Hot cross buns are downright festive vibes as they are the ones to remind you that Easter’s here. These sweet and spiced buns, with a cross on top, have become a popular treat during the Easter season in many parts of the world. While the origin of hot cross buns is shrouded in mystery, their enduring popularity is not. They are a delicious and comforting treat, perfect for Easter morning breakfast or an afternoon snack.
As the days grow longer and warmer, there is nothing quite like biting into a freshly baked hot cross bun. The aroma of the warm spices and the soft texture of the bun make for a heavenly experience. The hot cross bun is not just a bun, but a symbol of Easter and the rebirth of spring. The cross on top represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and the spices used in the recipe are said to represent the spices used to embalm him.
Regardless of one’s beliefs, hot cross buns are a delicious and meaningful Easter tradition that has been enjoyed for centuries. So, if you want to experience the heavenly flavors of a hot cross bun, grab your apron and try making your own and take a look at this hot-cross bun recipe that is straight from the expert’s kitchen:
Ingredients:
For the dough:
Flour 500 gm
Yeast 7 gm
Salt 1 tsp
Castor sugar 75 gm
Egg 1 no
Butter 50 gm, melted
Milk 300 ml, warmed with the melted butter
For the filling:
Stewed fruits and nuts 125 gm
Vanilla 1 pod
Cinnamon powder 5 gm
Nutmeg 2 gm
Orange zest 1 no
Zest of 2 lemons
For the slurry:
Slurry
Flour 75 gm
Water 50 ml
Raspberry powder 15 gm
Method:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and castor sugar. Add the egg and melted butter with warm milk to form a dough.
2. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic, then let it rest in a warm place until it doubles in size.
3. Knock back the dough and mix in the stewed fruits and nuts, vanilla, cinnamon powder, nutmeg, orange zest, and lemon zest.
4. Knead the dough again and let it rest for 1 hour.
5. Shape the dough into 70-gram balls and place them on a greased tray. Let them proof for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
7. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, water, and raspberry powder to make a thick slurry with a piping consistency.
8. Brush the proofed buns with an egg wash, then pipe the slurry on top of them to create a cross pattern.
9. Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the delicious and fragrant hot cross buns!
Note: You can adjust the baking time and temperature according to your oven’s settings and desired level of browning.
Hot cross buns are a wonderful and meaningful Easter tradition that everyone should try. Not only are they delicious and comforting, but they also hold a special significance. With this expert hot cross buns recipe, you can easily make your own at home and impress your friends and family with your Easter brunch game. So, go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
