Name: Pink Iced Finger Buns with Sultanas and Sprinkles Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 2 h 8 min
Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients: 455 g strong white bread flour (3 ½ cups / 1lb); ⅓ cup white granulated sugar (66g / ~2 ¼oz); 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (or active dry yeast) (1 sachet / 7g); ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 cup whole milk (250ml); ⅓ cup vegetable oil (80ml); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup sultanas or raisins (optional) (75g / ~2 ½oz); 1 ¾ cups icing sugar (powdered sugar) (225g / 8oz); 1-2 tablespoons milk; 1-3 drops pink or red food colouring; 100’s and 1000’s (sprinkles) or desiccated coconut, for topping

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving a delightful treat that combines soft, fluffy buns with that nostalgic touch of sweet pink icing, then you’re in for a real treat with this Pink Iced Finger Buns with Sultanas and Sprinkles Recipe. These finger buns are perfectly soft and subtly spiced with vanilla, studded with juicy sultanas, and topped with a luscious pink icing that’s decorated with colorful sprinkles. They are an absolute joy to bake and even more fun to share with friends over a cuppa or for an indulgent afternoon snack. Trust me, once you try making these irresistibly charming Pink Iced Finger Buns with Sultanas and Sprinkles Recipe, they’ll quickly become one of your new kitchen favorites to impress both family and visitors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A collection of baking ingredients is arranged on a white marbled surface. From top left, there is a large clear bowl filled with white powdered sugar, next to a smaller clear bowl with salt. Below these, a round clear bowl contains small beige yeast granules. Next to it is a whole brown egg. To the right, there is a clear glass filled with white milk and a clear bowl filled with white granulated sugar. Below, a large white bowl holds white flour. To the left of the flour, a small clear bowl is filled with multi-colored round sprinkles, and next to it is a tiny bottle of pink liquid food coloring. Above, a clear bowl contains dark brown raisins, and two clear bowls hold golden and amber liquids placed side by side. The composition is neatly spaced and all containers are transparent or white, showing the different textures and colors clearly, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Pink Iced Finger Buns with Sultanas and Sprinkles Recipe uses simple pantry staples that come together beautifully. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the strong bread flour that creates the perfect chewy foundation to the sultanas for bursts of sweetness, and the vibrant pink icing that makes them truly eye-catching.

Strong white bread flour (455 g / 3 ½ cups): Provides the perfect structure and chewiness for your buns.
White granulated sugar (⅓ cup / 66 g): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the dough.
Instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons / 7 g): Essential for that lovely rise and airy crumb in the buns.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Helps bind ingredients and adds richness.
Whole milk (1 cup / 250 ml): Tenderizes the dough and keeps it moist.
Vegetable oil (⅓ cup / 80 ml): Provides softness and a subtle richness.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Lends a delicious warmth and aroma.
Sultanas or raisins (½ cup / 75 g, optional): Give sweet, juicy bursts inside the buns.
Icing sugar (1 ¾ cups / 225 g): Base for the glossy and sweet pink icing.
Milk (1-2 tablespoons): Adjusts icing consistency perfectly.
Pink or red food colouring (1–3 drops): Brings the iconic pink hue that makes these finger buns a feast for the eyes.
100’s and 1000’s or desiccated coconut (for topping): Adds a playful pop of texture and color on top.

How to Make Pink Iced Finger Buns with Sultanas and Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Combine Wet Ingredients

Start by warming your milk until it’s just pleasantly warm to the touch—around 40°C is perfect. Stir in a tablespoon of sugar and sprinkle in the yeast. Whisk gently and give it 5 to 10 minutes until you see it puff up with bubbles. This signals your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, which is the start of that beautiful dough rise.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the bread flour, remaining sugar, salt, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the bowl with the yeast mixture. Use a dough hook or your hands to roughly bring everything together before kneading. Knead the dough moderately on low to medium speed for about 10 to 12 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and springy to the touch. If kneading by hand, resist adding extra flour and knead for about 15 to 18 minutes. The dough will start off sticky but will come together beautifully with time.

Step 3: Incorporate the Sultanas

Once your dough has come together, knead in the sultanas gently but thoroughly. These little bursts of natural sweetness add incredible texture and flavor, so don’t skip them if you love a fruit-studded bun.

Step 4: First Rise

Remove the dough from the bowl and lightly oil the bowl. Place your dough back inside and flip it to coat with the oil to prevent drying out. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let it rest in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens—the dough develops airiness and flavor.

