Easter is just around the corner! And this Hot Cross Bun Loaf recipe is perfect for breakfast or brunch time around this festive period. I am a huge fan of baking projects and Easter buns are one of my favorite things to bake. I make them every year, and you can find this traditional British recipe here. But this year, I decided to make a tweak to the original recipe, and I baked this amazing bun loaf. And my family really loved it!
This fruity loaf is fluffy, soft, and delicately sweet. I have added a handful of cranberries and raisins, chopped hazelnuts, orange zest, and a selection of spices. But feel free to use your favorite dried fruits or nuts. Anyway, this rich loaf would make a perfect food gift to add to your Easter basket too.
To make the Hot Cross Bun Loaf, you will need the following ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine 17.6 ounces flour, ¼ cup sugar,½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 pinch each nutmeg and allspice.
Make a depression in the center and add in 5.75 fluid ounces lukewarm milk. Sprinkle in 0.25 ounces active dry yeast and mix with a wooden spoon. Let stand for 5 minutes.
Add 2 eggs and 2.8 ounces butter.
Knead until you get a smooth dough for about 10 minutes.
Cover and set aside to rise until doubled in size for about 1½-2 hours.
On a lightly floured surface, flatten the dough and sprinkle 5.3 ounces dried fruits, 1.7 ounces chopped hazelnuts, and 2 tablespoons orange zest. Fold and knead the topping into the dough until well combined. Return the dough to the bowl, cover and leave to rise for another 45-60 minutes.
Divide the dough into 8 even pieces and shape each into quite tall rounds. Arrange them side-by-side in a greased loaf pan. Avoid having any fruit or nut pieces on the surface. Cover the dough and let rise for 45-60 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 °F.
In a small bowl, mix together 0.9 ounces all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon sunflower oil.
Add in water 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough is smooth and pourable. Put the mix into a piping bag and pipe a cross on top of each dough ball.
Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.
Remove the loaf from the oven and turn it out onto a wire rack. Brush with orange marmalade. If the marmalade is too thick, add a bit of hot water and whisk.
Slice, serve and enjoy!
Make this delicious Hot Cross Bun Loaf and have a slice or two for Easter breakfast or lunch. If you make this recipe, let us know! And don’t forget to tag a photo #cookmerecipes on Instagram so we can see.
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