Vegan Hot Cross Buns are a delicious and compassionate way to celebrate Easter. These spiced rolls, studded with raisins and currants and topped with a sweet, sticky cross, are a true testament to how delicious vegan baking can be. Forget store-bought, because these homemade buns are surprisingly easy to make and will fill your kitchen with the intoxicating aroma of warm spices.
Vegan Hot Cross Bun Ingredients:
Here’s everything you need to make light and fluffy vegan hot cross buns:
For the buns:
- 300ml plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat work well)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 7g instant yeast
- 450g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 50g vegan butter, softened
- 50g caster sugar
- 100g mixed raisins and currants
- Zest of 1 orange
For the cross:
- 75g plain flour
- 50ml water
For the glaze:
- 3 tbsp apricot jam
- 1 tbsp water
Vegan hot cross bun ingredients laid out on a table
Making Your Vegan Hot Cross Buns:
Follow these simple steps for bakery-worthy vegan hot cross buns:
- Warm the milk: Gently heat the milk in a saucepan until lukewarm. Add the sugar and yeast, stir gently, and let stand for 5 minutes, until foamy.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, spices, and salt.
- Make the dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the softened vegan butter, caster sugar, and orange zest to the well. Pour in the yeast mixture and use your hands or a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook to bring the dough together.
- Knead and rest: Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add the raisins and currants and knead for another minute to incorporate. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Hands kneading vegan hot cross bun dough.
- Shape the buns: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each bun.
- Proof again: Cover the buns with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffy.
- Preheat oven and make the cross mixture: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven is heating and the buns are doing their second proof, make the cross mixture by whisking together the plain flour and water until smooth.
- Pipe the crosses: Transfer the cross mixture to a piping bag fitted with a small round nozzle. Pipe crosses onto the risen buns.
Piping crosses onto proofed buns.
- Bake the buns: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the buns sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Freshly baked vegan hot cross buns on a cooling rack.
- Glaze while warm: While the buns are still warm, make the glaze. Gently heat the apricot jam and water in a small saucepan, then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. Brush the warm glaze generously over the hot cross buns.
Enjoying Your Vegan Hot Cross Buns:
These vegan hot cross buns are best enjoyed warm from the oven. Slice them in half and slather with vegan butter or your favorite plant-based spread.
Chef’s Tip from Maya Robinson: “For a fun twist, try adding different mix-ins to your dough, like chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or even chocolate chips. Get creative and make it your own!”
Vegan Hot Cross Bun FAQs:
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free bread flour blend. Be sure to check the packaging for specific instructions.
Can I freeze the buns?
Absolutely! Once cooled, freeze the buns in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature and warm them up in a low oven before serving.
What can I use instead of apricot jam for the glaze?
You can use warmed maple syrup, agave nectar, or a simple sugar syrup (equal parts sugar and water, simmered until thickened).
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You can make the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight.
My buns turned out a bit dry, what happened?
Over-baking can lead to dry buns. Make sure to check for doneness after 20 minutes. Also, be sure to let the dough rise properly – both times!
Chef’s Tip from Maya Robinson: “Don’t be afraid to experiment! Baking is all about having fun and trying new things.”
These vegan hot cross buns are a delicious way to share the joy of Easter with everyone. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and bake up a batch of these sweet treats today!
