Vegan Blueberry and Lemon Hot Cross Buns

A traditional Easter favourite with a twist! These vegan blueberry and lemon hot cross buns are delicious served warm with a generous dollop of jam or butter.

The traditional recipe for hot cross buns is flavoured with a combination of dried fruit and/or raisins and citrus peel but if you’re anything like me and you don’t like raisins… don’t worry! I’ve got you covered!

These fluffy, sticky little buns are soft and sweet with distinct flavours of lemon, cinnamon and blueberries. They are super easy to make so grab your aprons and let’s bake! Because Easter wouldn’t be Easter without hot cross buns, am I right?

Print Recipe

Vegan Blueberry and Lemon Hot Cross Buns

A traditional Easter favourite with a twist! These vegan blueberry and lemon hot cross buns are delicious served warm with a generous dollop of jam or butter.

Keyword: easter, hot cross bun, vegan

Servings: 6 buns

Ingredients

• 140 ml oat milk
• 40 g vegan margarine
• 30 g sugar
• 1 tsp dried yeast
• 250 g plain flour
• pinch of salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1 lemon, zest only
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries

For decoration

• 40 g plain flour
• 3-4 tbsp water

For glazing

• 3 tsp maple syrup or apricot jam

Instructions

• Place the milk and butter in a small saucepan and heat gently over low heat until all the butter has melted.
• Take the mixture off the heat. The mixture should be lukewarm. Add the sugar and yeast and stir well to avoid any lumps from forming. Leave to stand for 5 minutes.
• In a separate bowl, add the flour, lemon zest, salt and spices. Stir, then pour in the milk mixture. Using a wooden spoon, stir to form a dough. Knead for around 10 minutes.
• Place the dough in a lightly floured bowl and cover with cling film. Leave in a warm spot for 2 hours or until doubled in size.
• Once doubled in size, take the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, knock the air out of the dough and gently knead in the frozen blueberries.
• Shape the dough into six buns, then place them onto a baking tray lined with baking parchment and prove once again for around 40 minutes or until well risen.
• Preheat the oven to 220 C | Gas Mark 7.
• In a small mug or bowl, mix the plain flour with water to make a smooth, thick paste. Transfer the mixture into a freezer or a piping bag, snip off the corner and pipe crosses on top of each bun.
• Bake in the middle of the oven for around 25 mins or until golden.
• Brush with maple syrup or apricot jam while still warm.