small amount of fruit juice or water, mixing until a creamy consistency is achieved.
8
Add vanilla essence and a drop of red food coloring at a time, stirring until you reach a soft pink hue.
9
Once the buns are cooled, spread the pink icing evenly over the tops and sprinkle with coconut.
10
Slice the buns, serve buttered if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Boston Potato Buns with Pink Icing?
They are a traditional sweet treat that uses sieved cooked potatoes in the batter to create a moist and sweet bun, topped with a signature pink glace icing and coconut.
Why is potato used in this bun recipe?
Potato acts as a secret ingredient that adds a unique moistness and a natural subtle sweetness to the crumb of the buns.
What type of potato should I use?
Any floury or all-purpose potato works well, as long as it is cooked until soft and sieved to ensure a smooth texture in the batter.
Do I need to sieve the potato?
Yes, sieving the potato is essential to prevent lumps and ensure it mixes evenly with the sugar and flour.
What size baking tins are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 20 cm (8 inch) round sandwich tins, which should be buttered before use.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) for the best baking results.
How long do the buns need to bake?
The buns typically take between 20 to 25 minutes to bake thoroughly.
How can I tell if the buns are finished baking?
Insert a skewer into the center of the bun; if it comes out clean, the buns are ready to be removed from the oven.
What ingredients are in the pink icing?
The icing consists of icing sugar, a small amount of fruit juice or water, vanilla essence, and a drop of red food coloring.
Can I use water instead of fruit juice for the icing?
Yes, you can use either water or fruit juice to achieve the desired creamy consistency for the glace icing.
How do I achieve the soft pink color for the icing?
Add the red food coloring one drop at a time, stirring constantly until the icing reaches your preferred shade of pink.
When should I apply the icing?
Wait until the buns have cooled completely on a wire rack before spreading the icing to prevent it from melting.
What should I sprinkle on top of the icing?
The recipe recommends a generous sprinkle of coconut over the fresh icing.
Is it necessary to add mixed fruit?
While mixed fruit is traditional for this recipe, you can omit it if you prefer a plain potato bun.
Can I substitute the self-raising flour?
If you do not have self-raising flour, you can use all-purpose flour mixed with 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every cup of flour.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to produce 16 servings.
What is the best way to serve these buns?
These buns are delicious when sliced and can be served buttered if desired, making them perfect for afternoon tea.
Can I make these buns in advance?
Yes, they can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their moistness.
How should I store leftover Boston Potato Buns?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
Are these buns suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the un-iced buns for up to 3 months. Thaw and ice them fresh before serving.
What kind of milk should I use?
Standard whole milk is recommended, but you can use low-fat or non-dairy milk alternatives if needed.
Can I use a different color for the icing?
Absolutely! While pink is traditional for Boston buns, you can use any food coloring you like or leave it white.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, the instructions are straightforward, and the 'mix and bake' method makes it very accessible for novice bakers.
What does the 'mixed fruit' usually contain?
Commercial mixed fruit usually contains a blend of sultanas, raisins, currants, and candied citrus peel.
Do I need to use an electric mixer?
While an electric mixer can help combine the potato and sugar quickly, a sturdy whisk or wooden spoon works just as well.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, as long as the mashed potatoes are plain (no salt, butter, or garlic added) and are sieved to ensure they are smooth.
How thick should the icing be?
The icing should be a creamy consistency—thick enough to stay on the bun but thin enough to spread easily.
Can I substitute vanilla essence?
Yes, you can use vanilla extract or even almond extract for a different flavor profile in the icing.
Why did my buns not rise?
Ensure your self-raising flour is fresh, as old leavening agents can lose their effectiveness over time.
What makes this a 'Heavenly' recipe?
The combination of the moist potato-based crumb and the sweet vanilla icing creates a nostalgic, comforting flavor that many describe as heavenly.