Why You’ll Love this Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic treat, you’ll love this gluten-free hot cross buns recipe. These buns aren’t just gluten-free; they’re bursting with flavor from cranberries and oranges that elevate the traditional taste. I can’t get enough of the warm spices, which create a cozy aroma as they bake. Plus, making them is surprisingly straightforward. The dough comes together easily, and the baking process fills my kitchen with a delightful scent that’s hard to resist. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack. Each bite is a soft, sweet experience that makes you forget they’re gluten-free. Trust me, you’ll be reaching for seconds!
Ingredients of Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns
When it comes to making gluten-free hot cross buns, the ingredient list is essential to achieving that perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. You’ll be amazed at how easy it’s to pull together this list of ingredients. With a few pantry staples and some delightful add-ins, you’re just a whisk away from creating something truly special.
Ready to immerse yourself in the world of baking? Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these scrumptious buns.
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup currants
- 1/4 cup craisins
- Juice and zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups sorghum flour
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1/4 cup chickpea flour
- 1/4 cup chestnut flour
- 1/2 cup tapioca starch
- 1 teaspoon guar gum
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 cup jaggery or 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup diced candied fruit
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/3 cup rice flour (for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water (for cross paste)
- 2 drops almond extract
- 3 tablespoons honey, warmed until runny
As you gather these ingredients, keep in mind the flexibility of this recipe. If you don’t have jaggery on hand, coconut sugar works just fine, and trust me, it gives a lovely depth of flavor.
Feeling adventurous? Swap out the currants for your favorite dried fruit or try adding in some nuts for a little crunch. Just make sure to keep the gluten-free flours as specified; they play an essential role in getting the right texture.
How to Make Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making those delicious gluten-free hot cross buns. First things first, you’ll want to start by gathering your ingredients. You have some exciting flavors waiting to come together, like the 1/2 cup of raisins, 1/4 cup of currants, and 1/4 cup of craisins. Toss those in a bowl along with the juice and zest of 1 orange, 1/4 cup of hot water, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
Give it a good stir and then let it soak for at least 20 minutes. This step is essential because it plumps up the fruit and infuses a lovely citrusy aroma that will make your kitchen smell divine.
While your fruit is soaking, grab your stand mixer and combine the dry ingredients. In goes 1/2 tablespoon of instant yeast, 1 1/4 cups of sorghum flour, 1 cup of rice flour, 1/4 cup of chickpea flour, 1/4 cup of chestnut flour, 1/2 cup of tapioca starch, 1 teaspoon of guar gum, and all those warm spices: 1 teaspoon of ground allspice, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg.
Add in 1/2 cup of jaggery or coconut sugar, 1/4 cup of diced candied fruit, and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Mix those together until combined—like a cozy little spice party. Now, add your soaked fruit mixture (don’t forget the soaking liquid), 1/4 cup of canola oil, and 1 beaten egg.
Mix it all up for about 5 minutes. The dough should be stiff but slightly sticky; if it’s too dry, don’t be shy to add a splash of water.
Now, here comes the waiting game. Cover your dough with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot for about 2 hours. It should get puffy, but it doesn’t need to double in size.
Once that’s done, grease a 9×13” baking dish and divide your dough into 12 pieces, rolling each into a ball with lightly oiled hands. Place those dough balls in the baking dish, re-cover them, and let them rise for another 2 hours. Seriously, this is the hardest part—waiting.
But trust me, it’s all worth it when you finally get to the baking. Preheat your oven to 400°F, and while it warms up, whisk together your “cross” paste ingredients: 1/3 cup of rice flour, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and 2 drops of almond extract until smooth.
Pipe that lovely paste in a cross over each bun before popping them into the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they sound hollow when tapped.
Oh, and don’t forget to drizzle them with warm honey right after they come out—because who wouldn’t want a sweet finish? Let them cool for just a bit, then transfer to a wire rack, and get ready for some serious taste-testing. Enjoy!
Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns Substitutions & Variations
While traditional hot cross buns are delightful, I love experimenting with substitutions and variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
For a nut-free version, I swap chickpea flour with additional rice flour. If you want to avoid sugar, using mashed ripe bananas or applesauce can add natural sweetness.
I often play with dried fruits too—substituting cranberries for raisins or adding chopped apricots for a zesty twist. Vegan friends can replace the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water.
For a spiced kick, I sometimes toss in a pinch of cardamom or ginger. No matter the changes, I find that the buns remain delicious, ensuring everyone can enjoy a warm treat!
What to Serve with Gluten Free Hot Cross Buns
To elevate your experience with gluten-free hot cross buns, consider pairing them with a variety of delicious accompaniments.
I love spreading a generous layer of dairy-free butter or cream cheese on warm buns, adding a rich, creamy texture. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup enhances the sweetness, making each bite irresistible.
For a fruity twist, serve them alongside a homemade orange marmalade or a tart cranberry sauce that complements the buns beautifully.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing them with a spiced chai tea or a hot cup of coffee, which adds warmth to the experience.
These combinations not only highlight the flavors of the buns but also create a delightful and satisfying breakfast or snack.
Additional Tips & Notes
When you’re making gluten-free hot cross buns, keep in mind that ingredient quality can greatly impact the final product. Always opt for fresh spices and high-quality flours to enhance flavor and texture.
I recommend measuring your ingredients accurately; even a slight variation can affect the dough consistency. If you’re not familiar with gluten-free baking, don’t hesitate to experiment with different flour blends until you find what works best for you.
Also, remember to let the dough rise adequately; this step is essential for achieving that fluffy texture. Finally, if you want a touch of sweetness, feel free to drizzle more honey on top after baking.
Trust me, these small adjustments can make a big difference! Enjoy baking!