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Tropical Hot Cross Buns | Healthy Snack Recipes

tropical hot cross buns with soft dried mango and soft dried dragon fruit

Tropical Hot Cross Buns


Get ready to elevate your Easter baking game with a tropical twist on a classic favourite! Our soft and fluffy hot cross buns are bursting with the vibrant flavours of juicy dried dragon fruit and succulent dried mango. Say goodbye to traditional raisins and hello to a tropical paradise in every bite. Perfect for bringing a taste of the tropics to your holiday celebrations! 🐰🥭

 

How to bake with dried fruit?

Baking with dried fruits infuses your creations with bursts of flavour and delightful chewiness. From classic raisins to exotic mangoes and apricots, there's a dried fruit for every recipe. Before adding them, you can choose to properly rehydrate them by soaking the fruits in warm liquid to plump them up and intensify their juiciness. Incorporate them directly into the batter or dough, fold them in gently, or use them as a flavourful topping or filling.
Plus, they're packed with all the good stuff – vitamins, minerals, and fibre – so you can feel extra good about indulging. So, let's get baking and add a fruity fiesta to every bite! 🍒🥭🍰 

 

What are Hot Cross Buns?

Hot Cross Buns have a rich and tasteful history that's as intriguing as their spicy aroma! Originating from ancient roots in Egypt and Greece, these buns made their way to the UK during the Tudor era, bringing with them a delicious blend of spices and sweetness. Originally tied to religious significance, with their crosses symbolising the Crucifixion, they soon became a tasty treat enjoyed by all. Over time, they've transformed from a symbol of solemnity to a joyful Easter tradition, eagerly anticipated each spring.
Today, Hot Cross Buns come in a variety of flavours, from traditional fruit-filled to modern chocolate chip delights or exotic fruits, but they all share that irresistible combination of soft dough and fragrant spices. So whether you're savouring them on Good Friday and Easter Monday or simply craving a tasty snack, Hot Cross Buns continue to bring joy and deliciousness to British tables everywhere! 🐰🥮

 

Ingredients

Makes 6 buns 

For the buns:

For the crosses:

  • 40g flour
  • 2 ½ tbsp water

For the glaze:

  • Golden syrup

 

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, add the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baker’s yeast, salt (away from the yeast), cinnamon powder and allspice. Mix well.
  2. Add the wet ingredients: milk, butter, egg, lemon zest.
  3. Add dried dragon fruit and dried mango slices cut in smaller pieces.
  4. Knit by hand for about 10 minutes or mix in a mixer for about 4 minutes at low speed and then 3 minutes at high speed. Add a bit of flour if needed. The dough should become silky and elastic, not sticking to your hands.
  5. Form a ball,  cover with cling film and leave to rest in a warm place for about 1 ½ hours.
  6. Dust the work surface with flour, place dough on the work surface, shape into a log and cut into 6 equal pieces.
  7. Using the palm of your hands, shape into 6 balls, place on a baking tray with baking paper next to each other, leaving about 1 cm between each bun. Cover with cling film and leave to rest for another hour.
  8. Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7.
  9. Make the crosses: mix together water and flour with a fork, and add to a piping bag. Remove the cling wrap and pipe crosses onto the buns.
  10. Place the buns in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  11. Remove from the oven and brush the buns with golden syrup and pieces of our Chewy Dragon fruit and Chewy Mango slices.
  12. Enjoy, and happy Easter!

 

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