This recipe for Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns is incredible! The real deal… No one will know they are gluten free and Coeliac-Friendly. Made with traditional fruit and spice, they are soft, fluffy, doughy Easter perfection.
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Why I developed my BEST traditional Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns Recipe
I am SO excited to share this recipe with you… My Best EVER Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns. Developed, tweaked and re-worked over and over again until I reached Gluten Free Hot Cross Bun heaven. Because these are different from other gluten free Easter buns… Not only soft, fluffy, fruity, spicy, doughy deliciousness as soon as they have been made… But they are also STILL soft and delicious a couple of days later. No toaster required. Now… that’s rare!
Of course, they are amazing toasted too… But they don’t actually NEED toasting. And I promise (because they have been tested with gluten-eaters), that no one will ever know they are gluten free.
And that’s the main reason I went to such lengths to get this one right. Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns are an endless disappointment. I’ve tried them all… Bought and from ‘high-ranking’ internet recipes. It seems there is way too much style over substance. So… Hopefully this one will tick all your boxes too.
What are Hot Cross Buns and why do we have them at Easter?
Hot Cross Buns are an iconic Easter treat. But just in case any of you are scratching you head thinking ‘Really?… never heard of one’… A Hot Cross Bun is a yeasted sweet bun dappled with dried fruit (usually raisins, currants and (sometimes) sultanas), which has been marked on the top with a cross before baking.
A short history…
The origins of the Hot Cross Bun seem to go back as far as the 12th Century. Allegedly, way back then, an Anglican monk baked the first batch marked with a cross to observe Good Friday. The symbolic treat gained popularity and over time, they became synonymous with Easter.
But like many foods with a long and religious history, Hot Cross Buns also come with ample superstition. By the end of the 16th Century (believing they carried magical properties), Tudor Queen Elizabeth Ⅰ had passed a law in England preventing the sale of all sweet buns other than at Christmas, Good Friday and to funerals. The banning drove people to want the buns even more… Determined bun-eaters by-passed the law by making them at home… And before long the law had to be rescinded as it was impossible to enforce.
Of course, while it would be easy to assume that the cross symbolises crucifixion based on that history, the ‘facts’ are perhaps a little muddier. ‘Crossed’ spiced buns have long been enjoyed within populations regardless of religion for centuries. The ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans had variations to celebrate the change of the seasons. And even the Pagan Saxons had a version that was marked with a cross to honour Ēostre, the Pagan goddess of fertility and Spring.
History aside, the buns remain delicious. And although they now seem to be available (at least in the UK) for most of the year, they continue to be a symbol that marks the end of the Lent fasting period and a time for celebration.
Why choose THIS Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns recipe
If you are Coeliac or a gluten-avoider, the good news is that there are now many Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns available in the supermarkets, although they vary significantly in fruitiness, spices and texture. However, the fact that so many people asked for a good home-baked recipe, seems to indicate that not all is great in the Easter bun-buying world… But it also seems to suggest that many of the recipes available on the internet are less than worthy.
So… as is the crazy determination of Gluten Free Alchemist, we have risen to the challenge (no pun intended) to create the ULTIMATE Gluten Free Hot Cross Bun… One that is perfectly flavoured with seasonal spice and citrus… Generous with super-juicy fruit… Soft, doughy and fluffy of crumb… That is still soft and delicious the next day and beyond without having to be toasted… But that also toasts to perfection… And, of course, is marked with the traditional cross.
Have we delivered? You bet we have! In fact, we go a stage further. These buns can be part-made and frozen mid-process (tested after 48 hours), which means that you can even have fresh Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns in phased batches… Which is fantastic if you are the lone Coeliac in the family… Or you can just bake, freeze and defrost in the microwave.
The challenge of creating a worthy Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns recipe…
Heads up… When I set out to create my Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns recipe, I really wanted to make it super-simple. But the reality is that while I could create a ‘bag and bowl’ bun that tasted amazing fresh out of the oven, the early versions were dry and hard within 3 or 4 hours. And in my world, that simply isn’t good enough. Food should be edible for the duration and I won’t be forced to toast my buns just because they are poor quality. Don’t get me wrong… I LOVE a toasted fruit bun as much as the next person, but there should be a choice… right?
So, I (half) apologise for what appears to be a plethora of ingredients. However I also say loud and clear that a long list of ingredients is NOT an indication that the recipe is difficult. It is just what is required to create a texture and crumb that is perfect and that lasts. And ‘that is lasts’ was crucial in the criteria for development. As always, it also goes without saying that there are no nasty additives.