Step 5: Shape the Finger Buns

Prepare a 26×30 cm (10×12 inch) baking tray by generously greasing it with butter. Punch down your risen dough to release excess air, then transfer it onto a clean surface. Divide the dough evenly into 12 pieces—you can weigh them if you want precise sizing. Roll each piece into a smooth log shape about 3 by 11 cm (1 ¼ by 4 ¼ inches). Place the logs onto the baking tray, spacing them 1 to 2 inches apart. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and allow them to rise again for 45 to 60 minutes until puffed and pillowy.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan forced) or 350°F. Bake the finger buns for approximately 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. If you want to be precise, they should register an internal temperature of about 88°C (190°F). The smell while baking is simply irresistible!

Step 7: Prepare the Icing and Decorate

Allow the buns to cool nearly to room temperature before icing; this prevents the pink glaze from melting off. Combine the icing sugar with milk, starting with one tablespoon and adding more if needed, until you achieve a thick but pourable consistency that smooths out over about 10-12 seconds. Stir in 1 to 3 drops of pink or red food colouring until you reach a lovely soft pink shade. Generously spread the icing over each bun and then dip or sprinkle the tops with colorful 100’s and 1000’s or desiccated coconut for that iconic look and a fun texture.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

These Pink Iced Finger Buns with Sultanas and Sprinkles Recipe are perfect served as is or sliced in half and slathered with butter for an extra indulgent bite. Now all that’s left is to enjoy the rewarding taste of your baking efforts!

How to Serve Pink Iced Finger Buns with Sultanas and Sprinkles Recipe

The image shows a metal baking tray with twelve unbaked dough rolls arranged in three rows of four. Each roll is oval-shaped, pale in color with a smooth texture, and contains some dark spots suggesting bits of raisins or similar ingredients inside. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface, and a light gray textured cloth is visible on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle an extra handful of 100’s and 1000’s or toasted desiccated coconut on top of the icing for a playful, colorful finish that is as tactile as it is tasty. You can also try a light dusting of edible glitter for special occasions to make these finger buns even more festive.

Side Dishes

Pair these buns with a cup of strong black tea or a creamy latte to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or mandarin segments complement the soft doughy texture and add a refreshing contrast. You could also serve them alongside a bowl of whipped cream for a decadent teatime treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the finger buns on a rustic wooden board or a pretty cake stand layered with a doily for an irresistible visual appeal. For kids’ parties or afternoon teas, offer multiple topping options at a “decorate your own finger bun” station, letting guests add their favorite sprinkles, nuts, or small chocolate chips. Gift them in cute boxes tied with ribbon for a charming homemade gift that speaks volumes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover Pink Iced Finger Buns with Sultanas and Sprinkles Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep their soft texture, avoid refrigeration, which tends to dry out baked goods.

Freezing

If you want to save some buns for later, these freeze beautifully. Wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Reheating

To enjoy your Pink Iced Finger Buns freshly warmed, pop them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm gently in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 5 minutes. The icing might soften slightly, adding to the melts-in-your-mouth experience.

FAQs

Can I use raisins instead of sultanas?

Yes! Raisins make a great substitute and will provide a similar sweet, chewy element inside the buns. Just use the same quantity, and enjoy the flavor you prefer.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

No worries! You can mix the dough with a sturdy wooden spoon and knead by hand on a clean surface. It might take a little longer, but the result will be just as delicious with a bit of elbow grease.

How can I make the icing thicker or thinner?

To thicken your icing, add more icing sugar a tablespoon at a time. To thin it out, add a few drops of milk gradually. Aim for a consistency that spreads easily but doesn’t drip off immediately.

Can I make these finger buns dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and swap the butter used for greasing with a dairy-free alternative. The texture and taste may vary slightly, but they’ll still be scrumptious.

Is it possible to add other flavors or toppings?

Feel free to experiment! Try adding citrus zest like orange or lemon to the dough for a fresh twist or swap sprinkles for crushed nuts or chocolate chips. The Pink Iced Finger Buns with Sultanas and Sprinkles Recipe is versatile and welcoming to your own creative touches.

Final Thoughts

There’s something absolutely heartwarming about baking and sharing Pink Iced Finger Buns with Sultanas and Sprinkles Recipe. They bring a nostalgic charm yet remain delightfully fresh, fluffy, and colorful. Once you’ve made these finger buns, you’ll find yourself reaching for the recipe again and again, whether for a family breakfast, a sweet afternoon snack, or a friendly gathering. So roll up your sleeves, get mixing, and fill your home with the wonderful aroma of freshly baked pink iced delights!