Traditional Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns are soft and fluffy yeast buns that are subtly sweet and spiced with cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, fragrant citrus, and pops of dried fruit. These classic Easter buns are vegan, allergy-free, and so easy to make. Baked until golden brown and topped with their iconic icing cross, this recipe will be cherished by your family for years to come!
A traditional Easter treat, marking the end of the Lenten season, hot cross buns are a symbolic religious recipe for many families. You may think these sweet and spiced yeasted buns can no longer be part of your Easter traditions, until now! This gluten-free recipe will be your family's new go-to and beyond being gluten-free, they're vegan and allergy-free! Simple and easy, these warm fluffy buns will fool everyone into thinking they're still eating the real thing!
What Are Traditional Hot Cross Buns?
Hot cross buns are a traditional Easter recipe, baked and served on Good Friday to mark the end of the Christan season of Lent. Originating in the United Kingdom, in London, England dating back to the 1500s, sweet buns were banned from being eaten during the year except at burials, on Good Friday, or at Christmas. Modern recipes began to gain prominence during the 18th century, which is also when the nursery rhyme came about.
What Do Hot Cross Buns Signify?
The cross on the top of these yeasted buns signifies the crucifixion of Jesus, the spices used in the buns signify the spices used to embalm him at his entombment, the raisins signify the body of Christ, and the citrus or orange peel used reflects the bitterness of this time on the Cross. The sweetness of the bread and the sugar of the cross icing, as well as the risen yeast dough, represent the resurrection.
What Do The Buns Taste Like?
These buns are a cross between a classic fluffy dinner roll and sweet yeasted bread. Soft, rich, and slightly dense, the dough is subtly sweet and spiced with the warming flavors of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and sometimes a pinch of cardamom. The buns are sweetened with just the right about of sugar and pops of raisins or currents (sometimes vanilla is added as well). Then there are notes of bright citrus from the orange zest, all perfectly balanced in the buttery soft bun.
Why This Is The Best Gluten-Free Recipe
Whether you grew up baking hot cross buns with your family or not, this gluten-free recipe can resurrect the old tradition and be enjoyed by everyone! Simple, warm, and delicious, these Easter buns are:
- Gluten-Free
- Vegan & Vegetarian
- Allergy-free (Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free, Peanut-Free, Wheat-Free, Sesame-Free, Corn-Free, Coconut-Free)
- Simple, Quick, & Easy
- Oil-Free, Sugar-Free or Low-Sugar
- Kid-Friendly
- Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly
- Perfect For Easter Breakfast, Brunch, or Dessert
Ingredients For Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns
- Active Dry Yeast: These buns are yeast buns, however, the dough isn't a high-rising dough. There isn't a lot of liquid in the bread and the yeast just helps to keep the buns fluffy while still being tender and slightly chewy.
- Gluten-Free Flours: A combination of gluten-free all-purpose flour along with a few specialty flours: sorghum, amaranth (or millet), and arrowroot (or tapioca starch), are what make these buns special.
- Psyllium Husk: To help bind the vegan hot cross buns and keep them eggless, psyllium husk adds chewiness and elasticity to the dough.
- Baking Powder: For an extra lift, the baking powder helps with the rising of these buns.
- Spices: A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice is all you need, but you can also add a pinch of cardamon if you like the flavor and have it on hand!
- Sweetener: Simple granulated sugar is what gives the buns their sweetness, You can use a sugar-free sweetener like Swerve or your favorite granulated sugar.
- Raisins or Currents: I like to use raisins in my hot cross buns, but you can also use currents if you prefer, or a combination of both! For something non-traditional, give Craisins a try!
- Orange Zest: Orange zest gives the buns a pop of bright citrus flavor. You can also use lemon zest!
- Vegan Butter or Applesauce: Just a few tablespoons of vegan butter or unsweetened applesauce helps to keep these rich buns moist and buttery.
- Non-Dairy Milk: Plain non-dairy milk is used to brush the tops of the buns before baking. The dairy-free milk acts are a vegan "egg wash" to help achieve that golden brown color.
Ingredients For The Cross
- Flour Cross: The traditional cross is a mixture of flour and water. For this option, you can use plain gluten-free all-purpose flour and water, mixed together to create a thick paste. This flour cross is added to the buns before baking. The cross is then embedded into the bun and as it bakes and is not meant to be a sweet addition.