Actually, none of the ingredients are that difficult to source. And most of them will be in the gluten free larder. But take it from me… the choice of ingredients is a careful selection that works. And making these buns may just be one of the most therapeutic bakes I’ve made in a long time.
Top Tips and Frequently Asked Questions for making these gluten free Easter buns
Just in case you need more convincing, let’s walk through some of the ingredients and processes used to make these Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns and consider why they are important…
Why is the fruit soaked in orange juice and hydrated before adding to the dough?
Seriously don’t miss this step… If you want moist, fluffy buns with super-juicy fruit, the dried fruit needs to be soaked and hydrated. Soaking in orange juice not only brings extra seasonal citrus flavour to the bake, but it ensures the fruit is plump and bursting with flavour.
But perhaps more important, is that adding plain dry fruit to the dough without soaking will result in a dry and crumbly bun. As it bakes, the fruit will suck the dough dry and that is a bad thing!
Does the flour blend matter?
Yes. Seriously… it does. I tried making these buns with my own gluten free flour blends A and B as well as a popular commercial option… The results remained dry and unhappy. The blend that worked best is the unique one I have used in the recipe…
Importantly… it contains no corn (which will be music to the ears of my corn-intolerant friends). But, it is very carefully balanced for the starches that help give the doughiness, and for the proteins which support the structure.
I have offered some possible substitutions for the protein-flours as I know not everyone can tolerate oat flour. But I would be reluctant to alter the balance of either the tapioca or potato starches, as these have been tweaked to a point that works.
Why is the psyllium husk hydrated rather than being added dry to the flour mix?
Anyone familiar with my Wholemeal Bread recipes will know that the psyllium husk is usually mixed in with the dry flour ingredients. For these buns, the psyllium is hydrated separately with the eggs and some milk. It is really important that the instructions for this are followed, to ensure the fluffiest of buns with a good moisture content. The process allows the moisture to be absorbed and held by the psyllium for an unequalled texture when baked.
Do I have to use honey as well as caster sugar?
The recipe uses a little golden caster sugar as a slight sweetener, but also contains a little honey (which has been added to help the yeast activate). In reality, you can use sugar instead of honey to activate the yeast, but if you can use honey, do. It seems to be another ingredient which helps to support longevity of texture.
Can I use Instant Yeast to make Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns?
Usually, bread recipes at Gluten Free Alchemist contain instant yeast. For these Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns however, I have switched to Dried Active Yeast (the type which is activated before adding to the mix) and have given the bun dough two proofings. Why? Because when I started on the recipe’s development, instant yeast simply didn’t produce the fluffy buns I wanted. The first proofing (and the use of Dried Active Yeast) made a massive difference to the final texture.
Why is butter and oil used in the recipe?
Similarly to the use of honey, the balance of oil and butter supports the long-lasting texture of the buns, while ensuring they still have the rich and buttery flavour of traditional Hot Cross Buns.
Why have these Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns been egg washed and glazed?
This is necessary too… The buns have been egg-washed before baking to help seal the dough and protect from the harsh heat of the oven. This extra step helps to hold moisture in, for a perfect crumb.
The brown sugar glaze adds the traditional shine and sticky surface.
Why add steam to the oven during baking?
It’s easy to forget this stage of the process. But it also makes a big difference to an even rise and good texture. Why? Because the moisture from the steaming dish of water helps keep the surface of the dough soft and protected during the first minutes of rapid rise when initially placed in the oven. The buns can continue to expand while the yeast remains active, without negative impact.
Can I use different fruit or chocolate chips instead of Currants and Raisins?
Yes. Not everyone likes traditional fruit in their buns. So, it’s fine to substitute with an equivalent weight of chopped alternative dried fruits (maybe apricots, cherries, cranberries or blueberries). Or even sub with about 120g chocolate chips. Just be aware that chocolate chips need adding after the first prove… When I tested this option, I (stupidly) added them with the rest of the ingredients and the warmth of the dough caused the chips to melt… When the dough was knocked back, the chocolate simply amalgamated with the dough… Delicious, but no chips.
As it was such a popular request, there is now a separate Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns recipe to use on Gluten Free Alchemist. But we also have an amazing Marzipan Hot Cross Bun recipe too… with hidden marzipan surprise!
How long will these Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns stay fresh and how should I store them?
