Eggless Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Welcome to our blog, where we will be sharing a delicious and unique recipe for eggless hot cross buns. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a tasty treat without the use of eggs.

It’s almost time for Good Friday and that means it’s time for a traditional episode. Hot cross buns have since forever been made on this day and so here they are. They are so easy to make and so yummy to have. Try them out! Hot Cross Buns are made with currants or raisins, marked with a cross on the top, and traditionally eaten on Good Friday. So try it out and share your comments!

Hot cross buns can be served plain or buttered. The ‘cross’ marked on the top of the buns symbolically represents the Cross of Christ and the Crucifixion.

What Is Eggless Hot Cross Buns Recipe?

• The Eggless Hot Cross Buns Recipe offers a delightful twist to the traditional hot cross buns by incorporating spices and unique seasoning. The succulent combination of candied fruit, black raisins, and a blend of cloves, cinnamon, and dry ginger powder gives these buns a flavorful and aromatic profile. This recipe is a perfect fusion of Western and Indian flavors, making it a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet and spicy treat.

Why You'll Love Eggless Hot Cross Buns Recipe?

• Soft and Fluffy Texture: These eggless hot cross buns are incredibly soft and fluffy, making them a delightful treat for breakfast or snack time.
• Loaded with Spices and Fruits: The warm flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger combined with the sweetness of candied fruit and raisins create a deliciously aromatic bun.
• Healthier Option: By eliminating eggs from the recipe, these hot cross buns are a great option for those with egg allergies or looking for a lighter, healthier alternative.
• Low in Cholesterol: The absence of eggs in this recipe makes these hot cross buns a low-cholesterol treat, perfect for those watching their cholesterol intake.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's Easter, a holiday brunch, or simply a weekend breakfast, these eggless hot cross buns are a versatile and delightful addition to any occasion.
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 6 delicious buns, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends or for enjoying throughout the week.

Ingredients for Eggless Hot Cross Buns Recipe

• All-purpose flour: The main ingredient for the dough, all-purpose flour provides the structure and base for the hot cross buns.
• Active dry yeast: Essential for leavening the dough, the active dry yeast helps the buns rise and gives them a light, fluffy texture.
• Spices (cloves, cinnamon, dry ginger): These spices add warmth and depth of flavor to the buns, making them aromatic and delicious.
• Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and caramel-like flavor to the buns, enhancing their overall taste.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the dough, contributing to the soft and tender texture of the buns.
• Candied fruit and black raisins: These add a burst of sweetness and chewy texture to the buns, as well as a pop of color.

How To Make Eggless Hot Cross Buns?

To make delicious eggless hot cross buns, follow these simple steps:

• Start by activating the yeast in warm milk and sugar. This step is crucial for ensuring that the yeast is alive and ready to help the dough rise.
• Combine the dry ingredients such as flour, spices, brown sugar, and salt in a separate bowl, and then mix them with the activated yeast mixture. This will ensure that the buns have a good flavor profile.
• Knead the dough until it becomes soft and elastic, and then add the softened butter to give the buns a rich and silky texture.
• Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 2 hours until it doubles in size. This step is important for developing the buns' light and airy texture.
• Shape the dough into small round balls and let them rise again until doubled in size. This will ensure that the buns have the perfect shape and size.
• Before baking, brush the buns with milk and cut a cross on the top. This step is essential for giving the buns their signature look and flavor.
• Bake the buns until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
• Finally, glaze the buns with a mixture of powdered sugar and milk to add a touch of sweetness and a decorative cross on top.

By following these steps, you can create delicious eggless hot cross buns that are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warm, fragrant buns with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat!

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dish Pairing: These eggless hot cross buns can be perfectly paired with a savory dish such as a vegetable quiche or a warm bowl of soup for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Tea Time Treat: Enjoy these hot cross buns with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Breakfast Spread: Serve these freshly baked hot cross buns for breakfast alongside some fruit salad and a glass of fresh juice for a wholesome start to the day.

Tips for Eggless Hot Cross Buns Recipe

• Preparation Duration: The preparation duration for this eggless hot cross buns recipe is around 3 hours, including the time needed for the dough to rise. It's important to plan ahead and set aside enough time for the dough to double in size and for the buns to rise before baking.
• Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, ensure that it is silky smooth and elastic. This will result in soft and fluffy buns. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Importance of Glazing: The glaze not only adds sweetness but also gives the buns a glossy finish, enhancing their appearance. Take the time to carefully apply the glaze on top of each bun in a cross shape for traditional hot cross buns.
• Garnishing for Presentation: Garnish the buns with candied fruit and black raisins before baking to add a pop of color and texture. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a delightful fruity flavor to the buns.
• Baking Time and Temperature: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C and bake the buns for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
• Storage and Serving: Once cooled, store the eggless hot cross buns in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Serve them warm or toast them before serving for an extra delicious treat.

Variations for Eggless Hot Cross Buns Recipe

• Fruit Variations: Experiment with different dried fruits such as dried apricots, cranberries, or chopped dates for a unique and flavorful twist to the classic hot cross buns.
• Nutty Twist: Add a crunchy texture by incorporating chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the dough for a delicious nutty variation of the hot cross buns.
• Spiced Flavors: Enhance the warm spices in the buns by adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a more aromatic and flavorful experience.
• Citrus Zest: For a refreshing citrusy flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of orange or lemon zest to the dough to brighten up the taste of the hot cross buns.
• Chocolate Indulgence: Indulge in a rich and decadent variation by mixing in chocolate chips or chunks to create a chocolate hot cross bun that is perfect for chocolate lovers.
• Savory Twist: For a unique twist, experiment with savory add-ins such as chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheese to create a savory hot cross bun variation that's perfect for those who prefer a less sweet option.

