Creamy Honey Lemon Cross Icing for Hot Cross Buns
Elevate your Easter or special occasion baking with this delightful Creamy Honey Lemon Cross Icing, perfect for adorning your freshly baked Hot Cross Buns. This luscious icing, made with softened cream cheese, honey, and a hint of fresh lemon rind, not only adds a beautiful decorative touch but also brings a rich, creamy flavor that perfectly complements the spiced sweetness of the buns. Whether you're making a traditional recipe or trying something new, this icing will surely impress your family and friends. It’s easy to whip up in just a few minutes and adds an elegant finish to any batch of hot cross buns.
18
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
3 ounces (softened)
Honey
2 tablespoons (none)
Butter
1 tablespoon (softened)
Fresh Lemon Rind
1/4 teaspoon (grated)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
2
Gradually add the honey and grated lemon rind to the bowl, mixing well until fully incorporated and blended into a luscious icing.
3
Transfer the icing into an airtight container and refrigerate it until you are ready to use. It can be prepared a day in advance for added convenience!
4
Once you have baked your favorite batch of sweet Hot Cross Buns, allow them to cool slightly. The icing is best applied to warm buns to achieve a perfect piping consistency.
5
Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe the icing onto the buns in the shape of crosses. Make sure not to reheat the buns after the icing has been applied so that it maintains its shape and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Honey Lemon Cross Icing?
It is a luscious decorative topping made with softened cream cheese, honey, and fresh lemon rind, perfect for adding a rich, creamy flavor to Hot Cross Buns.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires four ingredients: cream cheese, honey, butter, and fresh lemon rind.
What amount of cream cheese is needed?
You will need 3 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How much honey should be used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of honey.
What is the required amount of butter?
You need 1 tablespoon of softened butter.
How much lemon rind is used in the icing?
Use 1/4 teaspoon of grated fresh lemon rind.
What is the first step in making the icing?
Combine the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
How should I mix the cream cheese and butter?
Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
When do I add the honey and lemon rind?
Gradually add the honey and grated lemon rind to the bowl after the cream cheese and butter are smooth.
How do I ensure the icing is well-blended?
Mix well until the honey and lemon rind are fully incorporated into a luscious icing.
Can this icing be made ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared a day in advance for added convenience.
How should the icing be stored?
Transfer the icing into an airtight container and refrigerate it until you are ready to use.
When is the best time to apply the icing to the buns?
The icing is best applied to warm buns that have been allowed to cool slightly after baking.
Why should the buns be warm when icing?
Applying the icing to warm buns helps achieve a perfect piping consistency.
How do I pipe the icing onto the buns?
Use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to pipe the icing in the shape of crosses.
Can I reheat the buns after applying the icing?
No, you should not reheat the buns after the icing has been applied so that it maintains its shape and flavor.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes enough icing for approximately 18 servings.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert topping.
Is this icing suitable for Easter?
Yes, it is ideal for Easter or any special occasion involving Hot Cross Buns.
What type of flavor does this icing provide?
It brings a rich, creamy flavor that complements the spiced sweetness of Hot Cross Buns.
Do I need a specific type of mixing bowl?
A medium-sized mixing bowl is recommended for combining the ingredients.
Should the lemon rind be fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifies using fresh lemon rind for the best flavor.
How long does it take to prepare this icing?
It is easy to whip up in just a few minutes.
What consistency should the icing have before refrigeration?
It should be smooth, creamy, and luscious.
What type of piping tip is best?
A small round tip is recommended for creating the traditional cross shapes.
Is the cream cheese used cold or softened?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure it mixes smoothly with the butter.
Does this icing contain granulated sugar?
No, this specific recipe uses honey as the primary sweetener.
Can I use a whisk instead of a hand mixer?
Yes, a whisk can be used to beat the mixture until it is smooth.
What is the purpose of the butter in this icing?
The butter is beaten with the cream cheese to create a smooth and creamy base.
How does the icing enhance the buns?
It adds a beautiful decorative touch and an elegant finish to any batch of hot cross buns.