Stored freshly baked and at room temperature…
The recipe for these Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns has been carefully developed to stay fresh for longer than most other home-made gluten free Easter buns. They have been tested for softness at 2 to 3 days and were still delicious un-toasted. At this point, they all got eaten, but I suspect they may have been fine for a little longer.
Of course, like any fresh bread product, the texture of the buns slowly begins to tighten over time. However, wrapped tightly in clingfilm (or a plastic bag with the air sucked out of it) they did especially well. To stop the buns sticking to the film, I popped a little baking paper round the batch first. Store at room temperature.
Freshly baked and frozen…
My Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns can also be baked and frozen. The usual rules apply to ensure freshness… Freeze as soon as possible after they have cooled, wrap tightly and eat within a month or so.
When taken out of the freezer, either defrost to room temperature, or chuck a couple in the microwave for a few seconds to have fresh steaming hot buns. Toast or not as you wish.
Freezing Gluten Free Bun dough part-way through making to bake later…
As a bit of an experiment, I tested freezing the dough after the first prove and before the second. It worked a treat!
Simply knock back the dough, roll into balls and freeze separated from each other on a tray. If possible, fast-freeze and then store the buns once fully frozen in an airtight container.
When ready to bake and eat, defrost the buns naturally to room temperature, before placing somewhere warm to rise (I tested by placing over a warm bowl of steaming water). The rise may take a little longer (depending on how cold the buns are when you start). But once risen, finish the buns with egg wash and crosses (or not) before baking as per usual.
Stages of making Gluten Free Hot Cross Bun Dough in pictures
Will you make my Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns?
So, there you have it… My Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns explained. I really hope you give them a go. Please don’t see the list of ingredients as a hinderance. The results took our buns to another level and I hope you will feel the same…
As always, do let me know if you make them and how they work for you. Leave a comment, rate the recipe, ping me an email or tag me on social media with pictures of your epic buns. It really makes me smile to see how your bakes turn out and makes all the hard work in development worth it. You’ll find me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.
For other Easter treats (including yummy Simnel Cake and Simnel Traybake), check out my Easter Index… We also have a recipe for No Psyllium Hot Cross Buns for those of you who can’t eat it! And of course, huge thanks for visiting and using Gluten Free Alchemist.
Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns
Key equipment
- spoon and fork
- Small saucepan
- cling film
- kettle
- large baking sheet
- Oven
- oven-proof bowl
Ingredients
Hydrated & Other Dried Fruit
- 120 g mixed dried fruit (currants; raisins; sultanas) (150g hydrated weight – soaked in orange juice and then drained)
- 70 g orange juice for soaking the fruit
- 60 g chopped mixed peel
- zest 1 orange optional – finely grated
Dry Flour Mix
- 160 g tapioca starch
- 145 g potato starch
- 85 g oat flour For no oat version sub with sorghum flour
- 70 g sorghum flour or buckwheat flour For no oat version sub with brown rice flour or buckwheat flour
- 5 g fine sea salt = 1 level teaspoon
- 3 g xanthan gum = 1 level teaspoon
- 3 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp mixed spice
Yeast Starter
- 20 g Dried ACTIVE YEAST The type that needs activating (I use Allinson's)
- 2 to 3 tsp honey (for preference – or golden caster sugar)
- 60 g hand warm water
Psyllium Husk Hydration
- 3 large eggs UK large (Canadian ‘Extra Large’; Australian ‘Jumbo’; and US ‘Extra or Very Large’)
- 28 g ground psyllium husk
- 100 g full fat milk
- 1½ tsp orange extract or vanilla extract
Pan Ingredients
- 60 g golden caster sugar
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 200 g full fat milk
- 1 tbsp sunflower oil
Egg Wash
- 1 egg + a dash of milk
Crosses
- 30 g potato starch
- 20 g sorghum flour or buckwheat flour
- 40 g milk approx
Sugar Glaze
- 1 tbsp soft light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
Hydrating the Fruit – ahead of time
- Ahead of time, mix the mixed fruit (currants/sultanas/raisins) with the orange juice in a bowl and leave to hydrate for 2 to 3 hours (or overnight), stirring occasionally.
- Once hydrated, drain the fruit and discard the juice.
- Mix the hydrated fruit with the mixed peel and orange zest (if using) and set aside.
Dry Flour Mix
- Mix together the 4 flours, salt, xanthan gum and spices until thoroughly blended. Set aside. TIP: Weigh into an airtight container and shake vigorously.
