If Africans did Hot Cross Buns, this Hot Cross Buns Recipe right here, would be the one we would make. Why? Because we love sweet, baked buns and cakes, and we love to bring our tropical flavours to traditional British recipes. Mangoes would replace raisins and sultanas and coconut milk would replace fresh milk. Yeap, this Mango and Coconut Hot Cross Buns recipe is so easy to make and immensely morish. Now let’s talk about leftovers. Leftover Hot Cross Buns are not really a thing in my house. First, we eat aaaaaaaaaaalll the Easter Chocolate. Then we eat aaaaaaaaaallllll the buns. Every single one. We are greedy like that. You might have more restraint than us and if you do then my friend S has some advice for you. You can freeze them or make Hot Cross Buns French Toast and Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding. These sound so lush. Of course you can just toast them.
Hot Cross Buns Recipe
These Hot Cross Buns are packed full of sweet mango pieces pre-soaked in coconut milk, with hints of shredded coconut for a bit of texture, all paired beautifully with the warming flavours of nutmeg and allspice. Even the crosses have a coconut flavour. Yeap, this is how we would do it for Easter Hot Cross Buns in Sierra Leone.
Tips for Perfect Hot Cross Buns
Using a mixer will be quick and easy but if you mix by hand you can work out when you think the dough is right. Soak the fruits for about 30-45 mins beforehand so that the fruits are nice and juicy in the buns. Use a high grade of flour as the gluten will result in lighter baked treats. Please do allow your dough rise in a warm spot until it has doubled in size. Change up the spices to your taste – things like cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and others to taste. Feel free to use marzipan to make the cross for the buns. Try and bake the buns in the middle of the oven for more even baking.
Hot Cross Buns History
What Are Hot Cross Buns
Hot Cross Buns are a spiced sweet yeasted bun studded with dried fruits like currants, sultanas or in this case mango and then marked on the top with a cross that is either marked on or has icing pipped top. Whilst these are traditionally eaten on Good Friday you can now find them in supermarkets and food stores all year round. I found you this really cool video that tells you a little bit more about Hot Cross Buns history. Have fun finding out more.
Easy Hot Cross Buns Recipes
If you are looking for more easy Hot Cross Buns recipe why not check out this Chocolate Orange version from Kitchen Sanctuary and this Carrot and Ginger version from Veggie Desserts.
More Easter Recipes
Rocky Road Cake. Hazelnut Easter Egg Cake. Here is how to make this Hot Cross Buns Recipe. Please do try it and if you do make it then please do tag #recipesfromapantry on Instagram or Twitter so that I can pop over and have a look. It is really, really awesome for me when you make any one of my recipes. You can also share it on my Facebook page.
