Heavenly Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns
Embrace the flavorful tradition of Hot Cross Buns with this delightful gluten-free recipe that everyone can savor. Perfectly soft and subtly sweet, these buns are brimming with plump raisins and warm spices, making them an ideal treat for Easter celebrations or any special occasion. The rich history behind these buns—symbolizing sacrifice and rebirth—adds to their significance, while the wholesome ingredients ensure that everyone can join in the enjoyment. The combination of nutritional benefits from raisins, which are high in antioxidants, and cinnamon, known for its medicinal properties, elevates this nostalgic treat to a healthier level. Celebrate this Easter by sharing these delightful buns with family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
milk
285 ml (heated until boiling, then cooled)
butter
50 g (melted into the warm milk)
gluten-free baking mix
500 g (no preparation needed)
salt
1 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
maple syrup
30 ml (no preparation needed)
easy-blend yeast
7 g (no preparation needed)
egg
1 (beaten)
raisins
100 g (no preparation needed)
orange zest
1 (freshly grated)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
gluten-free flour
75 g (for piping)
maple syrup
30 ml (for brushing)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating the milk in a saucepan until it reaches a boil. Once boiled, remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Allow the mixture to cool until lukewarm.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free baking mix, salt, maple syrup, and yeast. Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the cooled milk and butter mixture.
3
Add the beaten egg to the bowl and mix everything together until a sticky dough is formed.
4
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with cling film or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area until it has doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
6
Once risen, gently incorporate the raisins and knead them into the dough. Cover and let rise for an additional hour.
7
After the second rise, divide the dough into 15 equal pieces (approximately 75 grams each) and shape each piece into a ball.
8
Arrange the buns on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and leave them to proof for another 1 hour until puffy.
9
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
10
In a small bowl, mix the extra gluten-free flour with about 5 tablespoons of water to create a thick paste. Transfer this paste into a piping bag.
11
Using the piping bag, carefully pipe a cross pattern onto the surface of each bun.
12
Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
13
Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and brush a generous layer of maple syrup over the top of each bun while they're still warm for a beautiful sheen.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these Heavenly Hot Cross Buns gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free baking mix and gluten-free flour.
What is the total number of buns this recipe makes?
This recipe yields approximately 15 equal-sized buns, with each piece weighing about 75 grams.
What are the primary flavors in these buns?
The buns are flavored with warm ground cinnamon, fresh orange zest, and sweet raisins.
How long does the dough need to rise in total?
The process includes two separate one-hour rises for the dough and an additional one-hour proofing period once the buns are shaped.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 200°C (390°F) for baking these buns.
How long do the buns need to bake?
The buns should be baked for 20 minutes or until they reach a golden brown color.
What is the cross on top made of?
The cross is created by mixing 75g of gluten-free flour with about 5 tablespoons of water to form a thick paste.
How do I achieve a shiny glaze on the buns?
Brush a generous layer of maple syrup over the buns while they are still warm from the oven for a beautiful sheen.
What type of yeast is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 7g of easy-blend yeast.
Does the milk need to be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, heat the milk until it boils, stir in the butter, and then let it cool until lukewarm before adding it to the dry ingredients.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
While the recipe specifies maple syrup for both the dough and the glaze, you could substitute it with another liquid sweetener like honey.
Are there any health benefits to the ingredients used?
Yes, the raisins provide antioxidants and the cinnamon is known for its medicinal properties.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 50 grams of butter, which is melted into the hot milk.
Is kneading necessary for this gluten-free dough?
Yes, the dough should be kneaded for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
When are these buns traditionally served?
Hot Cross Buns are traditionally associated with Easter celebrations and symbolize sacrifice and rebirth.
Does this recipe include eggs?
Yes, the recipe requires one beaten egg added to the dough mixture.
How much cinnamon is used?
One teaspoon of ground cinnamon is included for a warm, spiced flavor.
What kind of flour is used for the dough base?
The base uses 500g of a gluten-free baking mix.
What should I use to cover the dough while it rises?
You can use either cling film or a damp cloth to cover the bowl while the dough rises in a warm area.
Can I substitute the raisins for another fruit?
Yes, although raisins are traditional, you could use dried currants or cranberries if you prefer.
Why is the milk cooled to lukewarm?
The milk must be lukewarm to ensure it activates the yeast without killing it with excessive heat.
How much orange zest is needed?
The recipe calls for the freshly grated zest of one orange.
Do I need to grease the bowl for rising?
Yes, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl to prevent sticking during the rising process.
Is the dough supposed to be sticky?
Initially, the dough will be sticky when the wet and dry ingredients are first combined before kneading.
How do I pipe the crosses?
Transfer the flour and water paste into a piping bag and carefully pipe a cross pattern onto the surface of each bun before baking.
What is the purpose of the third rising period?
The third 'proofing' period occurs after the buns are shaped to ensure they become puffy and light before entering the oven.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is the orange zest added with the dry ingredients?
The instructions suggest incorporating the raisins (and typically the zest and spices) after the initial rise to distribute them evenly.
Can I bake these on a regular cookie sheet?
Yes, but it is recommended to line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the buns from sticking.
How do I know when the buns are finished baking?
They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.