Yeast Starter
- Weigh the yeast, honey (or sugar) and hand warm water into a small bowl. Make sure the water is tepid only, as if it is too hot, it will kill the yeast.
- Beat together with a fork or whisk briefly to mix thoroughly and enable the yeast granules to dissolve.
- Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes while the yeast activates. Yeast that has activated will appear frothy and may even bubble slightly.
Psyllium Husk Hydration
- Beat the eggs in a large bowl with an electric whisk until they are just starting to thicken.
- Add the psyllium husk to the eggs and beat again. The mixture should become thick enough to start holding shape.
- Scrape down the bowl and re-whisk to ensure the psylium husk and eggs are well blended. Keep beating until the psyllium and egg become a thick, airy batter consistency.
- Next add the 100g measure of milk and the orange extract and beat again to combine.
- Set aside for about 10 minutes to allow the psyllium husk to fully hydrate.
Pan Ingredients
- While the psyllium husk is hydrating, weigh the caster sugar, butter, 200g measure of milk and sunflower oil into a small saucepan.
- Gently heat on the hob over a medium setting, stirring frequently until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool a little. To cool more quickly, either transfer from the hot pan to a cool jug, or keep stirring in the pan to help the steam to escape.
Mixing the ingredients together to make a dough
- When the hot milk has cooled a little (you should be able to touch it without burning), add it little by little to the hydrated psyllium mixture in the bowl, whisking thoroughly between each addition.
- Next add the activated yeast mixture and beat again to blend evenly.
- Once fully blended, add the flour mix to the bowl.
- Beat the flour into the wet ingredients with either a wooden spoon or electric beaters with a dough hook. Start slowly (to avoid the flour spraying out of the bowl).
- Keep beating for several minutes to ensure the mixture becomes a very thick, even (but sticky) dough-batter.
- Lastly add the drained dried fruit and mix firmly into the dough until even.
Proof the Dough
- Scoop the dough into a single heap and rest a sheet of clingfilm over the bowl (not touching the dough).
- Set the bowl in a warm place to proof (rise) for about an hour. I set my bowl over another bowl with a little steaming water in the bottom (changing the water to refresh the warmth regularly).
Knocking back the dough
- Once the dough has risen to about double the size, 'knock it back' by stirring and turning with a solid wooden/silicone spoon.
Rolling the dough into buns
- Base line a large baking sheet with baking paper.
- With lightly oiled hands (I wear tight-fitting vinyl food gloves and rub a dribble of oil into them), pull off pieces of the dough and roll into balls in the hand, to make about 13 even-sized dough-buns. The balls should be 5 to 6 cm in diameter.
- Arrange the dough balls in rows on the lined baking sheet with a gap of about 1½ cm between them.
- Gently rest a piece of clingfilm over the top of the dough-buns (they mustn't be restricted) and set aside in a warm place to rise for 45 minutes to an hour (depending on the warmth of the room. The buns will more or less double in size.
Preparing the mixture for the crosses and the egg-wash
- While the buns are rising, make the mixture for piping the crosses. – In a small cup or bowl, mix together the flours and water until smooth.
- In a separate small bowl, beat an egg with a dash of milk ready to egg-wash the buns.
- Place a heat-proof dish or pan at the bottom of the oven and then pre-heat the oven to 180 C/350 F/Gas 4.
- Boil a kettle of water ready to pour into the heat-proof dish in the oven.
Baking the buns
- When the dough-buns are risen – very gently, but thoroughly brush the tops all over with egg wash.
- Transfer the mixture for the crosses into either a small piping bag with a fine piping tip/tiny snip off the end, or a plastic squeezable piping/icing bottle. If the mixture has stiffened too much add a tiny drop of water and stir through, BEFORE TRANSFERRING. The mixture needs to be just pipeable and not too runny.
- Pipe a line of cross-mixture down the centre of each row of dough-buns and then turn the tray and repeat the process at right-angles, so that all the buns are topped with a cross.
- Half-fill the tray/dish placed in the base of the oven with boiled steaming water.
- Bake the buns for 13 to 15 minutes until the golden and firm on the tops.
- While the buns are baking, prepare the sugar-glaze by heating and dissolving the brown sugar with the water either in a tiny dish in a microwave for a few seconds, or in a small pan on the stove.
- When baked, remove the buns from the oven and cool for about 5 minutes on the tray, before transferring to a wire rack to continue cooling.
