Homemade Hot Cross Bun Loaf Recipe – Perfect for Easter

Homemade Hot Cross Bun Loaf Recipe – Perfect for Easter

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time for one of the most beloved seasonal treats: hot cross buns. But what if you could enjoy all the flavors of a traditional hot cross bun in one delicious loaf? Our Hot Cross Bun Loaf is soft, spiced, packed with dried fruit, and topped with a sweet cross—it’s perfect for Easter breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack with tea.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 500g strong white bread flour

  • 75g caster sugar

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 2 tsp mixed spice

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 7g dried yeast (instant)

  • 300ml warm milk

  • 50g unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 large egg

  • 150g mixed dried fruit (currants, sultanas, raisins)

For the Cross:

  • 75g plain flour

  • 5 tbsp water

For the Glaze:

  • 2 tbsp apricot jam or honey, warmed

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough:
    In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and mixed spice. Stir in the dried yeast.

  2. Add Wet Ingredients:
    Make a well in the center and add the warm milk, softened butter, and egg. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

  3. Knead:
    Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add the dried fruit halfway through kneading so it’s evenly distributed.

  4. First Rise:
    Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and leave in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

  5. Shape the Loaf:
    Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf that fits your greased 9x5-inch loaf tin. Place the dough in the tin and cover loosely with cling film. Let it rise for another 30–40 minutes.

  6. Make the Cross:
    Mix the plain flour with water to form a thick paste. Spoon into a piping bag (or ziplock with a corner cut off) and pipe a cross on top of the loaf.

  7. Bake:
    Preheat the oven to 200°C / 180°C fan / 400°F. Bake the loaf for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

  8. Glaze:
    Remove the loaf from the oven and brush the top with warmed apricot jam or honey to give a beautiful shine. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

  • Slice and serve warm with butter or cream cheese.

  • Pair with a steaming cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate cozy treat.

  • Perfect for an Easter brunch centerpiece or as a gift for family and friends.

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