About the Recipe
Nothing says Easter quite like the comforting aroma of Hot Cross Buns baking in the oven. Ours are made using Brown’s signature 72-hour sourdough for a rich, complex flavour and tender crumb. We keep it wholesome by using our own stoneground flour, milled in-house for full-bodied taste and nutrition. With Grove & Meadow plant-based butter in the mix, every bite is soft, golden, and dairy-free.
Ingredients
4 cups Brown’s stoneground flour
1 cup active Brown’s 72-hour sourdough starter
¼ cup brown sugar
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp allspice
1 tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk
¼ cup Grove & Meadow plant-based butter, melted
1 egg (optional) or 1 flax egg
1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, orange peel)
Zest of 1 orange
For the crosses:
½ cup all-purpose flour
5–6 tbsp water
For the glaze:
2 tbsp apricot jam (optional)
Preparation
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together Brown’s stoneground flour, sugar, spices, and salt. Add the sourdough starter, warm milk, melted Grove & Meadow butter, egg (if using), and orange zest. Knead until smooth, about 10 minutes. Gently fold in the dried fruits.
First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature for 4–6 hours until puffed. Then refrigerate overnight (12–24 hrs) to deepen flavour.
Shape: Remove dough from the fridge and let come to room temperature. Divide into 12 even buns. Arrange on a lined baking tray and allow to proof again for 1–2 hours or until risen.
Pipe the Crosses: Mix the flour and water into a paste and pipe a cross on each bun.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
Glaze: Gently warm the apricot jam and brush over buns while still warm for a glossy, festive finish.
Health Benefit:
Using sourdough allows for slower fermentation, which helps break down gluten and enhances gut-friendly properties. Stoneground flour retains more fibre and nutrients than refined flour, making these buns as nourishing as they are delicious.
Tip:
Serve warm with a pat of Grove & Meadow plant-based butter or alongside cheese for a sweet-savory twist. They also toast beautifully the next day!