- While still hot, brush the tops of the buns with brown-sugar glaze.
Eating and Storing
- These Hot Cross Buns can be enjoyed either warm or cold. Best slathered with butter. They will stay soft for a good 24 to 48+ hours, although will eventually start to dry a little. Toast them or not as you prefer.
- To store after they have cooled, make sure the buns are tightly wrapped in clingfilm or a bag to ensure maximum freshness. (I place a little additional baking paper between them to prevent sticking).
- To Freeze: Freeze on the day of making and as soon as possible after cooling, tightly wrapped for maximum freshness.
Notes
Nutrition
© 2019-2023 Kate Dowse All Rights Reserved – Do not copy or re-publish this recipe or any part of this recipe on any other blog, on social media or in a publication without the express permission of Gluten Free Alchemist
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Wow! This is so great. Came out well.
That’s great to hear Greg. So pleased you enjoyed them x
I often find the texture of GF baked goods from recipes found online, to be disappointing, particuarly when the photo always looks so tantalizing. Kate’s recipe for traditional hot cross buns did not disappoint! Although the steps in the recipe are many, they are clearly laid out and easy to follow. Buns produced a perfect, airy texture and a soft crumb and a traditional easter bun flavour. I don’t like overly sweet baking, but I think I would use a little more sugar next time. Perhaps our equivalent sugar, here in Canada, to caster sugar, called berry sugar, is less sweet? Also although the buns rose, they looked a little more like scones than buns. I think perhaps that’s because I used an etra large baking pan, that left too much space between the buns. All in all, this was an excellent recipe that I would make again. Perhaps next time with marzipan inside!
Thank you so much for such lovely feedback Lina. And for taking the time to come back and let me know. It means a lot.
I’m so pleased that you loved the buns and that they met expectation. I was a non-gluten free foodie for many years before Coeliac came along, so I have very high expectations and a long memory of great food. I hope that it has helped my recipe development.
Funny you should mention the marzipan option… I did create a recipe for Marzipan Hot Cross Buns with Cherry and Apricot which I love. Just in case you want to have a look…
https://www.glutenfreealchemist.com/marzipan-hot-cross-buns-cherry-apricot-gluten-free-recipe/
Best wishes and thanks again
Kate x
I made these last year and they were absolutely delicious. But we had them for lunch as I didn’t want to get up that early to make them for breakfast! So I wonder if you can do one of the proofs in the fridge overnight and then finish and cook them in the morning.
Many thanks for your help.
Margaret
Hi Margaret.
Yes. That should be fine! I would suggest doing the first proof in the fridge overnight (which will also allow great hydration time) and then knocking back and shaping when you get up the next morning. The process of kneading and shaping will help the dough to warm up too, so the rise should be even.
Enjoy xx
What is mixed peel? Is it candied or raw? Is it like the candied fruit for fruitcake? I am in the US and not familiar with this term. thanks for the clarification.
Hi Elizabeth
Mixed peel is candied citrus peel that has been chopped. In the UK we can buy it ready-made. However, you can make your own at home. Here’s a recipe that may help (not mine, but looks sound!)
https://fromthelarder.co.uk/homemade-mixed-peel/
Thanks for the recipe. I did follow it closely, though not grinding psyllium to a powder. I stuck to using brown rice and buckwheat flours as I had these on hand. I also formed into bun shapes and chilled in the fridge overnight- proofing an hour when I took out of the fridge before baking. I found texture to be chewy soft snd slightly dense but very nice to eat! Toasted would be my preference!
Hi Belinda.
I’m sorry to hear that your buns were dense. They are usually airy and soft.
It may be that the flours used made a difference, although I am assuming that you did also use tapioca and potato starches in addition to the brown rice and buckwheat, so that shouldn’t have been a factor.
Using whole psyllium may have made slight textural difference, but minimal.
However, From your description, it sounds as though they may have been under-proofed. If they came out of the fridge, they will have needed extra time to come to room temperature and for the yeast to ‘wake up’. This would definitely have resulted in a more dense crumb.
Best wishes
Kate
Hi,
I made these yesterday! Was a bit of an adventure because I bought whole psyllium seeds thinking I could grind them (first time using them ….) and well.. of course no grinding was possible! Psyllium seeds all over the kitchen ahaha
After that moment of crisis had passed though, I decided I was too far into the recipe to give up, and just followed through with them whole, added 2tbsp of ground flaxseed to the mix just in case!
