Vegan Matcha Hot Cross Buns
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cane sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup plant-based butter (softened)
- 1 cup almond milk (warm)
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 1/2 tbsp matcha powder
- 3 Tbsp yuzu jam for brushing on top
Cross topping
- 75 g all-purpose flour
- 5 Tbsp water
Preparation
Boil the milk and then add butter into it. Set aside to cool until it reaches hand temperature.
Mix the dry ingredients in a big bowl. Pour the milk into the mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon.
Dust your countertop with flour to knead the dough for 10 minutes.
Grease the mixing bowl with oil before putting the dough back. Cover bowl with a tea towel and set aside to rise for up to 2 hours.
Slice the dough into 9 pieces and roll them into balls.
Assemble the balls a few inches apart on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Cover the tray and leave to prove until they’re doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 180°C.
Create a paste with flour and 5 tablespoons of water. Put it into a piping bag.
Score a cross on top of each bun with a sharp, floured knife. Pipe a cross on those cuts.
Pop them in the oven to bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden.
Brush 2 tablespoons of yuzu jam all over the buns.
Historical notes
Hot cross buns became popular in 12th century England.
Their history is shrouded in superstitious beliefs, religious traditions, and myths.
Many people believed that these spiced buns had supernatural traits and healing properties.
