Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit

Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit

There’s something undeniably magical about the warm scent of freshly baked Hot Cross Buns wafting from your oven. These delightful, spiced sweet rolls, adorned with their signature cross, evoke nostalgic memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Each bite is a symphony of gooey sweetness, with chunks of candied fruit bursting forth, making them a truly indulgent treat!

Making Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit is not just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s an experience. No matter the occasion, their fluffy, soft texture and rich flavors create a comforting sense of joy and indulgence. Plus, they’re fast enough for a weekend baking project or a cozy midweek treat that even the little ones can help with. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in this delightful recipe that’s worth every moment spent in the kitchen.

Are You Ready for a Sweet Adventure?

Who can resist the allure of a warm Hot Cross Bun with a luscious layer of sweetness, soft, pillowy texture, and a rich tapestry of spices? Imagine biting into one of these warm, aromatic treats, the bread lightly crusted yet yielding to the touch, and your taste buds delighting in the surprise of candied fruit.

Have you ever wished you could bring that warm, cozy feeling into your home whenever you want? With this captivating Hot Cross Bun recipe, you can create an experience that wraps you in nostalgia and comfort any time of the year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit recipe:

• Easy Prep: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and sweet candied fruit creates a truly irresistible flavor that tantalizes your taste buds.

• Perfect for Sharing: Once you make a batch, you’ll want to share them! These buns are a crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for family gatherings or friendly get-togethers.

• Minimal Ingredients: Using simple pantry staples means you won’t have to head to the store for specialized ingredients.

• Nostalgic Vibes: Baking Hot Cross Buns connects you to a rich tradition, bringing warmth and nostalgia into your home.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup candied fruit (candied orange peel, cherries, lemon peel)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for cross paste)
• 5 tablespoons water (for cross paste)
• ¼ cup apricot jam or honey (for glazing)
• 1 tablespoon water (for glazing)

Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the aromatic spices that envelop your kitchen to the candied fruit that adds a burst of sweetness in every bite. You can almost taste the buttery richness and smell the delightful spices as you prepare to create these mouth-watering buns.

Timing

Baking Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit is a delightful blend of fast and indulgent as well as slow and luxurious.

Fast and Indulgent: You’ll find that mixing, kneading, and baking can be accomplished in about 3-4 hours, making it a perfect Saturday afternoon project.

Slow and Luxurious: Allowing the dough to rise and the flavors to develop during proofing creates an indulgent experience that rewards your patience with the softest, most tender buns.

Step-by-Step

Activate the Yeast

First, you’ll want to awaken that yeast! Combine the warm milk and sugar in a bowl, sprinkle in the yeast, and let it sit for about five minutes until it forms a creamy, foamy top—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!

Make the Dough

Combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in a large mixing bowl. Create a well in the center, then pour in the activated yeast mixture, followed by the melted butter and eggs. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then turn it out onto a floured surface.

Proof the Dough

Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Buns

Once risen, punch the dough down and turn it onto a floured surface. Incorporate the candied fruit and divide the dough into equal portions. Shape each piece into a tight ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Make the Cross Paste

In a small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup flour and 5 tablespoons of water until it forms a thick paste. Transfer this mixture into a piping bag or a plastic bag with the tip cut off, then pipe a cross over each bun.

Bake the Buns

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let the buns rise for an additional 30-40 minutes. Once risen, bake them for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and your kitchen is filled with that mouth-watering aroma.

Glaze for a Shiny Finish

While the buns are baking, combine the apricot jam or honey with 1 tablespoon of water over low heat until melted. Once the buns have baked, brush the glaze generously over the top while they are still warm, adding that glossy, irresistible finish!

Nutritional Information

One delightful Hot Cross Bun contains approximately 220 calories. While these buns are not exactly health food, indulging in one every once in a while can bring joy to your soul. Don’t forget, life is about balance!

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to lighten up your Hot Cross Buns, consider these substitutes:

• Low-Sugar Version: Swap out granulated sugar for a stevia blend or another natural sweetener to reduce sugar content.

• Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk, and replace the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine.

• Whole Wheat Flour: Use a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a fiber boost.

Serving Suggestions

Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit are delicious on their own, but why stop there? Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

They’re also ideal for springtime brunches, special holiday meals, or simply as a cozy afternoon treat accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee.

Common Mistakes

Don’t let a few missteps ruin your batch of Hot Cross Buns:

• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the time; they should be golden brown and soft but not hard.

• Texture Issues: Ensure the dough is kneaded thoroughly for that perfect soft and airy bite.

• Messes: Don’t be afraid to flour your surface liberally when shaping the buns to avoid stickiness!

Storing Tips

These buns are best enjoyed fresh, but you can easily store leftovers:

• Freezing Portions: Place any leftover buns in an airtight container and freeze them. They’re best used within a month.

• Reheating Instructions: To enjoy them again, simply heat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Tempting to Bake It ASAP

With their tender crumb, delightful spices, and irresistible sweetness, there’s no better time than now to bake a batch of Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit.

Imagine filling your home with their delicious fragrance while indulging in a luscious treat that evokes warm memories and joyous celebrations. Gather your ingredients and start your baking adventure today; your sweet tooth won’t regret it!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh fruit instead of candied fruit?

While you can use fresh fruit, keep in mind that it will alter the texture and moisture of the buns. Candied fruit adds a necessary sweetness and chewy texture.

2. How do I know when my buns are baked through?

Buns are done when they are golden brown, sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, and have a soft, springy texture.

3. Can I make these buns a day ahead?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance, shape the buns, and let them refrigerate overnight before allowing them to rise and bake the next day.

4. What if my yeast doesn’t activate?

If your yeast doesn’t foam up within five to ten minutes, it may be expired or the water was too hot. Start again with fresh yeast and a warm (not hot) liquid.

5. How long can I store the buns at room temperature?

Hot Cross Buns are best eaten fresh but can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.

With step-by-step guidance and mouthwatering flavors, Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit are bound to elevate your baking game! Now get ready to indulge in sweet, warm perfection!

Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit

Indulge in the warm, spiced sweetness of these delightful Hot Cross Buns, adorned with candied fruit for a burst of flavor and nostalgia.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Servings: 12 buns

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, British

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup candied fruit (candied orange peel, cherries, lemon peel)

Cross Paste

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 5 tablespoons water

Glazing

• ¼ cup apricot jam or honey (for glazing)
• 1 tablespoon water (for glazing)

Method

 

Activation

1. Combine the warm milk and sugar in a bowl, sprinkle in the yeast, and let it sit for about five minutes until it forms a creamy, foamy top.

Dough Preparation

1. Combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in a large mixing bowl.
2. Create a well in the center, then pour in the activated yeast mixture, followed by the melted butter and eggs.
3. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then turn it out onto a floured surface.

Kneading and Proofing

1. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
2. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Shaping Buns

1. Once risen, punch the dough down and turn it onto a floured surface.
2. Incorporate the candied fruit and divide the dough into equal portions.
3. Shape each piece into a tight ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Cross Paste

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup flour and 5 tablespoons of water until it forms a thick paste.
2. Transfer this mixture into a piping bag or a plastic bag with the tip cut off, then pipe a cross over each bun.

Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let the buns rise for an additional 30-40 minutes.
2. Once risen, bake them for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown.

Glazing

1. While the buns are baking, combine the apricot jam or honey with 1 tablespoon of water over low heat until melted.
2. Once the buns have baked, brush the glaze generously over the top while they are still warm.

Notes

These buns are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. Consider using low-sugar, dairy-free, or whole wheat alternatives for healthier options.