Print

Hot Cross Buns Recipe (Sweet & Healthy) Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 5 reviews

These sugar-free hot cross buns are naturally sweetened with dried dates and raisins, offering a deliciously spiced, soft, and fluffy treat without any refined sugar. Perfect for springtime or anytime you crave a cozy sweet bun, this recipe combines warming cinnamon and nutmeg with wholesome ingredients to create a healthier twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 16.5 oz (460 g) all-purpose flour (including 20 g or 2.5 tbsp for the flour paste)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 tsp instant yeast
  • 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup raisins (Sultana)
  • 8.9 oz (250 g) dried dates, pitted
  • 1 cup water (for the dough)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Cross Paste

  • 20 g (approx. 2.5 tbsp) all-purpose flour
  • 1-2 tsp water (to make a thick paste)

Glaze

  • 1 tbsp date syrup
  • Water (to thin the syrup as needed)

Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, salt, instant yeast, cinnamon, and nutmeg thoroughly to evenly distribute all dry components.
  2. Make date paste. Place the pitted dates and water into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy, creating a natural sweet date paste.
  3. Mix dough ingredients. Add the date paste, olive oil, and lemon zest to the bowl with dry ingredients.
  4. Knead the dough. Using a stand mixer fitted with a K-attachment or hook attachment, mix on low speed (1-2) for 5 minutes until combined, then knead for an additional 5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. Add raisins. Incorporate the raisins into the dough and mix until they are evenly distributed throughout.
  6. First rise. Transfer the dough to a large greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and leave in a warm place for 2-3 hours or until the dough has doubled in size.
  7. Shape dough. Turn out the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a long log. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
  8. Form buns. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and place on a lined or greased baking tray with about 1/2 inch space between each.
  9. Second rise. Cover loosely with cling film and let the buns rise for 1 hour, or until they have puffed up and are touching each other.
  10. Preheat oven. Set the oven temperature to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for baking.
  11. Prepare crosses. Make the flour paste for the crosses by mixing the reserved flour with enough water to create a thick paste suitable for piping; transfer this paste to a piping bag.
  12. Pipe crosses. Pipe a white cross across the top of each bun using the prepared flour paste.
  13. Bake buns. Bake the buns for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  14. Glaze buns. While still warm, brush each bun with a glaze made by thinning the date syrup with a little water, enhancing shine and flavor.

Notes

  • The natural sweetness comes exclusively from dried dates and raisins, making this a great option for those avoiding refined sugars.
  • Ensure the dough is properly kneaded to achieve soft and elastic buns with good rise.
  • Allow adequate rising times for light, fluffy texture.
  • The lemon zest adds a subtle fresh brightness to complement the warm spices.
  • If you prefer a more traditional texture, you can substitute olive oil for melted butter.
  • Make sure the flour paste for crosses is thick enough to hold shape but pipeable.
  • Brush the glaze while buns are warm for best absorption and sheen.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/hot-cross-buns-recipe-sweet-and-healthy-recipe/