Name: Fruitless hot cross bun loaf recipe
Prep time: 120 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 160 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 550g bread flour; 55g caster sugar; 3 tsp mixed spice; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; A pinch of salt; 7g dried yeast; 300ml milk, warmed; 60g unsalted butter, melted; 1 egg, whisk; 3 tbs plain flour; 3 tbs water warmed; 1 tbs caster sugar; 2 tbsp water

by Summer69 Last updated on 05/12/2020

This perfectly spiced load will treat you to the flavour of Easter everyday. A versatile busy morning breakfast which is delicious toasted. - Summer69

Ingredients

550g bread flour
55g caster sugar
3 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
A pinch of salt
7g dried yeast
300ml milk, warmed
60g unsalted butter, melted
1 egg, whisk

Piping

3 tbs plain flour
3 tbs water warmed

Sugar glaze

1 tbs caster sugar
2 tbsp water

Method

Step 1

Mix warmed milk and yeast in a jug. Set aside until a foamy head forms on the surface.
Step 2

Place room temperature butter, egg and yeast mixture into a food processor or stand mixer, mix until completely combined.
Step 3

Then add dried ingredients and knead by hand or with bread mixer until smooth.
Step 4

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with glad wrap and leave in warm place until the dough is double size. Approximately 40-60 minutes.
Step 5

Once dough has doubled in size, lightly flour your working surface and knead for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6

Divide kneaded dough into 8 pieces, shape into balls and place them in greased loaf tin.
Step 7

Preheat oven to 180c.
Step 8

Cover loaf tin with glad wrap and leave in warm place for 30 minutes or until double size.
Step 9

For the cross piping, in a separate bowl combine flour and water, until smooth.
Step 10

Put mixture into a piping bag and pipe on the buns.
Step 11

Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, then cover with foil and bake further 10 minutes.
Step 12

For sugar glaze, combine sugar and warm water to make syrup.
Step 13

Once cooked, transfer loaf onto a wire rack, brush the sugar glaze syrup and leave to cool.
Step 14

Slice, toast and enjoy with lots of butter.

Recipe Notes

from Australia’s Best Recipes team

Makes 1 loaf.

Chef's tip: You can also add 150g of some dried fruits such as current, raisins, or cranberries. If you are using dried fruit we recommend soaking fruit in hot water for a few minutes before adding into mixture at step 5.