Hot cross buns are an integral part of Easter celebration. These spiced buns made with wheat flour, currants and spices have a rich history with bursting flavour. Dotted with dried fruit and adorned with a cross, hot cross buns are enjoyed in many countries across the world. It is believed that they have roots in ancient Greek practices of marking cakes with crosses.
There are many variations of this delightful treat but traditionally these sweet buns are made with a yeasted dough flavoured with warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. They are spotted with currants, raisins or other dried fruits, giving a unique contrast of texture. But did you know there are many unique ways to elevate your regular hot cross buns?
Here are five interesting hot cross buns recipes you must try:
Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Cheesecake
Infuse the delicately spiced hot cross bun flavour into mini cheesecakes and surprise your family on Easter. This creamy dessert is made with ginger biscuits, butter and cinnamon along with the filling of caster sugar, vanilla extract and eggs. You can also top the cheesecake with an orange zest icing cross to give it a festive look.
Hot Cross Cinnamon Buns
Combine sweet and sticky cinnamon swirls with your favourite dried fruits and the spice of hot cross buns to create this delightful treat. This twist on hot cross bun features whole milk, lemon, flour and eggs. You can also adorn this Easter dish with a velvety cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
Chilli Cheese Hot Cross Buns
Who said hot cross buns cannot have a savoury version? Made with the addition of cheddar and chilli, it is served along with a spread of butter. You can also enjoy it with a bowl of soup. For the best result, avoid using apricot jam glaze while making the buns and white bread flour works best for the dough.
Hot Cross Bun Cupcakes
Cute cupcakes prepared with the essence of a hot cross bun are a delightful treat for Easter menu. These bite-sized are packed with currants, raisins, mixed peel, and infused with warm spices like cinnamon. With a soft and fluffy crumb, they are crowned with a touch of simple icing. To give it an Easter look, pipe the icing into a cross.
Hot Cross Cookies
If you don't feel like kneading bread dough, this is the best recipe to celebrate Easter. Hot cross bun cookies are a crunchy twist on the classic treat which you can store for weeks. They combine all the warm spices and juicy fruit flavours of hot cross buns in a chewy, bite-sized cookie. Made with butter, sugar, flour, mixed spice, and dried fruit, these cookies are often topped with a simple icing cross.