Hot Cross Buns are enjoyed around Easter, usually on Good Friday and have a long history. They are marked with a cross, either baked into the rolls as a flour paste or with icing. Looking for more vegan Easter recipes? See 40 Vegan Easter Recipes.
What do hot cross buns taste like?
They are a cross between a dinner roll and a sweet pastry, and are completely addicting! My version has cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice in the dough, as well as orange zest and a little sugar. The texture is so soft and fluffy, and the rolls are studded with plump raisins or currants. They also have a simple sugar glaze that is brushed on warm, making them perfectly sticky. Finally, they are topped with an orange flavored cross glaze. Vegan hot cross buns are a fun yearly baking project, and kids will love helping you pipe on the crosses!
Tips and substitutions
Instant yeast – Use instant or rapid rise yeast to make the process quicker and easier. If you only have regular active yeast, that is fine to use but know that rise times will be longer.Sticky dough – Don’t add so much flour that your dough is no longer sticky at all, or the rolls won’t be as soft and tender. Flour your hands when working with sticky dough.Smooth rolls – For smooth rolls, divide the dough into equal pieces and use your hands to shape them. Pull the seams downward gently and place the less smooth side down. See this video from Sally’s Baking Addiction, it’s a helpful visual!Orange zest and juice – If you don’t want a hint of orange, simply leave out the orange zest and use water instead of orange juice in the icing.
Want more Easter vegan brunch recipes?
1 Hour Vegan Cinnamon RollsVegan Blueberry SconesEasy Vegan QuicheVegan Crepes