My dough ended up very very sticky? No shaping was possible even with very oily hands! I ended up haphazardly using a spatula to clean the sticky stuff off my hands and onto the baking trays, trying to keep them more or less the same sized heaps. At this point I had low hopes, because as I couldn’t handle them, the surface was extremely rough. After putting them in the oven though, they grew to about 3 times their size and the surface smoothed out completely!!!! I was super excited that they had worked out after all, and then I removed them from the oven only to be sad again because they deflated into very unsightly lumpy mounds hahah! They were cooked through however, and the texture inside was still nice and chewy, just the appearance that had gone wrong. Flavour was incredible though! At this point I had a second smaller tray to bake, and this time I let them cool in the switched off oven with the door cracked open, to see if I could prevent the collapse. This worked somewhat, and they were much prettier than the first batch and more airy inside!!
I used:
– 85 gr millet flour (maybe this is what changed the stickiness)
– 70 gr buckwheat flour
– added one chopped up apple with the raisins, instead of using the mixed peel
– whole psyllium seeds + 2tbsp ground flax ( this was by accident but I had to make do)
All in all, it was an emotional challenge, but very worth it in the end! I feel like next time I’ll be more prepared!
Would definitely recommend the slow cool down though, like 10 mins in the oven with the door cracked before actually removing the tray.
Thank you so much for your recipe and all the advice!!!
Wishing you a happy easter <3
F
Oh my goodness Francisca. That sounds like quite an adventure.
I think the psyllium issue was the problem. Psyllium HUSK is the crucial ingredient which hydrates the dough and brings the whole thing together into a kneadable thing. Nothing else comes close. (Psyllium seeds are not the same thing).
The addition of apple sounds absolutely delicious though… I’ll definitely be trying that.
Do try again with the recipe. It’s so good when you get the right ingredients.
And Happy Easter xxx
can these buns be made with dairy free ingrediants?
Hi Sue
Yes they can. The only dairy ingredients are the butter and milk. The butter should be subbed with a block dairy free butter alternative (such as stork or Flora (who do an unsalted) baking blocks).
The milk used is full fat, partly because it adds extra softness due to the fat content. So I would choose a less ‘watery’ dairy free milk if possible, or for good measure, shake in a spoon of yoghurt with a higher fat content (coconut yoghurts have a higher fat content) to balance the fat levels.
Having said that, the recipe will work with straight subs, but just may not stay as fresh as long.
I hope that helps x
Hi. Therese definitely look like they are worth the work, thank you. I’m especially interested as they stay fresha couple of days! But I don’t have any psyllium. Have you tried anything else instead, like ground flax seed? Thanks.
Hi Claire
Thank you for your comment and for taking the time to visit Gluten Free Alchemist. Apologies for the delay in response,
Unfortunately, psyllium husk is an important ingredient in making these buns as good as they are and I wouldn’t suggest it be substituted. You could try ground flax seed if you wish, but as this has not been tested, I wouldn’t be able to guarantee the results.
Sorry and best wishes x
I’m so excited to try this recipe – do you think it could also be cooked as a loaf? I’m imagining I can just toast a slice with a cup of tea in the afternoon!
Many thanks. x
Thanks Kate. It’s funny you should ask! I was going to try myself. If you can wait a few days, I’ll let you know xxx
Hi Kate,
Living in the Netherlands I can’t get hold of the yeast you used.
In the comments Lea mentioned she’d used 21 gr of fresh yeast but when I use an online yeast converter it comes back with 40 gr of fresh yeast or 15 gr of instant dried yeast.
Could you perhaps advise on how much fresh or instant dried yeast to use to make your amazing looking hot cross buns?
My flours are already mixed ready for your answer 🙂
Thanks
Hi Janet
I’ve contacted Lea direct as I know she’s made the conversion and the buns worked well. So I’ll get back to you as soon as I can, when I’ve checked xxx
I wouldn’t use instant dried for this one. I tried it and they weren’t as good.
Hi again Janet
Lea has kindly offered the following:
The yeast (where she is) comes in blocks of about 42g.
It says that’s enough for 1K of flour… So she just used half of it and that seemed to be about right.
It is activated in exactly the same way as the recipe above.
I know her buns worked well, as I saw a photo and she said they were good.
Hopefully that will help you xx
Thanks Kate and Lea,
I’ll be giving these a go very soon; looking forward to my first fresh and enjoyable hot cross bun.
Janet
These are amazing Kate, lovely and soft and a gorgeous taste.
