Hot cross buns with candied fruit are more than just a delightful treat; they’re a cherished tradition that warms the hearts of many during Easter. The sweet aroma of these spiced buns baking in the oven is enough to bring back memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. I remember making these with my grandmother, who would always say, „They’re best when shared!” There’s something magical about the combination of soft dough, fragrant spices, and bursts of candied fruit that makes each bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or toasted with a bit of butter, these buns are a staple in my kitchen every spring. Trust me, once you try making them, you’ll understand why they’ve stood the test of time!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather everything you need to make these delicious hot cross buns with candied fruit! Here’s a clear list of ingredients to have on hand:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled for accuracy
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar to add that perfect sweetness
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon for a warm, aromatic flavor
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, because it pairs beautifully with cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt to balance all the sweetness
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast, making sure your buns rise perfectly
- 1 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C) for optimal yeast activation
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mixed candied fruit, chopped into smaller pieces for even distribution
- 1/4 cup raisins for extra sweetness and chew
- 1/4 cup currants, the perfect little bursts of flavor
- For the glaze: 1/4 cup apricot jam mixed with 1 tablespoon water, creating a shiny finish
These ingredients come together to create that comforting, spiced flavor we all love. So, let’s get ready to bake!
How to Prepare Hot Cross Buns with Candied Fruit
Alright, let’s dive into the delicious process of making hot cross buns with candied fruit! It’s truly a labor of love, but so worth it when you smell that sweet, spiced aroma wafting through your kitchen. Follow these steps, and you’ll have golden, fluffy buns in no time!
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and instant yeast. Make sure to whisk them together well until everything is evenly distributed. This step is super important because it ensures every bite of your bun is packed with flavor!
Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the warm milk (make sure it’s around 110°F or 43°C), melted butter, and beaten eggs. This combination should feel cozy and inviting. Don’t rush it; give it a good stir until everything is nicely blended. The warmth helps activate the yeast, so it’s a key step!
Kneading the Dough
Now, pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Next, add in the chopped candied fruit, raisins, and currants. Time to get your hands a little messy! Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens! Kneading develops the gluten, making your buns soft and fluffy. Keep kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Rising the Dough
Once your dough is beautifully kneaded, place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This is the time to kick back and relax—your dough is doing all the hard work!
Shaping and Baking
After your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide it into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a bun, tucking the edges under to create a nice, smooth top. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them again, and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you’re waiting. Bake those lovely buns for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom.
Glazing the Buns
As soon as your buns are out of the oven, it’s glaze time! In a small saucepan, mix the apricot jam and water, heating it gently until smooth. Brush this shiny glaze over the warm buns to give them that beautiful, glossy finish. Trust me, this is the cherry on top that makes them irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These hot cross buns with candied fruit are a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for special occasions!
- They’re soft and fluffy, with a texture that melts in your mouth—just what you want in a bun.
- Making them from scratch fills your home with the most amazing aroma, making it feel like a cozy bakery.
- They’re perfect for sharing! Whether at Easter brunch or a cozy family gathering, everyone will love them.
- Plus, they’re freezable! You can enjoy them fresh anytime by simply warming them up.
Tips for Success
To ensure your hot cross buns with candied fruit turn out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your yeast is fresh; old yeast can lead to flat buns. If you can’t find mixed candied fruit, feel free to substitute with your favorites, like dried apricots or cherries—they’ll add a lovely splash of color and flavor!
Also, don’t rush the rising times. Letting the dough rise until it doubles in size is crucial for that light, fluffy texture. If your kitchen is a bit cool, try placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven (just a few minutes on low) to help it rise better. And while baking, keep an eye on them towards the end; ovens can vary, and you don’t want those beauties to over-brown! Trust me, following these tips will yield buns that are not just good, but great!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your hot cross buns with candied fruit fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the buns! Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. They’ll taste just like fresh out of the oven!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The information provided here is an estimate and not exact. Each hot cross bun with candied fruit contains approximately 210 calories, along with a delightful mix of sugars, fats, and protein. For precise dietary needs, it’s always best to calculate using the exact ingredients you choose!
FAQ Section
Can I make hot cross buns with candied fruit ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking.
What if I can’t find mixed candied fruit?
No worries at all! You can substitute with any dried fruits you love, like chopped apricots, cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist!
How do I know when my buns are done baking?
They should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Also, the internal temperature should reach around 190°F (88°C) for perfectly baked buns!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, using whole wheat flour will give a heartier texture, but you might want to mix it with all-purpose flour for the best results. Happy baking!
For more delicious recipes, check out this tomato soup recipe or this carrot cake recipe.
Z nadrukami
Hot cross buns with candied fruit: 5 ways to warm hearts
- Całkowity Czas: 55 minutes
- Ustępować: 12 buns 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Hot cross buns with candied fruit are sweet, spiced buns traditionally served during Easter.
Składniki
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup mixed candied fruit
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup currants
- For the glaze: 1/4 cup apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon water
Instrukcje
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and yeast.
- In another bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and eggs.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Add candied fruit, raisins, and currants. Knead the dough for 10 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a bun and place them on a baking sheet.
- Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- For the glaze, combine apricot jam and water, then brush over warm buns.
Uwagi
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- These buns can be frozen for future use.
- Feel free to substitute other dried fruits.
- Czas Przygotowania: 30 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 25 minutes
- Kategoria: Baked Goods
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: British
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 bun
- Kalorie: 210
- Cukier: 8g
- Sód: 150mg
- Kwasy: 5g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 36g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Słowa kluczowe: hot cross buns, candied fruit, Easter baking
