Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the delightful taste of hot cross buns with candied fruit! These sweet buns are not just any ordinary treat; they’re fluffy little bundles of joy, spiced with cinnamon and bursting with the sweetness of candied fruit. I can still remember the aroma wafting through my home as my family baked them every Easter. It’s a tradition that fills my heart with warmth and nostalgia. The unique blend of spices—oh, that hint of nutmeg and allspice—paired with the soft, pillowy texture makes each bite feel like a hug. Trust me, there’s nothing like tearing into one fresh out of the oven, the sweet glaze glistening on top, ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea. You’re going to love making these!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the most delicious hot cross buns with candied fruit. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 500g strong white bread flour – this gives the buns their lovely structure and chewiness.
- 75g caster sugar – just the right amount of sweetness to balance the spices!
- 10g salt – enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip this!
- 10g instant yeast – the magic ingredient that makes your buns rise beautifully.
- 300ml milk – warm it up slightly, as it helps activate the yeast.
- 50g unsalted butter, melted – adds richness and a lovely buttery flavor.
- 1 large egg – binds everything together and adds a rich color.
- 100g mixed candied fruit – this is where the fun happens! Use your favorite mix for a burst of flavor.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – classic spice that gives that warm, cozy feel.
- 1 tsp mixed spice – a blend that adds depth to the flavor profile.
- For the cross: 75g plain flour and enough water to make a paste – this gives those iconic crosses on top.
- For the glaze: 75g apricot jam – gives a beautiful shiny finish that makes them irresistible!
Trust me, having all these ingredients on hand will make your baking experience so much smoother and enjoyable! Happy baking!
How to Prepare Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit
Now, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these hot cross buns with candied fruit! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise the results are totally worth it.
Mixing the Dough
First, grab a big mixing bowl and combine the strong white bread flour, caster sugar, salt, instant yeast, and those lovely spices. Mix them together well—this is crucial because it ensures the flavors are evenly distributed. Then, warm the milk slightly and mix it with the melted butter before adding this mixture along with the egg to your dry ingredients. Stir until everything is just combined; don’t worry about it being perfect at this stage!
Kneading and Adding Candied Fruit
Next comes the fun part! Flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Knead it for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back when poked! Now, gently fold in the mixed candied fruit; this adds such a burst of sweetness and color to each bun. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
Rising the Dough
Once your dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Find a warm spot in your kitchen—like near a sunny window or on top of the oven—and let it rise until it’s doubled in size. This usually takes about an hour, so you can kick back and relax while the magic happens!
Shaping the Buns
When the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto your floured surface and divide it into equal pieces—about 12 should do. Roll each piece into a ball and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each bun; they’ll puff up beautifully during the second rise!
Baking the Buns
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Once the buns have risen again for about 30 minutes, they should look puffy and lovely. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. To check if they’re done, tap the bottom of a bun; it should sound hollow. Oh, the smell will be heavenly!
Glazing for Finish
Finally, to achieve that beautiful shiny finish, warm the apricot jam in a small saucepan until it’s melted. Brush the glaze over the hot buns as soon as they come out of the oven. This not only gives them a lovely sheen but also adds a touch of sweetness that makes them irresistible. Let them cool slightly before serving, but trust me, you’ll want to dig in while they’re still warm!
FAQ Section
Can I use different fruits?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about making hot cross buns with candied fruit is the flexibility you have with the fruit choices. You can use any combination of candied fruits you love—think cherries, orange peel, or even some dried apricots! Just make sure you cut them into small pieces so they mix well into the dough. It’s all about personal preference, so feel free to experiment!
How can I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftover buns (but trust me, they’re hard to resist!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, you can also wrap them in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. Just remember, they taste best when they’re fresh, so reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that warm, fluffy goodness!
Can I make these buns ahead of time?
You can definitely prepare the dough ahead of time! If you want, knead the dough and let it rise, then shape the buns and place them on the baking tray. Cover them well and pop them in the fridge overnight. The next day, just let them come to room temperature and rise again before baking. It’s a perfect way to get a head start, especially if you’re planning for a special occasion!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional data for each hot cross bun with candied fruit. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 150mg
This should give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in as you enjoy these delicious buns!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me share why these hot cross buns with candied fruit are an absolute must-try! Each bite is a delightful experience that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. Here are a few reasons you’ll adore this recipe:
- Quick preparation time—perfect for when you need a sweet treat in a hurry!
- Delicious taste with a hint of spice that warms the soul.
- Perfect for Easter gatherings, adding a festive touch to your celebrations.
- Versatile with fruit options—mix and match your favorite candied fruits for a personal twist.
- Easy to follow steps that make baking these buns a joy, even for beginners.
Trust me, once you taste them, you’ll be making these buns a regular part of your baking repertoire!
Tips for Success
To ensure your hot cross buns with candied fruit turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, when kneading the dough, aim for that lovely smooth and elastic texture; it should feel slightly tacky but not stick to your hands. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour, but don’t overdo it!
For rising, find a cozy, warm spot—an oven preheated to the lowest setting and then turned off works wonders. Be patient; the dough should double in size, which usually takes about an hour. If you’re in a hurry, you can place it in a sunny spot to speed things up a bit.
Lastly, when baking, keep an eye on your buns as they cook. Ovens can vary, so check for that golden brown color and the hollow sound when tapped. Oh, and make sure to glaze them while they’re still warm for that perfect shiny finish. Happy baking!
Print
Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit: 5 Reasons You’ll Love Them
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 buns 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic sweet bun spiced with cinnamon and filled with candied fruit.
Ingredients
- 500g strong white bread flour
- 75g caster sugar
- 10g salt
- 10g instant yeast
- 300ml milk
- 50g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 100g mixed candied fruit
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- For the cross: 75g plain flour and water
- For the glaze: 75g apricot jam
Instructions
- Mix flour, sugar, salt, yeast, and spices in a bowl.
- Warm milk and mix with melted butter, then add to dry ingredients along with the egg.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Add candied fruit and knead until well combined.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough into buns and place on a baking tray.
- Let the buns rise again until puffy.
- Mix plain flour and water to make a paste for the cross, pipe it onto the buns.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C for 20 minutes.
- Brush with apricot jam after baking for a shiny finish.
Notes
- You can use any combination of candied fruit you prefer.
- For a richer flavor, let the dough rise overnight in the fridge.
- These buns are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bun
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: hot cross buns, candied fruit, sweet buns, Easter recipe