By incorporating these variations, you can create a personalized and unique twist on the classic eggless hot cross buns, making them perfect for any occasion and catering to different taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting and creating your own signature hot cross buns!

How to Store Eggless Hot Cross Buns

• Store in an Airtight Container: Once the eggless hot cross buns have completely cooled down, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. This will prevent them from drying out and keep them soft and delicious for longer.
• Refrigerate for Longer Shelf Life: If you want to prolong the shelf life of the eggless hot cross buns, you can refrigerate them. This will help to keep them fresh for a few extra days, especially in warmer climates.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the eggless hot cross buns. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
• Keep Candied Fruit and Raisins Sealed: To maintain the freshness and flavor of the candied fruit and raisins used in the recipe, store them in a sealed container at room temperature. This will prevent them from becoming dry and hard.
• Protect Glaze from Drying Out: If you have leftover glaze, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will prevent it from drying out and allow you to easily use it for future baking projects.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: When making eggless hot cross buns, it's important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will ensure the best flavor and texture, and proper storage of the ingredients is key to maintaining their freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make eggless hot cross buns without dairy milk?

• Yes, you can substitute the warm milk with any non-dairy milk such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Just ensure that the milk is warm to activate the yeast.

How can I make the hot cross buns glaze without powdered sugar?

• If you don't have powdered sugar, you can make a glaze using honey or maple syrup. Just mix it with a small amount of warm water to achieve a thick but pourable consistency.

Can I add nuts to the eggless hot cross buns?

• Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the dough along with the candied fruit and raisins for added texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of candied fruit (tutti frutti)?

• If you don't have candied fruit, you can use dried fruits like chopped apricots, cranberries, or even dried cherries as a substitute.

Can I freeze the eggless hot cross buns?

• Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled hot cross buns. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

How long can I store the eggless hot cross buns?

• The buns can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to store them longer, it's best to freeze them for up to 3 months.

Recipe Card

Eggless Hot Cross Buns Recipe

Serves: 6

Prep Time: 03:00
Cook Time: 00:20
Total Time: 03:20

Ingredients:

For Dough

• 3/4 cup warm milk (180 ml)
• 1 tsp (3 grams) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 2 cups (260 grams) all purpose flour
• 25 grams light brown sugar
• 1/8 tsp cloves powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/8 tsp dry ginger powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 30 grams unsalted butter (2 tbsp), softened
• 3 tbsp candied fruit (tutti frutti)
• 2 tbsp black raisins
• 1 tsp of oil for greasing
• 2 tbsp of milk for brushing

For Glazing

• 60 g powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk

Instructions:

1. In a wide bowl, add lukewarm milk (about 100 degree F/ 40 degree C), yeast, and sugar. Mix well and keep it aside for about 10 minutes or until frothy.
2. In a separate wide bowl, combine flour, spices, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well.
3. Once yeast is frothy, add the flour mixture, candied fruit, and raisins. Knead until a soft dough forms.
4. Add the softened butter and knead until dough is silky smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed.
5. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Apply 1 tsp of oil and cover with plastic wrap. Place in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
6. Gently punch down the dough and divide into 6 equal parts. Shape into small round balls and place on a parchment-lined baking tray. Leave enough space between each bun as they will double in size while baking.
7. Brush buns with milk and cover with lightly greased plastic wrap. Set aside for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
8. Preheat oven to 200 degrees C. Brush the buns with milk again and cut a cross on the top with a sharp knife or kitchen scissors.
9. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
10. Cool buns on a wire rack before glazing.
11. Combine powdered sugar and milk. Mix until smooth. Place glaze in a small plastic bag and pipe a cross on top of each bun.

By Santhi Therese from [The Indian Claypot]

Step-By-Step Instructions:

In a wide bowl, add lukewarm milk (about 100 degree F/ 40 degree C),
instant dry yeast

and sugar,

mix well and keep it aside for about 10 mins or until frothy.

Meanwhile, in a wide bowl, combine flour, all spices, brown sugar, and salt, mix well.

Once the yeast is foamy, mix well and then add the flour mixture, candied fruit, and raisins,

knead until you get a soft dough.

Then add softened butter, knead the dough continuously until the dough is silky smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed.

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and apply 1 tsp of oil over the dough and cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

After 2 hours, gently punch it down to release the air and divide it into 6 equal parts. Then shape it like a small round ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray. Place 2 buns in a row with enough space as they will double in size while baking.

Apply milk over the buns by using a brush. Cover the tray with lightly greased plastic paper and set it aside for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Again brush the top of the buns with the milk, and cut a cross on the top of the buns by using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors.

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 200 degrees C. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake it for about 15 to 20mins until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack (apply some butter on top) to cool completely before glazing.

Combine the powdered sugar and milk and mix until smooth. Then place the glaze in a small plastic bag  and cut the edge of the bag and pipe a cross on the top of each bun.