It’s hot cross bun time

Make your own Easter buns or find the best in the Bay to takeaway

With Easter just around the corner, it’s perfectly acceptable to get your daily fix of hot cross buns guilt-free and without regrets! The scents of allspice and cinnamon, the juicy sultanas, and the lure of the sticky-sweet glaze are constant temptations at this time of year.

Warm, buttered buns are delicious served with a hot cuppa for morning or afternoon tea, or as an after dinner indulgence. Pack them in lunchboxes either as-they-are or with your little person’s spread of choice. There are also endless ways to transform them into other creative snacks and sweet treats.

Supermarkets and bakeries have stepped up with a huge range of options. Your bun of choice may be traditional, gluten-free, fruit-free or with extra fruit added in. Alternatively, you can go all out and choose a bun with chocolate, caramel swirls, chunks of fruit or savoury ingredients.

Whatever your fancy, it’s unlikely that you’ll have to venture far to find the perfect bun. Or if you’re up for a challenge, hot cross buns are actually not that hard to make yourself.

Easy hot cross bun recipes

While hot Cross Buns aren’t difficult to make, you’ll need a few hours to spare while your dough rises. The aroma wafting through your house from the oven will be well worth it!

You'll be pleasantly surprised to learn that making the distinctive cross decorations isn't as tricky at all. They’re simply created by piping or drizzling a flour and water paste on the top of the buns before baking.

Here are some recipes to try:

1. Recipe Tin gives you what she says is “the world’s easiest hot cross bun recipe” along with thorough tips and techniques for making traditional hot cross buns with dry, instant or fresh yeast. Use a stand mixer, knead by hand or use her no-knead method.
2. Jamie Oliver has ideas for both lovers of a traditional recipe and those wanting something more inventive with this delicious sounding version – Chocolate Cherry Hot Cross Buns.
3. Queen of baking, Maggie Beer, guides you through a classic recipe made with dried yeast and glazed with apricot jam.
4. Looking for something else to make with your sourdough starter? The Clever Carrot has some pretty clever tips on making these “incredibly fluffy” sourdough hot cross buns.
5. This apple and cinnamon hot cross bun recipe from Jo Cooks will satisfy the fruit lovers and is also made with an easy, no-knead technique.
6. And finally, one for the chocolate lovers.

Storing hot cross buns and using leftovers

Enjoy your hot cross buns for longer and ensure none of them go to waste with these tips and tricks:

• ● Place them in an airtight container or zip-lock plastic bag and store in a cool, dry place. In the pantry, hot cross buns will last up to 3 days, and in the freezer they'll stay fresh for up to 2 months.

• ● If freezing, wrap each bun individually in baking paper, so you can take out only the portions you need.

• ● Reduce wastage by keeping leftover hot cross buns and using them for other dishes or desserts. For example, toast buns, cut into chunks and serve with ice cream topped with chocolate or caramel sauce. Or use leftover hot cross buns instead of regular bread to make a fun variation on French toast.

Where to get the best hot cross buns in Double Bay

If you’re not one to DIY your hot cross buns, a trip to your local grocery store, bakery or café is your best bet.

In Double Bay, the Bake Bar has traditional hot cross buns available throughout April. Fans of the classic hot cross bun will love their sweet and lightly spiced traditional buns, and they also offer a fabulous alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.

Woolworths has a huge variety from traditional buns to super-soft fruit-free variety to brioche-style buns and loaves. They also have a guide to buying, making and storing hot cross buns, and some great ideas for ways to turn them into savoury snacks and tempting desserts.