Sugar-Free Hot Cross Buns

Delight in the wholesome indulgence of Sugar-Free Hot Cross Buns, a healthier twist on the traditional Easter favorite. Made with nutrient-rich whole wheat flour and naturally sweetened with unsweetened apple sauce, these buns are packed with juicy raisins, tart dried cranberries, and a fragrant hint of orange zest. Warm spices like cinnamon and mixed spice elevate the flavor, while a soft, pillowy texture is achieved through careful kneading and rising. Topped with their signature flour-and-water cross, these buns are baked to golden perfection and can be enjoyed guilt-free, whether warm from the oven or at room temperature. Perfect for Easter celebrations or anytime you crave a nutritious, sugar-free treat!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 500 g Whole wheat flour
• 7 g Instant yeast
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp Mixed spice
• 250 ml Milk, warm
• 50 g Butter, melted
• 1 Egg
• 100 g Apple sauce, unsweetened
• 100 g Raisins
• 100 g Dried cranberries
• 1 tbsp Orange zest
• 50 g Plain flour
• 50 ml Water

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, instant yeast, salt, ground cinnamon, and mixed spice.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, whisk together the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and unsweetened apple sauce until well combined.

Step 3

Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into it. Stir until a soft dough forms.

Step 4

Add the raisins, dried cranberries, and orange zest into the dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 7

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to deflate it. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.

Step 8

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking tray about 1 inch apart. Cover and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.

Step 9

To make the cross mixture, combine the plain flour with water to form a thick paste. Transfer it into a piping bag or a small plastic bag with a corner snipped off.

Step 10

Pipe a cross onto each bun.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the buns are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 12

Allow the buns to cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1290.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3185.2

Total Fat 63.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 32.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.8g
Cholesterol 326.3mg	0%
Sodium 2670.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 595.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 80.4g	0%
Total Sugars 163.3g
Protein 93.6g	0%

Vitamin D 203.7IU	0%
Calcium 654.7mg	0%
Iron 25.5mg	0%
Potassium 3556.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 17.2%

Protein: 11.3%

Carbs: 71.6%