I did have such good intentions of writing up this post whilst on holiday in Cornwall but I am afraid it just did not happen. What I really should have done is post it on holiday after writing up the draught in advance but I am just not that organised about my blogging. Hence, it’s been at least a week since I have last been here tapping away and it actually feels like much longer…..
April is a super busy month as things go. There is the children’s Easter (school) holiday, an annual trip to Cornwall plus both mine and one of my best friend’s birthdays (a day apart). So, I am most definitely struggling to keep up with cooking good food and blogging!
As a result, my giant hot cross bun seems way out of date. But, have no fear. The joy of this recipe is that it also could be called a Fruit Loaf and works very well as a sweet fruity spicy tea bread that is most delicious toasted and served at breakfast or tea time, generously slicked with butter, preferably salted for me!
The recipe is very easy to follow and does not require any boiling and cooling of milk or any infusing, soaking or teeny tiny chopping of dried fruit. It is simply a dough that has a bag of pre-chopped dried fruit added to it along with some spices of your choice.
I found the recipe HERE and adapted it in a couple of ways.
1. I only used mixed dried chopped fruit, a few cranberries and no mixed peel.
2. I changed the glaze recipe from milk and sugar to water and sugar. I dissolved 2tbsp sugar in 2tbsp water on the hob.
3. I used cinnamon and nutmeg as spices but would have used cardamom of I had any in the cupboard.
I am entering this into the Tea Time Treats challenge for this month which is jointly hosted by Kate at What Kate Baked (this month) and Karen at Lavender & Lovage. The theme is Easter. Ah, I have just remembered that I didn’t receive an Easter egg from Mr.Scott. Right, better go off now and remind him he owes me a serious quantity of chocolate. William Curley please.
delicious. i could eat hot cross buns year round. unsalted butter for me though! happy belated birthday x
Thank you and me too, hot cross buns can’t just be saved for Easter!! x
How adorable cute does that look? Nice idea to decorate the fruit loaf with a cross like that!
It is a bit of fun really and it looks BIG in real life !!
I’m going to have to try this Laura, we love hot cross buns in our house, and as you say it looks like a fabulous fruit loaf for any (or every) day of the year.
Thanks Jude, that is very kind of you! We are all keen on fruit loaf here as an after school snack! xx
FABULOUS entry for Tea Time Treats, thanks so much! And, that is what a holiday is for, relaxing and NO tapping away on the keyboard!
Thanks Karen, think you are right. We all have to switch off every now & again! xx
Looks lovely Laura. I’m feeling rather deprived this year as I didn’t eat a single hot cross bun, so I’d very happily tuck into your giant one right now, Easter or not Easter. Hope Cornwall was good to you and you had a great time and a belated Happy Birthday.
Thanks Choclette and hoping you get to enjoy a hot cross bun soon! Cornwall is such a great place, you are very lucky!! xx