Description

This hot cross bun loaf brings the classic spices and sweet dried fruits of traditional hot cross buns into an easy bread maker loaf. With its soft crumb and warm aroma, it makes a comforting breakfast or dessert. Simple variations like citrus zest, honey glaze, or herbs add creative twists to suit any taste.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups bread flour

2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast

1 cup warm milk

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 large egg

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons mixed spice

3/4 cup dried fruits (currants, raisins or mixed peel)

1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

2 tablespoons honey + 1 tablespoon hot water for glaze (optional)

Instructions

1. Add warm milk, softened butter, and egg into the bread maker pan.

2. Layer bread flour, brown sugar, salt, and mixed spice over the wet ingredients.

3. Place yeast on top of the dry ingredients and close the lid.

4. Select the sweet dough or basic dough setting and start the machine.

5. When the machine beeps for add-ins, pour in dried fruits and zest if using.

6. Once the dough cycle finishes, allow the bread maker to bake the loaf or remove the dough for oven baking.

7. Brush the hot loaf with honey glaze for shine and extra sweetness.

8. Let the loaf cool on a wire rack before slicing.

9. For manual method, proof yeast in milk with a pinch of sugar until frothy then mix with dry ingredients.

10. Knead by hand until elastic, fold in fruits, proof in a greased tin, then bake at 190°C for 30–35 minutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: dessert
Method: bread maker
Cuisine: british

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8 servings
Calories: 250
Sugar: 10
Sodium: 200
Fat: 5
Saturated Fat: 2
Unsaturated Fat: 3
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 2
Protein: 6
Cholesterol: 35

Keywords: hot cross bun loaf, hot cross buns recipe, bread maker recipes, dessert loaf, herb bread, easter bread, sweet bread, fruit bread