Sweet buns are delicious bakery treats. These buns are soft, slightly chewy, and filled or topped with tasty ingredients like fruits, sugar, or icing. They come in different varieties, two popular types are the Belgian bun and the Chelsea bun.

While they share many qualities, like being sweet, doughy, and usually containing fruit, one major difference stands out—they don’t look or taste exactly the same. 

What is a Belgian Bun? 

A Belgian bun is a sweet, round pastry that’s typically topped with white icing and a bright red glacé cherry. The dough is rolled and filled with a layer of sweet, buttery lemon curd and often includes sultanas or raisins inside.

Once baked to golden perfection, it’s drizzled with icing for an extra touch of sweetness. Belgian buns are known for their soft, pillowy texture and slight tang from the lemon, which balances the sweetness of the icing and fruit. The glazed cherry adds a burst of color and flavor, making it stand out among other bakery items. 

What is a Chelsea Bun? 

A Chelsea bun is another classic sweet treat, but it has its own distinct characteristics. Unlike the Belgian bun, which is round and lemony, the Chelsea bun is typically rectangular or square and doesn’t have icing on top. Instead, it’s packed with a rich mixture of currants, cinnamon, and sugar.

The dough is rolled up with the filling and then sliced into individual portions before baking. The result is a spiced, fruity bun that’s often sticky on the outside, as it’s glazed with syrup after baking. Chelsea buns are beloved for their comforting combination of cinnamon and dried fruit, with a deep sweetness that comes from the sugary glaze. 

Difference Between the Belgian Bun and the Chelsea Bun 

Shape

The first noticeable difference between the two buns is their shape. A Belgian bun is round and topped with white icing and a cherry. On the other hand, a Chelsea bun is more rectangular or square, with no icing, but a sticky syrup glaze. 

Filling

Belgian buns are filled with lemon curd and sometimes raisins, giving them a tangy, fruity taste. The icing on top also adds a sugary sweetness.

On the other hand, Chelsea buns are filled with cinnamon, sugar, and currants, offering a spicier and richer flavor. The filling in a Chelsea bun is much more about warmth and depth, compared to the bright and fresh flavor of a Belgian bun. 

Toppings

Toppings also set these buns apart. Belgian buns are famous for their icing and single glacé cherry, which makes them look simple but striking. Chelsea buns, however, don’t have icing but are instead covered in a sticky syrup glaze, giving them a rustic, homemade appearance.