Baking Hot Cross Buns At Home
Baking Hot Cross Buns At Home
Baking hot cross buns at home is a fun and rewarding experience. Before getting started, make sure to have all the necessary ingredients, including traditional spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It is such a delight to have the aroma of freshly-baked hot cross buns fill your home. I’m sure you’ll have a great time baking them, and I can’t wait to hear your experience!
History Of Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns have a long and interesting history that dates back to ancient times. It is believed that they originated in ancient Greece and Rome as a sweet bread made with honey, spices, and raisins. The Romans used to mark the bread with the shape of the horns of their goddess Diana to symbolize fertility.
In the Middle Ages, hot cross buns were associated with Easter and were baked by monks and sold to the poor as a way to mark the end of Lent. They were marked with a cross to represent the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Over time, hot cross buns became an important part of Easter traditions in many countries around the world. In England, they were traditionally eaten on Good Friday, and it was believed that they had healing powers. In fact, it was said that if you hung a hot cross bun in your house, it would ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
Today, hot cross buns are still popular around Easter time, and they are enjoyed in many different ways. Some people eat them toasted with butter, while others enjoy them with jam or even as part of a sandwich. Whatever your preference, hot cross buns are a delicious and historically rich treat that will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.
Hot cross buns are a traditional British Easter food that have been enjoyed for centuries. The buns have a rich history dating back to the 12th century, and they are still a beloved treat today. While hot cross buns can be bought from most bakeries and supermarkets throughout the year, there is something special about baking them at home. In this essay, we will discuss the process of baking hot cross buns at home. Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday, but they can be enjoyed anytime with a cup of tea or coffee.
Hot Cross Bun Kits
At Basic Ingredients we have tried to make it easier for everyone to make hot cross buns at home with our kit containing all the necessary ingredients and instructions.
Companies buying hot cross bun kits for their employees is a wonderful gesture that shows the company’s care and appreciation for its staff. These kits can bring joy and create a sense of community among employees, especially during festive seasons like Easter. In addition, it promotes teamwork and collaboration as the employees can bond over baking these delicious treats. It also serves as a reminder that the company values its employees’ well-being both at work and outside work. Overall, corporate buying hot cross bun kits is a thoughtful and impactful way to foster a positive working environment.
Our easy to use, pre measured hot cross bun kits are ready to go. When you order a minimum of 20 kits, they can be customised for corporate orders with your companies logo.
We have two kits available:
Hot Cross Bun Kit 1 (Ingredients & Tools)
- 2kg Bun Mix
- 50g Mixed Spice
- 600g Fruit Mix
- 200g Cross Mix
- 250g Yeast
- 1 x Square Cake Tin
- 2 x Disposable Piping Bags
- 1 x Pastry Brush
- 1 x Plastic Bowl Scraper
- 1 x Silicone Paper
Hot Cross Bun Kit 2 (Ingredients only)
- 2kg Bun Mix
- 50g Mixed Spice
- 600g Fruit Mix
- 200g Cross Mix
- 250g Yeast
Hot Cross Bun Recipe Using Basic Ingredients Kit
Recipe to Make Hot Cross Buns From Scratch
To bake hot cross buns at home from scratch, use the recipe below (or you could always use Basic Ingredients pre-measured and easy to use kit). You will need the following ingredients:
For the buns
- 500g Basic Ingredients white bread flour
- 75g caster sugar
- 2 teaspoons of instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons mixed spice
- 50g butter
- 200ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 150g dried mixed fruit
For the crosses
- 75g plain flour (or you can use our Cross Mix)
- 5 tablespoons of water
For the glaze
- 3 tablespoons of apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon of water
Method
- Mix the flour, sugar, yeast, salt and mixed spice together in a mixing bowl.
- Melt the butter in a pan, add the milk and heat until warm.
- Beat the eggs and add them to the flour mix along with the melted butter and milk. Mix together until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with cling film and leave to rise for an hour in a warm place.
- Once the dough has risen, fold in the dried mixed fruit and divide into 12 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a ball and place on a baking tray. Cover with a tea towel and leave to rise for another 60 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 190°C/gas mark 7.
- To make the crosses, mix the flour and water together to form a paste. Spoon into a piping bag and pipe crosses onto the top of each bun.
- Bake in the oven for 15 -20 minutes until golden brown.
- While the buns are baking, make the glaze by heating the apricot jam and water in a pan until it becomes runny.
- Brush the glaze over the hot buns as soon as they come out of the oven.
Tips
- Keep an eye on your buns as they bake. If they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
- If you don’t have mixed spice, you can substitute it with a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice.
- You can also add a bit of orange zest or candied peel to your buns to give them extra flavour. If you are using our premium mixed fruit please know it has peel already.
Conclusion
Baking hot cross buns at home is a fun and rewarding activity that the whole family can enjoy. By using our kits, you can create delicious hot cross buns that rival those from any bakery or supermarket. Whether you’re making them for Easter or just for a tasty snack, homemade hot cross buns are sure to impress.
- The Aroma: There is nothing quite like the smell of homemade hot cross buns wafting through the house. The warm spices, raisins, and citrus zest create a comforting and tantalizing aroma that fills the air.
- Freshness: Making your hot cross buns means you get to enjoy them fresh out of the oven. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives you the satisfaction of enjoying something that you made with your own hands.
- Customization: When making hot cross buns at home, you can customize the ingredients to suit your preference. You can add more or fewer raisins, leave out the mixed peel if you don’t like it, or even swap out the spices for something different.
- Family Time: Baking together can be a fun family activity. Hot cross buns are a great recipe to make with kids as they can help with measuring, mixing, and shaping the dough.
- Traditional Treat: Hot cross buns are a classic Easter treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. By making them at home, you can carry on this tradition and create memories that will last a lifetime.
- Family Time: Baking with your family can be a fun and enjoyable activity that brings everyone together. From measuring out ingredients to decorating the final product, there are many opportunities for bonding and laughter.