The Best Homemade Eggless Hot Cross Buns Recipe For Easter

Ah, hot cross buns & Easter! Two things that go together so well, don’t they?

Hot cross buns are a delicious Easter treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. These sweet buns are spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, & other spices, & are often filled with raisins or currants. The cross on top of the bun is made from pastry or icing, & symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Easter is a super cool time to celebrate & renew, & hot cross buns are like, one of the many traditions that come with it. You can totally munch on them at breakfast, brunch, or even as dessert – they’re just that yummy! Sure, you could grab some decent hot cross buns from the bakery, but nothing beats the ones you make at home with natural ingredients. The aroma of freshly baked buns filling up your house is totally divine! & guess what? You can even make them without eggs & still get that softness & flavor you crave. So why not give it a try & share them with your family & friends?

Hot Cross Buns & Easter

The origins of hot cross buns are not entirely clear, but are believed to have originated in England in the 16th century. The buns were initially associated with the Catholic Church & were eaten on Good Friday as a way to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus. Over time, the tradition of eating hot cross buns spread throughout the Christian world, & they are now a popular Easter treat in many countries.

In addition to their religious significance, hot cross buns have also been associated with various superstitions & folklore over the years. For example, it was once believed that hot cross buns had magical powers that could protect a house from fire, & that they would stay fresh for an entire year if they were baked on Good Friday. There was also a tradition of giving hot cross buns to friends & family members as a way of sharing good luck & prosperity.

Today, eggless hot cross buns are a popular Easter treat that can be found in bakeries & supermarkets all over the world. While the recipe has evolved over time & can now include a variety of different ingredients & flavors, the traditional symbolism of the buns remains the same: they are a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross, & a symbol of hope & renewal for the Easter season.

Home Baked Vs Store Bought Hot Cross Buns

Here are a few reasons why home baked eggless hot cross buns are better than store bought:

• Availability

Bakeries particularly start baking Hot Cross Buns a week or two before Easter, so that is when you can buy these buns to enjoy them the way you like. However, its not the same case with home baked hot cross buns. 

• Go Eggless

With an easy recipe & the option to bake them eggless, you can enjoy these delicious buns whenever you want!

• Healthier & Tastier

Furthermore, you could skip the use of bread enhancers & other unnecessary ingredients that professional bakeries use to mass produce in a short period of time & bake your buns 100% healthy & natural. You also have the option to tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences!

Let’s Bake The Best Homemade Eggless Easter Hot Cross Buns

YOU’LL NEED:

For The Buns:

• Maida: 325g 
• Full Cream Milk :150 ml
• Granulated sugar :50g 
• Instant yeast : 2 tsp 
• Cinnamon Powder :½ tsp
• Garam Masala :½ tsp
• Salt: ¾ tsp
• Unsalted butter :42g
• Black Raisins : 100g
• Vanilla extract :1 tsp
• Orange Essence: ½ tsp
• Egg Substitute: Combine 1 tsp whole chia seeds with 3 tsp water, leave it for 5 to 10 minutes, until gelatinous.

For The Cross:

• Maida:50g
• Water: 2 tbsp

For The Glaze

• 2 tsp mixed fruit jam or marmalade 
• 1 tsp warm water

INSTRUCTIONS:

> In a large mixing bowl, combine the maida, sugar, instant yeast, cinnamon powder, garam masala & salt. Mix well.

> In another bowl, whisk the egg substitute & add the softened butter, full cream milk, vanilla extract, & orange essence. Mix well until the butter fully incorporates.

> Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients & mix until a dough forms.

> Knead the dough for 10-12 minutes until it becomes smooth & elastic.

> Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel & let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

> Preheat the oven to 190°C. Punch down the dough & add the black raisins. Incorporate the raisins as evenly as possible.

> Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces & roll them into balls. Place the balls onto a greased baking tray, leaving some space between them.

> Cover with plastic wrap & let them rise for an additional 45 minutes. Once the balls are risen, In a small bowl, mix the maida & water to form a paste. Transfer the paste into a piping bag & pipe a cross onto each bun.

> Bake the buns for 10 minutes then lower the temperature to 180°C & bake them for another 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

> Remove the buns from the oven & let them cool down for a few minutes.

> While the buns cool, mix the jam & water to make a syrup, brush the buns with it for a nice & shiny glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature with tea & butter.

If you’re looking for a sweet and spicy treat that’s perfect for Easter or anytime, these Eggless Hot Cross Buns are a great option. So why not gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these delightful buns? 

Happy Easter & happy baking to you! 🐰👨‍🍳