Every Easter, my kitchen fills with the warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked hot cross buns with candied fruit. It’s a tradition that brings back so many fond memories of family gatherings and celebrations. I remember waking up to the smell of spices wafting through the house, and the anticipation of biting into those soft, fluffy buns, dotted with bright, chewy bits of candied fruit. Trust me, there’s just something magical about these buns that makes them irresistible! They’re not only delicious but also steeped in history, symbolizing the end of Lent and a sweet treat to welcome the spring. So, let’s dive into making these delightful Easter treats together!
Ingredients for Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit
(Tip: Gather everything before you start to make the process smoother!)
- 500g strong white flour
- 75g caster sugar
- 10g salt
- 10g mixed spice powder
- 10g instant yeast
- 300ml milk, warmed (make sure it’s just warm, not hot!)
- 50g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 150g mixed candied fruit (feel free to adjust this to your taste—more fruit means more flavor!)
- 75g currants
- For the cross: 75g plain flour and enough water to make a thick paste
- For the glaze: 75g apricot jam (this gives a lovely shine!)
How to Prepare Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit
Step 1 – Mixing the Dry Ingredients
First up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the strong white flour, caster sugar, salt, and mixed spice powder. I love using a whisk to fluff everything up and ensure it’s all evenly mixed. It’s a great way to get those lovely spices mingling together—trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing already!
Step 2 – Preparing the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the warmed milk, melted unsalted butter, and the egg. Make sure the milk isn’t too hot; you want it just warm enough to activate the yeast without cooking the egg. I usually give this a good whisk until it’s all combined and smooth.
Step 3 – Combining Mixtures
Now, pour that lovely yeast mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or a spatula, mix everything together until you can’t see any dry flour left. It’ll be a bit sticky at this stage, but that’s exactly what we want!
Step 4 – Kneading the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. You’ll want to stretch and fold until the dough is smooth and elastic. This is a fun workout, and you’ll feel the dough transforming right beneath your hands!
Step 5 – Adding Candied Fruit
Once your dough is nice and smooth, it’s time to incorporate the mixed candied fruit and currants. Gently fold them in, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. The vibrant colors of the fruit make the dough look so festive!
Step 6 – First Rise
Now, place your dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Pop it in a warm spot and let it rise for about 1 to 2 hours, or until it’s doubled in size. I always check on it and get excited seeing that fluffy dough grow!
Step 7 – Shaping the Buns
Once risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface again and gently deflate it. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a bun. I like to tuck the edges under to create a smooth top. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave some space in between.
Step 8 – Second Rise
Cover the shaped buns with a towel again and let them rise for about 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial for that fluffy texture we love. You’ll notice they’ll puff up nicely!
Step 9 – Baking Preparation
While they’re rising, preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Also, mix the plain flour with enough water to make a thick paste for the cross. I usually pipe this mixture right onto the buns just before baking, adding a classic touch!
Step 10 – Baking the Buns
Once your buns are ready, pop them into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be golden brown and smelling heavenly! You can check for doneness by tapping the bottom—if it sounds hollow, they’re ready!
Step 11 – Glazing the Buns
When they come out, brush them with warmed apricot jam for that beautiful glaze. It not only adds shine but also enhances the flavor. Let them cool a bit, and then they’re ready to be devoured! Enjoy the sweet, spiced goodness of your homemade hot cross buns!
Nutritional Information for Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional values for a single hot cross bun with candied fruit. Keep in mind, these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 5g
These buns are a delightful treat, especially during Easter, and while they may be a bit indulgent, they’re well worth it! Enjoy in moderation, and don’t forget to share with family and friends!
Tips for Success with Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit
Creating the perfect hot cross buns with candied fruit can be a delightful adventure! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you nail this recipe every time:
- Use Fresh Yeast: For best results, opt for fresh yeast if you can find it. It really makes a difference in the rise and flavor of your buns!
- Customize the Fruit: Feel free to adjust the amount of candied fruit to suit your taste. If you’re not a fan of certain fruits, swap them out for others like raisins or dried cranberries. Just ensure they’re chopped into small pieces for even distribution.
- Perfect the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky while kneading, don’t hesitate to sprinkle a little extra flour on your surface. Just be cautious not to add too much, or your buns might turn out dense!
- Warm Environment: Yeast loves warmth! If your kitchen is a bit chilly, consider placing the dough in a turned-off oven with the light on to create a cozy rising spot.
- Storage: Store your buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers (which I doubt you will!), you can slice and toast them for a delicious breakfast treat!
- Freezing: These buns freeze well! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature and warm gently before serving.
- Glazing Tip: For an extra shiny glaze, you can mix a bit of water into the apricot jam to make it easier to brush on. It’ll give your buns that bakery-fresh look!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your family and friends with your homemade hot cross buns. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!
FAQ about Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit
Can I use different types of fruit?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of mixed candied fruit, you can get creative. Dried fruit like raisins, sultanas, or even chopped dried apricots work beautifully. Just make sure they’re chopped into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the dough. You could also try using chocolate chips for a fun twist—who says hot cross buns can’t be a little indulgent?
How do I store leftover buns?
To keep those delightful hot cross buns fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you happen to have any leftover (which is rare in my house!), you can slice them and toast them for a delicious breakfast treat. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed fresh, so try to eat them within a few days!
Can I make these buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you want to get a head start, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just let it rise, then shape the buns and place them on the baking tray. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next day, let them come to room temperature, allow for about 30 minutes of rising, and then bake as directed. You can also freeze the baked buns! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying. It’s a great way to have fresh buns on hand for unexpected guests or a sudden craving!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a delightful mix of sweet and spice, with the perfect chewiness from the candied fruit.
- Making hot cross buns is a fun, hands-on baking experience that’s perfect for the whole family!
- They’re a fantastic way to celebrate Easter traditions and fill your home with warm, inviting aromas.
- These buns are versatile; you can easily customize them with your favorite fruits or spices.
- They’re great for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert—perfect any time of day!
- With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delicious treats!
- They make for wonderful gifts or a sweet addition to any holiday gathering.
- Leftover buns (if there are any!) can be toasted for an extra tasty treat the next day.
Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit: 7 Steps to Pure Joy
- Temps Total: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Rendement: 12 buns 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A traditional sweet bun spiced with cinnamon and filled with candied fruit, typically enjoyed during Easter.
Ingrédients
- 500g strong white flour
- 75g caster sugar
- 10g salt
- 10g mixed spice powder
- 10g instant yeast
- 300ml milk, warmed
- 50g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 150g mixed candied fruit
- 75g currants
- for the cross: 75g plain flour and water
- for the glaze: 75g apricot jam
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and mixed spice.
- In another bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
- Incorporate the candied fruit and currants.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough into buns and place on a baking tray.
- Let the buns rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
- Mix flour and water to make a paste for the cross, pipe it onto the buns.
- Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Brush with warmed apricot jam for glaze.
Notes
- Use fresh yeast for best results.
- Adjust the amount of candied fruit to your taste.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Baked Goods
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: British
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bun
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 5g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 5g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: hot cross buns, candied fruit, Easter bread
