Sri Lankan Jam Bun Recipe (A Classic Bakery Item)

Looking for a nostalgic, bakery-style treat you can make at home? These Sri Lankan-style soft and fluffy jam buns are the perfect blend of comfort, sweetness, and simplicity. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe delivers pillowy buns filled with your favourite jam — perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a kid-friendly snack.

Whether you remember them from Sri Lankan bakeries or you’re discovering them for the first time, this recipe brings that same warm, jam-filled goodness right to your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Jam Bun Recipe

• Simple ingredients, beginner-friendly method
• Soft, fluffy dough every time
• Perfectly portioned dough balls (65 g each)
• Delicious for meal prep, lunch boxes, or tea parties

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Ingredients (Serves 4–5)

Dry & Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup warm water (120°F)
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup milk, warm (120°F)
• 1 – 1 1/2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 3 tablespoons white sugar (divided)
• 5 tablespoons jam of your choice

For Brushing

• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine

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How to Make Jam Buns (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water (120°F), 1 tablespoon of sugar, and the yeast. Stir gently and let it rest for about 15 minutes, or until the surface becomes foamy and bubbly.
This step ensures your yeast is active and guarantees soft, perfectly risen jam buns.

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Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour and create a well in the middle.
Pour in the activated yeast mixture, add the salt to one side, and mix until everything starts to come together.

Add the warm milk to the bowl. Knead the dough until it forms a slightly sticky ball.
Next, add the butter and continue kneading until the dough becomes smooth, stretchy, and elastic — this is key for achieving bakery-style texture.

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Step 3: First Rise

Cover the dough with a cloth or wrap and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise for 1–2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
A proper first rise creates the light and fluffy structure of the buns.

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Step 4: Shape the Jam Buns

Punch down the dough to release trapped air.
Divide it into 65 g dough balls for evenly sized buns.

Flatten each portion into a 5 × 5 cm or 5.5 × 5.5 cm circle. Add a spoonful of your favourite jam to the centre.
For extra flavour and texture, you can mix the jam with a little sugar to create a slightly crunchy filling.

Fold the dough into a half-moon shape and seal the edges firmly using the blunt side of a spoon or knife. This helps keep the jam filling securely inside while baking.

Place the shaped buns on a baking tray and let them rise again for 30 minutes to achieve that signature pillow-soft finish.

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Step 5: Final Touches

Brush the tops of the buns with milk and sprinkle with the remaining sugar.
This gives the jam buns a beautiful golden colour and a lightly sweet crust.

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Step 6: Bake the Jam Buns

Bake at 350°F (176°C) for 30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown.
Once out of the oven, cover the warm buns with a clean tea towel for 20–30 minutes. This final step helps the buns soften further, giving them that authentic soft bakery-style texture.

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What Jam Works Best?

You can use:

• Mixed fruit jam
• Strawberry or raspberry jam
• Mango jam
• Pineapple jam

Thicker jams prevent leaking, so choose one that’s not too runny.

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Perfect for Breakfast or Tea Time

These bakery-style jam buns are a nostalgic favourite that never goes out of style. Light, airy, sweet, and comforting — the perfect addition to your breakfast or to pair with your evening tea.