I used an ice cream scoop to get an even amount per bun and got 18 out of the mixture. The first batch I put in at 165 C in a combi oven but they were a little pale after 14 mins, so the second batch went in at 170 for 15 mins and that worked really well.
My crosses are a little haphazard and it would have helped to read before doing; like putting the crosses on then realizing I should have first done the eggwash!
This is one for my recipe folder, just like (among others) your almond shortbread and chocolate crinkle biscuits.
Happy Easter to all
Fantastic. You made them! I’m so pleased and even happier that they worked so well. Thank you for taking the time to feedback too. It’s really important that I get to hear the recipes work well outside of my kitchen!
I hope you’ve had a wonderful Easter. And so happy you’re finding GFA useful. Just shout if you need anything xx
Amazing recipe! I made a batch this week and the texture was phenomenal. The buns deflated once cooled, I think due to over proving, but the texture was still airy and stretchy. Do you think it would be possible to split the method over 2 days by proving the dough (first round) in the fridge overnight and then once the dough is made into balls, letting them come to room temperature before a second proving? Would love to know if you think this would work. Happy Easter!
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback Grace.
I’m pretty sure you could split the process over a couple of days, although I would probably stop and refrigerate before rolling into balls and then roll and prove. Having said that… They worked brilliantly frozen as balls and then defrosted and given the second prove. I’m wondering whether there’s really any difference… So give the fridge method a go! Maybe fridge some and freeze some and see which works best? The more I think… the more I’m thinking it would work fine!
Do let me know if you try it. xxx
I have just found out I am intolerant to Wheat (not gluten, but wheat) so I would like to make this recipe as I loooove hit cross buns. However, I don’t like traditional fruit ones & buy the fruit free ones instead. Would it be possible to make this recipe without the fruit? Would I just incorporate the orange juice usually used to hydrate the fruit somewhere else so that the hydra6remains the same? Or leave it out altogether? I’d really like to find a wheat free & fruit free recipe!!
Hi Alana
Yes of course! The orange juice is there is hydrate the fruit so that it doesn’t suck the moisture out of the dough mainly. But you can put whatever you like in them.
If you use alternative dried fruit (which from what you’ve said is unlikely), then still soak in juice (or something) for the above reason. Otherwise, you could follow the other version I have of the same recipe for Chocolate Chip Buns (so that the moisture levels are right without the OJ) and either sub the choc chips with some chopped nuts or anything else you fancy or just spice the buns as you want. The other recipe is basically the same result but without the fruit… and with different spice/flavourings. (https://www.glutenfreealchemist.com/best-chocolate-chip-hot-cross-buns-gluten-free-recipe/)
I hope that helps. If it doesn’t make sense, just shout! xx
There is no “quick fix” when it comes to GF baking, but when I saw this recipe, I knew from the ingredients that it would work. I live in Switzerland so the only way I was going to get GF buns this year, was to make them.The recipe is not simple, but well worth the effort, and each step is very well explained. I substituted the dried yeast for half a block (ca 21 gm) of fresh yeast, but otherwise I followed the recipe exactly. I was delighted with the result. The texture resembled that of regular buns.
Thank you so much Lea.
I really appreciate the time taken to leave a comment and I’m thrilled to hear that the buns came out well.
Have a fabulous Easter x
Thank you so much for this recipe. I’m slowly making my way through as many of your recipes as the family calorie intake will permit!
I’ve just made these and they taste really nice. I’ve sliced them through the middle, ready for toasting, and frozen them.
This is not a recipe for the faint-hearted, as there are a lot of steps, but your instructions are really clear. I find it quite hard to follow a recipe, so I think next time I’ll have someone on hand to read out the steps.
The tip with the gloves is really helpful. I used vinyl ones I had in the house because of Covid! It was much easier to handle the dough than with bare hands.
I weighed the bun dough out to get even sized buns. The dough weighed 1340g – 13 x 100g ish per bun, or 12 x 110 g ish per bun. I think if I was making again, I’d make 12, rather than 13, as 12 will produce better shaped buns on my baking tray. The buns spread into one another, and where the ‘odd’ one sat in the middle, those buns were not very bun shaped.
My buns were also a bit flat – I’m not sure if that’s because I proved them too warm and too fast. I used my bottom oven at 30 degrees (conventional), and did the first proving in much less than the suggested hour, knocked them back (quite gently), and then rolled into balls as directed. I put them back to rise again at 30 degrees, and they doubled in size in about 15 minutes. They lost a bit of height when baked. The final buns look like they have acne scars all over – lots of little bubbly dents, and they are a bit dense (but still taste good).
