Our 12 favourite hot cross bun recipes
These buns are an essential at Easter time.
Easter Sunday takes place on 31st March this year and what would the Easter holidays be without a hot cross buns with lashings of butter?
If you're up for a baking challenge and keen to try your hand at making your own hot cross buns over the break then this is the gallery for you as we've rounded up our favourite hot cross bun recipes.
Some of the recipes include a traditional hot cross buns (of course!) to classics with a twist, including our savoury goat's cheese hot cross bun loaf and our apricot and cardamom hot cross buns which are seriously addictive. We also have puddings including a hot cross bun layer cake and hot cross bun pudding.
Follow these top tips on how to ensure your homemade hot cross buns are your best ever:
• Yeast is vital to a fluffy bun and it’s important that the yeast you use is within date to ensure the dough will rise properly.
• Make sure the milk you are using is lukewarm – if it’s too cold then the yeast won’t be activated. And too hot, it will kill the yeast. You shouldn't be able to feel anything when you dip a (clean) finger in it.
• The dough needs to be kneaded to a point that it's elastic. And by elastic we mean that when you press the dough lightly it should spring back and your indentation disappears.
• Allow the dough to rise firstly then you want to 'knock it back' when you're adding the raisins and eventually kneading again before rolling the dough into balls. This will prevent large air bubbles from forming in your hot cross buns and will result in a more even textured and uniform rise.
For more inspiration on what to cook and bake over Easter check out our Easter recipes.
Lemon Drizzle Hot Cross Buns
Everyone’s favourite zesty cake in hot cross bun form. For an extra citrus hit, serve slathered in lemon curd. The perfect Easter treat!
Recipe: Lemon Drizzle Hot Cross Buns
Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
Complete with orange glaze and zesty spiced butter (or serve with salted butter or zesty marmalade), these generous chocolate buns are a seasonal teatime treat.
Recipe: Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
Apricot and Cardamom Hot Cross Buns
Nothing beats a homemade hot cross bun! These are scented with cardamom and studded with dried apricots for a new twist. Divine served warm, split and slathered with salted butter.
Traditional Hot Cross Buns
Our hot cross buns recipe is easy-to-follow and makes the ultimate spiced, Easter treat. Made with currants or raisins and marked with a cross on the top.
Recipe: Traditional hot cross buns
Marmalade and Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
Sticky-sweet buns with a hidden gooey centre. You can of course leave out the ganache chocolate balls if you fancy a chocolate-free version.
Hot Cross Bun Layer Cake
This hot cross bun layer cake is a real show-stopper for Easter lunch.It couldn't be easier to make but will need at least 6 hours to chill in the fridge.You can make up to the end of step 4 up to two days ahead, keep chilled, then complete recipe to serve.
Recipe: Hot Cross Bun Layer Cake
Hot Cross Bun Pudding
Hot cross buns aren't just for breakfast! Using hot cross buns that are scattered with cinnamon and sultanas and then covered in custard, this recipe is translated into a fantastic bread and butter like dessert to finish off your Easter lunch with.
Recipe: Hot Cross Bun Pudding
Hot Cross Bun Blondies
Blondies are a great thing to bake, and these Easter versions are packed with the fabulous spied and dried fruits of the humble hot cross bun.
Recipe: Hot Cross Bun Blondies
Hot Cross Bun Loaf
Tear-and share this rich hot cross bun loaf for an indulgent Easter breakfast.
Recipe: Hot cross bun loaf
Vegan Hot Cross Buns
These vegan hot cross buns are so easy to make and super tasty served warm and slathered in vegan spread.
Recipe: Vegan hot cross buns
Savoury Goat's Cheese Hot Cross Bun Loaf
We love the mix of sweet and savoury flavours in this loaf! Serve warm with butter and extra honey, or toast slices and top with crispy streaky bacon for brunch.
Hot Cross Chocolate Buns with Spiced Orange Butter
This satisfying take on the classic hot cross buns recipe is always a winner. Serve just warm, so the melting chocolate chunks mingle with whipped orange butter
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