Recipe for Vegan Hot Cross Buns That Everyone Will Love

Hot cross buns are a beloved tradition during the Easter season, known for their soft, spiced crumb and iconic cross marking on top. But what if you follow a vegan lifestyle or simply want to enjoy a plant-based version of this classic treat?

Fear not! This vegan hot cross buns recipe offers all the warmth, spice, and sweetness you expect, without any animal products.

Perfectly soft and fluffy, these buns are studded with plump raisins and flavored with aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or toasted with a smear of vegan butter, these buns bring seasonal comfort to your table.

This recipe is easy to follow, uses simple ingredients, and yields about 12 delicious buns that will impress family and friends alike. Plus, it’s a great way to bring a bit of tradition into your vegan kitchen.

Keep reading to discover why this recipe will become a new favorite, along with tips for perfect buns every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to try this vegan hot cross buns recipe, but a few stand out. First, it’s entirely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and those with dairy or egg allergies.

The buns come out incredibly soft and fluffy, thanks to the combination of plant milk and vegan butter, which create a tender crumb.

The spices are perfectly balanced, offering just the right warmth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the raisins and brown sugar. Plus, the recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special ingredients or equipment, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Lastly, these buns freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy them beyond the holiday season. If you love baking, you might also enjoy exploring other vegan recipes like our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet treat.

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat)
• 1/4 cup (60g) vegan butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice (optional but recommended)
• 1 cup (150g) raisins or currants
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Juice and zest of 1 orange
• For the crosses: 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour + 1/3 cup (80ml) water
• For the glaze: 1/4 cup (60ml) apricot jam or maple syrup

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional but helpful)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Small mixing bowl for cross paste
• Pastry brush for glazing
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap for covering dough

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm plant milk and brown sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
3. Combine wet and dry: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture, melted vegan butter, vanilla extract, orange juice, and zest. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook attachment until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 6-7 minutes.
5. Add the raisins: Knead in the raisins evenly throughout the dough.
6. First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
7. Shape the buns: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each.
8. Second rise: Cover the buns loosely and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
9. Prepare the crosses: Mix the flour and water in a small bowl to form a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off. Pipe crosses over the tops of each bun.
10. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
11. Glaze: While the buns bake, warm the apricot jam or maple syrup in a small saucepan or microwave. Brush the glaze over the hot buns as soon as they come out of the oven for a shiny, delicious finish.
12. Cool and serve: Allow the buns to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, soak the raisins in warm orange juice for 15 minutes before adding them to the dough. This plumps them up and infuses citrus notes.

If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, though texture may vary slightly.

You can swap raisins for chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or mixed peel for a twist on the classic. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking (ensure they’re toasted if desired).

To make the crosses extra crisp, you can pipe the flour paste a second time after the first bake and pop the buns back in the oven for a few minutes. Just watch them closely to avoid burning.

For a richer dough, incorporate 1/4 cup of mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce to add moisture and subtle sweetness without eggs.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan hot cross buns are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your experience with some tasty accompaniments. Try them toasted with a spread of vegan butter or your favorite nut butter for a creamy touch.

They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect breakfast or mid-afternoon snack. For a decadent treat, slice open a bun and add a spoonful of vegan cream cheese or coconut yogurt.

If you’re hosting a brunch or holiday gathering, serve these buns alongside fresh fruit, a vegan quiche, or one of our other delicious plant-based recipes like the Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals.

Conclusion

Making vegan hot cross buns at home is a rewarding way to celebrate the season while enjoying a wholesome, plant-based treat. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between spice, sweetness, and soft texture, making it a crowd-pleaser for vegans and non-vegans alike.

With straightforward ingredients and clear steps, you can create bakery-quality buns that fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and orange zest. Plus, the versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it with your favorite dried fruits or nuts.

Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, these buns are sure to become a go-to for holidays and special occasions. Don’t forget to explore more vegan delights on our site, like the Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or the Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.

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