Good Friday: Simple Healthy Hot Cross Buns

Today we’re sharing a super simple recipe for Healthy Hot Cross Buns that you can make at home. These buns are naturally sweet with raisins and a mashed banana, so there’s no need for extra sugar. Let’s get baking together!

What You’ll Need to make our Egg-cellent Hot Cross Buns!

Dry Ingredients:

• 500g whole wheat flour (or half whole wheat, half all-purpose for a lighter bun)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional for extra warmth)
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional)

Yeast Mixture:

• 7g active dry yeast (one little packet)
• 250ml warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• A small handful of raisins (to help wake up the yeast)

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive or vegetable oil
• 1 ripe banana, mashed

Extra

• 100g raisins (to mix into the dough)
• 3 tbsp whole wheat flour mixed with 3–4 tbsp water

How to Make:

• Wake Up the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and a few raisins. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it’s frothy.

• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a big bowl, stir together the flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

• Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the mashed banana and oil to the frothy yeast mixture.

• Make the Dough: Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft, sticky dough forms. Then, fold in the extra raisins.

• Knead the Dough: Sprinkle a little flour on your counter and knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth.

• First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let it rest in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.

• Shape Your Buns: Punch the dough down and divide it into 10–12 small balls. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

• Second Rise: Cover the tray with a tea towel and let the buns rise for another 30 minutes.

• Add the Crosses: Mix the 3 tbsp flour with 3–4 tbsp water to make a smooth paste. Use a small bag or spoon to draw a cross on top of each bun.

• Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the buns for 20–25 minutes until they are lightly golden.

Let the buns cool a little before you taste them. Enjoy these warm, healthy hot cross buns with your family as a special Good Friday treat. Happy baking, and have a wonderful Good Friday from all of us at Tops Day Nurseries!