Vegan Hot Cross Buns

The best part of Easter? The hot cross buns of course! As a kid, I remember having hot cross buns for breakfast weeks (or more likely months) before it was even Easter. Now, whether you agree with hot cross buns for breakfast or not, I think we can all agree that these sticky, fruity, spicy buns are the perfect tea time treat!

These vegan hot cross buns are honestly a pure delight. The insides are fluffy, the top is a little crusty, but also beautifully sticky from the jam. My favourite way to eat these is just loaded with lots of vegan butter. But I also highly recommend popping them in the toaster and then lathering in butter.

But, no matter what you do, don’t leave out the butter. I repeat, do not leave out the butter!

Vegan Hot Cross Buns

Makes 12 Buns

Ingredients

350g Bread Flour
250g Plain Flour
7g Yeast
50g Caster Sugar
1 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Nutmeg
150g Raisins
50g Applesauce
Zest of an Orange
Zest of a Lemon
1/2 cup Almond Milk
1/2 cup Lukewarm Water
30ml Olive Oil
2 tbsp Apricot Jam

For the crosses:
75g Plain Flour
5 tbsp Water

Method

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins, applesauce, orange and lemon zest.
2. Pour in water and almond milk – mix with a wooden spoon until you have a raggy dough.
3. Add olive oil and then knead with hands until you have a smooth and shiny dough.
4. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and then set aside in a warm place for 1-2 hours.
5. Push air out of the dough and then separate into 12 equal parts (about 90g each)
6. Shape each part into a roll and then place on a lightly oiled baking tray so they are just touching.
7. Cover loosely with cling wrap and set aside in a warm place for a further hour.
8. Preheat oven to 200 degrees celsius.
9. Make the paste for the crosses by mixing 75g plain flour with 5 tbsp of water. Add to piping bag with a thin nozzle.
10. Once they’ve doubled in size, pipe on the crosses. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the tops are golden.
11. To glaze, warm the 2 tbsp apricot jam and then brush over the tops.
12. Now enjoy!
    
    

Ready for Pinning!