Hot Cross Baking for Easter
Hello all, I hope you have been having a fabulous week so far! Spring has officially sprung and there are wonderful flowers peeping out from everywhere! I have yellows, mauves and whites dotted around both gardens and I can see red and pink tulips getting ready to burst open in the next few days. That said, the wind is blowing dramatically outside so the birds which have been recent regular visitors are likely all tucked up somewhere out of harms way.
Anyway, I know it is still a whole weekend away, but now is a great time (if you celebrate), to start thinking about Easter bakes! Yes, I am well aware that you can go and buy all manner of flavoured hot cross buns including marmalade, white chocolate & strawberry and even marmite (yes really), but there is nothing like the scent of homemade spiced buns baking!
Getting prepared and started now, gives you time to buy any extra ingredients and get baking without the last-minute rush. You’ll get that wonderful smell of spices and fruit filling the house, and you will have time to test out different recipes! Perfect!
Easter bakes
Hot cross buns, muffins, loaves – whatever you prefer are brilliant for Easter breakfasts, snacks or even dessert. Baking your own gives you the freedom to adjust the sweetness, add extra fruit, or try different flavour twists. You can remove an ingredient and switch it out – for example, children might prefer chocolate chips instead of raisins which is perfectly acceptable! If baking with yeast is something you would rather leave to the professionals, there are other ways to get those Hot Cross Bun flavours with minimal effort.
As there already several tried and tested recipes on here, rather than create something new this week, I have chosen a selection of Easter themed bakes for you to have a go at!
- Traditional hot cross buns
- Hot cross bun loaf
- Hot cross bun muffins
- Hot cross bun pancakes
- Hot cross bun chia pudding
You can (as with most of my recipes) make any of these recipes as easy or complicated as you wish! I’ve created these hot cross recipes to be adjustable to your needs, and you can switch up the ingredients to suit you. Try changing the levels of spices, swap the fruits, or even add a handful of nuts, seeds or chocolate chips. If you’re feeling adventurous you could try that marmite variation!!! As much as I love marmite – I will leave that for you to try and give me your verdict – just add a couple of teaspoonfuls to the batter (oh no, please don’t)!!!
What do I need?
If you’re new to cooking or your kitchen needs a refresh, here are a few useful things for these recipes. (I receive a small commission if you click and purchase through these links but this is at no additional cost to you). Baking trays, mixing bowls, cooling racks, scales and spatulas are always useful. You can also have a look at a range of Easter themed products as it’s nice to add something new and seasonal. These bunny themed placemats are adorable, fabric seasonal bunting is a favourite of mine and I know someone who would love these cute Easter tea towels!
Storage
All of the hot cross buns should store quite well, either covered on the worktop or in the fridge for three to five days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. If freezing, portion them or separate with greaseproof paper, label and freeze.
Sharing
Will you have a go at making your own hot cross bun creations? For you? your family? for friends? I love seeing your adaptations and interpretations of my recipes, and I’d love to see your photos! Please share and tag me @LifeDietHealth or using #LifeDietHealth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook or X.
Leave me a comment below… I love to chat!
Have a fabulous weekend, and enjoy your baking.
Laurena x
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