My attempts at piping a cross failed entirely. My plastic bag was not strong enough, and after the first cross (which was too runny!), the bag burst. So we just have hot buns.
I’ve yet to get my head around the way these flours cook. I baked my buns for more than the suggested 15 minutes, because when I opened the oven, they were still ‘speaking’. Another 5, and though they didn’t look cooked, they were springy to the touch, so I took them out. They were very wet underneath when I came to transfer them to the cooling rack after 5 minutes – I’m wondering if I actually had too much steam in my oven? Is that possible?
Thanks again!
Hi Yvette
Thank you so much for your feedback and for using my recipe. I’m seriously impressed that you even weighed your dough for even buns. I just pinch a bit off one and stick it on another if they look uneven 😂
Regarding the end result… From your description, I would say that the buns were probably over-proved. It sounds as though as a result they may have then collapsed a little on baking, leaving them a little flat and sunken as well as more dense than they should be (as the structure has gone).
This may be because they were proved too fast and/or too long. It may be worth proving the next lot slower and at room temperature where you have greater control. I sit my baking tin on top of a glass bowl of steaming water which I refresh a couple of times during the prove if needed. It seems to work well.
I’m not sure about the ‘wetness’ as its not something I’ve experienced. It’s possible that there was too much steam. But maybe if the dough is over-proved, the structure may be more susceptible? I don’t know.
It does sound as though they are almost there though.
It does take a little while to get used to the different expectations of gluten free baking and the fact that doughs, moisture levels and baking times can be different. So I’m glad the recipe was reasonably easy to follow. I have to agree, this is definitely one of the more involved recipes, but to be honest, Hot Cross Buns were always a faff in my pre-GF days.
Just shout if you need anything xx
My men are (fortunately) merely wheat (or possibly) gluten intolerant, so small amounts of wheat are not a problem. I made ordinary hot cross buns the other day, and stuck them in the freezer. My son ate one accidentally, and when I referred him on to the right buns, his response was “Hot take, the gluten free ones are better!” And that despite the fact that they were flat!
Yay!!!!! High praise!
Thank you to your son for his discerning taste buds. He’s most welcome x
😁🤭😂
I made these again. My son is addicted to them for breakfast, which is great, since he’s always hated breakfast!
I made them a bit smaller this time, and next time I’ll make 18, split between 2 trays with gaps between, as the central buns were cooking slower than the outer ones where they had merged together.
This time, for proving, I heated my bottom oven to 30 degrees, then turned it off, left the door open a crack, and proved the dough for about 18 mins, and then the buns for about 20 mins, and they only sank back a bit on cooking.
My oven must be slow, as they took a good half hour to cook. After 25 mins they’d reached 86 degrees. I took them out the oven at that point, then when moving them to the cooling rack after about 5 minutes, I realised they weren’t done underneath. I stuck them back in the oven, and finally took them out when they reached 99 degrees. By this time they had firmed up better, and were a little browned underneath. They were definitely better than last time – they definitely weren’t firm enough last time when I took them out the oven.
Thanks for the feedback. Oven’s can be quite different from one another and I know mine is still quite efficient as it is still fairly new. Ultimately, when it comes to baking, we need to rely on instinct to some degree and I always see oven instructions as a bit hit and miss for some recipes.
So happy your son loves the buns. xxx
Your Hot Cross Buns look amazing! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday,526. Have a great week and come back soon!
Miz Helen
Thank you Helen. You’re welcome. Thanks for hosting x
Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party!! Hope your week is amazing!
Thank you Helen. You’re welcome x
Oh my these look delicious – I love Hot Cross Buns <3
Thank you Clare. Me too. I’m so happy with these xx
These look amazing. The men in this house are addicted to hot cross buns! Thanks for sharing #cookblogshare
Thanks Louise. You’re welcome. Getting a good Gluten Free Hot Cross Bun recipe was a bit of a priority… Most of them are dry and hard within hours. So I am super-thrilled with these xx
Fantastic! Just made these hot cross buns and they are in a class of their own.
Thank you SO much Margaret. I am so pleased to hear that.
When I develop a recipe that I think is good and I put it out there, I get really worried that it might not be as good as I thought when other people try it. You have no idea how reassuring it is when someone gives positive feedback. So thank you.
xxx