Description
These Vegan Hot Cross Buns are soft, fluffy, and spiced just right with cinnamon and nutmeg, studded with raisins or currants, and finished with a classic flour cross and sticky glaze. Perfect for Easter brunch or a cozy spring treat, these plant-based buns are just as delicious as the traditional version—without the dairy or eggs. Keywords: vegan hot cross buns, Easter bread, plant-based baking, dairy-free buns, spiced sweet rolls.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm plant milk (like almond or oat)
- 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins or currants
- Zest of 1 orange
- Flour Cross Paste:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 5–6 tablespoons water
- Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or apricot jam
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix warm plant milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and orange zest. Add yeast mixture, melted vegan butter, and vanilla. Stir to combine, then knead for 8–10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
- Add raisins or currants and knead to incorporate. Cover bowl and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled.
- Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape into balls and place in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix flour and water to make a thick paste. Pipe a cross over each bun using a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
- While still warm, brush buns with maple syrup or apricot jam for a glossy finish.
Notes
- You can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates.
- For a richer flavor, use canned coconut milk instead of plant milk.
- These buns freeze well; reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
