Mary Berry Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Mary Berry's Hot Cross Buns Recipe offers a delightful way to bring the flavors of Easter into your kitchen. This recipe yields 12 scrumptious buns, each embodying the sweet, spicy, and fragrant essence that has made Hot Cross Buns a long-standing holiday tradition.
Mary Berry Hot Cross Buns Recipe: A Sweet Easter Tradition
Hot Cross Buns are not just a treat; they're steeped in tradition, with each bun's cross symbolizing Christianity. Beyond their cultural significance, they're celebrated for their aromatic and sweet taste, enriched with spices like cinnamon and mixed spice powder, and dotted with dried fruits such as sultanas and mixed peel.
Ingredients for the Hot Cross Buns
To recreate Mary Berry's Hot Cross Buns, you'll need a combination of basic and flavorful ingredients. This includes strong white flour, caster sugar, a blend of mixed spice powder and ground cinnamon, the finely grated zest of one lemon, salt, fast-action dried yeast, butter, milk, one egg, sultanas, and mixed candied peel. For the distinctive cross on top, plain flour and golden syrup are required.
Preparation Instructions
The process involves mixing the dry ingredients with lemon zest, then incorporating the wet ingredients to form a soft, pliable dough. This dough is then enriched with sultanas and mixed peel, left to rise until doubled in size, shaped into buns, and finally, decorated with a cross before baking to golden perfection.
Storage and Reheating
Mary Berry's Hot Cross Buns can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. For optimal enjoyment, ensure they're properly thawed and gently reheated to revive their warmth and aroma.
Nutritional Information
While specific nutritional details vary, Hot Cross Buns generally contain carbohydrates from the flour and sugar, protein from the milk and egg, and small amounts of fat from the butter and milk. The dried fruits add a modest amount of fiber and vitamins.
FAQ about Mary Berry's Hot Cross Buns
Q: Can I use alternative dried fruits? A: Yes, while traditional recipes include sultanas and candied peel, feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like currants or chopped apricots.
Q: How do I ensure my buns have a soft texture? A: The key to soft buns is not overbaking them and ensuring the dough is adequately kneaded and allowed to rise properly.
For more detailed instructions and additional tips, refer to the original recipe sources.
Mary Berry's Hot Cross Buns are a delightful treat that encapsulates the essence of Easter with every bite. Whether enjoyed as part of a holiday breakfast or as a snack, these buns are sure to bring joy to any table.