Recipe: Cherry and Almond Hot Cross Buns
Next weekend is Easter weekend so I thought I would share my annual recipe for hot cross buns in time for you to make them this Good Friday as is tradition in the UK. I also shared a round up of favourite hot cross bun recipes from previous years in my newsletter recently. Sorry that this post is a little later in the day than usual as I woke with a terrible migraine this morning. I hope this recipe is worth the wait. These cherry and almond hot cross buns combine dried sour cherries that pack a flavour punch and rich buttery almonds. The buns are vegan but you can make them with ordinary milk or butter too.
Ingredients
For the buns
250g plain flour
40g caster sugar
7g fast action yeast sachet
180ml oat milk or cows milk
20g vegan butter substitute or butter
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp cinnamon
40g cherries
30g almonds toasted
For the glaze
Golden syrup or maple syrup
Method
Warm the milk and butter then add the yeast and set aside for a few minutes to activate until it begins to froth. Pour into the flour caster sugar and spices then mix the ingredients in a stand mixer with a dough hook and knead for 10 minutes until they come together as a dough. Add the dried fruit and almonds at the end. Cover and leave to prove overnight or for at least 12 hours.
In the morning knock the risen dough back and divide it into six pieces shaped into balls. Set aside to prove again until doubled in size covered with a damp tea towel. Preheat the oven to 200°C fan.
Make the crosses by mixing 50g flour with a tablespoon of water at a time until you have a thick paste. Pipe crosses onto the buns then bake for 20 minutes until golden brown. Glaze with warmed golden syrup or maple syrup and cool on a wire rack.
A Seasonal Note
Published in early April this recipe belongs to Beltane the Celtic season of blossom new life and lightness. The days are lengthening the air is softening and everything is beginning to grow again. Cherry and almond feel like perfect flavours for this moment offering both brightness and richness as we move from the freshness of early Spring toward the warmth of the months ahead.
