Since Easter Sunday is just around the corner, I thought I would provide a plant-based version of these traditional buns for you to make with your loved ones. Slightly sweet and spiced, this bread is perfect for your Sunday morning festivity and can be customized to one’s own preference/ needs.
Ingredients:
Rolls-
- 425g bread flour (sub for all purpose)
- 1/2 cup of plant-based milk
- 4 tbsp of vegan margarine
- 1 tsp ground flax seed
- 2 tsp salt (fine)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp of instant yeast
- 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
- 1 orange (zested & juiced)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Crosses-
- 75g plain flour
- 5 tbsps Water
Glaze-
- 5 tbsp sugar
- Boiling water (just enough to dissolve sugar)
Procedure:
- Make a flax ‘egg’ by combining the 1 tsp of ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp of water. Mix well and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Bring the plant-based milk to a boil and add in the vegan margarine. Once melted, allow mixture to cool to room temp.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add in the flour, sugar, yeast, salt and spices (cinnamon and nutmeg). Combine with a spatula (See note)
- Now, make a well in the center and pour in your liquid ingredients (milk & margarine mixture, flax egg, orange juice & zest)
- With the dough hook in place, turn on your stand mixer. Place the speed on 2 (see note), and knead the dough for 8-10 minutes- until smooth and elastic. (If you notice that the dough is too sticky, simply add some more flour- if too dry, add water).
- Once done, add in your dried fruit of choice and knead for another minute until well incorporated.
- Now, place the dough aside and grease the stand mixer bowl with some oil (make sure the sides are well greased). Place the dough back in and make sure it is well coated in the oil (see note). Cover with a clean and damp dish towel and leave it to rise in a warm place- until it has doubled in size (this should take up to an hour yet could last longer)
- After the dough has risen, transfer it to a clean and floured surface. Shape it into a ball and divide it into about 10 even pieces (use a sharp knife or dough cutter). Roll each piece into balls and place them onto a lined baking sheet (leave about an inch of space around each as they will continue rising)
- Cover the tray with the same dish towel and allow the balls to rise for another 60 mins.
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 200° C (400° F)
- Make the crosses: mix the 75g of flour with the water and form a thick paste. Roll into long & thin strips and place them onto the top of each bun into a cross shape.
- Once your oven is heated at the right temperature, bake for about 25 minutes (or until the buns are golden-brown on top).
- Prepare the glaze: combine the hot water with the sugar and mix to dissolve (note: you will want to to this during the baking process)
- Once ready, remove the buns from the oven and immediately brush with the prepared glaze. Allow these to cool (place on a cooling rack if you own one)
- Serve and enjoy!
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