Why You’ll Love this Vegan Hot Cross Buns Recipe
When you try this Vegan Hot Cross Buns recipe, you’ll quickly discover why it’s a favorite for so many. The combination of warm, spiced flavors and soft, fluffy texture creates an irresistible treat.
I love how easy it’s to make, allowing me to enjoy fresh buns without the fuss. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family during special occasions.
The delightful aroma that fills my kitchen while they bake is simply heavenly, and the glaze adds a beautiful finish.
Trust me, once you taste these, you’ll want to make them a regular part of your baking routine!
Ingredients of Vegan Hot Cross Buns
When it comes to baking, there’s something truly special about making Vegan Hot Cross Buns. The blend of warm spices and the sweetness from the currants or raisins creates a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug.
Plus, the fact that these buns are vegan means everyone can enjoy them, whether they’re fully committed to plant-based eating or just looking to try something different. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s plunge into making these delightful buns together.
Ingredients for Vegan Hot Cross Buns
- 1 cup soya milk
- 2 tablespoons yeast
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/3 cup margarine, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 eggs (substitute)
- 5 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/3 cups currants or raisins
- 1 egg white (substitute)
- Glaze:
- 1 1/3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1-2 tablespoons soya milk
Now, let’s talk a bit about these ingredients. First off, if you’re wondering whether you can swap out the soya milk for another plant-based milk, you absolutely can! Almond, oat, or coconut milk would work just fine.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add a hint of vanilla to the dough for an extra layer of flavor. As for the sweetener, feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking—sometimes I cut back a little if I’m feeling like I need to save my sweet tooth for something else later.
The spices are really what bring this recipe to life, so don’t skimp on the cinnamon and nutmeg; they’re the stars of the show! Just remember, baking is all about experimenting, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
How to Make Vegan Hot Cross Buns
Alright, let’s get started on making these Vegan Hot Cross Buns. Start by taking 1 cup of soya milk and warming it up in a small saucepan—just warm enough to feel cozy, like a nice hug, but not too hot (we’re talking around 45°C if you’ve got a candy thermometer).
Once it’s warm, pour that milk into the bowl of your electric mixer and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of yeast over it. Give it a little stir to dissolve and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This is where the magic begins. While you wait, you can take a moment to admire how you’re already a step closer to those delicious buns.
Now, with your mixer on low speed, add in 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1/3 cup of melted and cooled margarine, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 4 eggs (or your egg substitute). Mix it all together until it’s combined, and then start gradually adding in 5 cups of whole wheat flour.
It’s going to get a bit sticky, but don’t worry, that’s normal. Keep kneading with your dough hook for about 5 minutes until the dough is smooth. Once that’s done, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 30 to 45 minutes. I like to use this time to clean up a bit—because, let’s be honest, my kitchen often looks like a flour bomb went off.
After the dough has rested, return it to the mixer and knead for another 3 minutes until it’s nice and elastic. Now, toss in 1 1/3 cups of currants or raisins and knead just a little longer to mix them in. You might feel like the dough is still a bit too wet and sticky, but that’s okay.
Shape it into a ball, place it in a greased dish, cover it again, and let it rise overnight in the fridge. This step helps absorb any excess moisture, which is almost like a beauty sleep for your dough. The next day, let it come to room temperature for about half an hour.
When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 200°C and line a baking pan with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces, shape them into little balls, and place them on the baking sheet about half an inch apart.
Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours. During this time, you can daydream about how amazing your kitchen will smell. Once they’ve doubled in size, take a sharp knife and make a cross on each bun before brushing them with an egg white substitute.
Pop them in the oven, first for 10 minutes at 200°C, then reduce the heat to 180°C and bake for another 15 minutes until they’re golden brown.
Now for the fun part—while the buns are baking, whisk together the glaze with 1 1/3 cups of confectioners’ sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of finely chopped lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract, and enough soya milk (1 to 2 tablespoons) to make it drizzly.
Once the buns have cooled a bit on a wire rack, spoon that glaze over them in a delightful cross pattern. They’re best served warm, but let’s be real, you mightn’t be able to resist indulging right away. Enjoy your homemade Vegan Hot Cross Buns; they’re a treat you’ll want to make again and again.
Vegan Hot Cross Buns Substitutions & Variations
After you’ve mastered the basic Vegan Hot Cross Buns recipe, experimenting with substitutions and variations can elevate your baking game.
For a gluten-free option, swap whole wheat flour with a gluten-free blend. Instead of currants or raisins, try dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a fruity twist.
I love adding a splash of orange juice for extra flavor or using coconut oil instead of margarine. Don’t forget spices; try cardamom or ginger for a different kick.
Finally, you can top them with a vegan chocolate glaze instead of the traditional icing for a delightful twist. Enjoy getting creative!
What to Serve with Vegan Hot Cross Buns
Pairing Vegan Hot Cross Buns with the right accompaniments can elevate your enjoyment of this delightful treat.
I love spreading a generous layer of dairy-free butter on warm buns; it melts beautifully into the soft bread. A side of homemade fruit preserves or vegan cream cheese adds a lovely touch, enhancing the flavors.
For a cozy brunch, serve them alongside a steaming cup of chai or herbal tea; the spices in both complement each other perfectly.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an extra sweet kick. Trust me, these pairings will take your buns to the next level!
Additional Tips & Notes
While making Vegan Hot Cross Buns can be a rewarding experience, a few tips can help guarantee your buns turn out perfectly every time.
First, make sure your soya milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast effectively.
I always let the dough rise overnight in the fridge; it really improves the flavor!
Don’t rush the second rise, as it’s key for fluffy buns.
When shaping, keep your hands lightly floured to prevent sticking.
Finally, brush the buns with the egg white substitute for a golden finish.
Enjoy these soft delights fresh and warm for the best experience!