- Icing Cross: Modern recipes sometimes call for an icing cross. This cross is added after baking. Like typical icing, it's just a mixture of powdered sugar (or sugar-free sweetener) and water or milk. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract!
Other Ingredient Variations & Substitutions
- Some people like to glaze the buns with apricot jam. To do this, mix together apricot jam and warm water. Brush the baked buns with the runny jam while they're still warm.
- If you don't have all the separate flours for optional gluten-free baking, you can swap them with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour. However, you should still include the arrowroot or tapioca starch in this recipe as it's key to the fluffy structure of the yeasted bun.
- If you don't have psyllium husk, you can make 1 flax egg, chia seed egg, or powdered egg replacement to replace it with.
- I recommend using a pinch of xantham gum in this recipe since whole-grain gluten-free flours are used. If you decide to use all gluten-free all-purpose flour in the recipe and your flour blend contains xantham gum, you can omit the extra.
- If you use unsweetened non-dairy milk for your egg wash, add a teaspoon of maple syrup or another liquid sweetener to help with the browning.
- My original recipe, published in 2016, did not use any vegan butter or applesauce. The addition of 2 tablespoons of softened butter yields a tastier and moister bun.
How To Make Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns
- Activate the yeast by warming the water to about 110°F. About 30-60 seconds in the microwave so the water is just warm to the touch before stirring the yeast and allowing it to activate for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flours, starch, baking powder, a pinch of salt, extra xantham gum, psyllium husk, sweetener, and spices. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the proofed yeast mixture and softened vegan butter. Mix until a dough forms before adding in the raisins and orange zest.
- Knead the dough with your hands for a few minutes until you get a thick, uniform dough, and set it aside in a warm spot in the kitchen to rise for about 45 minutes.
- Grease a large baking dish or skillet, alternatively, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.
- Divide the dough into 6 tight balls, slightly flattened on the top. Fit them snuggly in your baking dish or on the baking sheet, it's fine if they touch!
- Set the buns aside, and back in a warm spot in the kitchen to rise for another 15-30 minutes while you preheat the oven and mix together the flour cross ingredients.
- Brush the buns with the vegan egg wash before using a sharp knife to cut an X (cross) in the tops of the dough. Now use a spoon or piping bag (or Ziplock bag with the corner snipped) to fill the cross in with the flour-water mixture. The mixture should be thick and not too runny. It should not drip off the buns.
- Bake the buns in the oven for 20-25 minutes, just until they are golden brown on top.
- Remove the warm buns from the oven and immediately brush them with the apricot jam glaze if desired. *If you are using an icing cross, pipe the icing into the cross crevices and allow it to dry before adding the jam glaze.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
- Storage: You can store leftover gluten-free hot cross buns in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Hot cross buns are best served right away while they're still warm. However, if you want to optimize your leftover buns, spritz the bun with water and warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds until the bun is soft and warm!
- Freezing: You can freeze baked hot cross buns on a baking sheet in a single layer, then wrap them in freezer-safe wrap and store them in a storage bag or airtight container for up to 4 months. Allow the buns to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating them individually in the microwave, listed above, or spritzed with water and warmed in the oven at 250°F for about 5-10 minutes.
- Make-Ahead: To make the buns ahead of time you can follow the instructions through shaping the buns before their second rise. Store the buns in the fridge overnight. When you are ready to bake, remove the buns from the fridge at least 3 hours before baking and allow them to rise. Then continue with making the flour crosses and baking as instructed.
Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns
Traditional Gluten-Free Hot Cross Buns are soft and fluffy yeast buns that are subtly sweet and spiced with cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, fragrant citrus, and pops of dried fruit. These classic Easter buns are vegan, allergy-free, and so easy to make. Baked until golden brown and topped with their iconic icing cross, this recipe will be cherished by your family for years to come!
- Prep Time: 60 Minutes
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 6 Buns 1x
- Category: Bread, Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For The Buns:
- 2 Tsps of Active Dry Yeast
- ¾ Cup Warm Water
- ½ Cup Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour
- ½ Cup Sorghum Flour*
- ½ Cup Amaranth Flour*
- ½ Cup Arrowroot Starch (or Tapioca Starch)
- ⅓ Cup Granulated Sweetener (or preferred granulated sugar)
- 1 TB Psyllium Husk Powder
- 1 Tsp Xantham Gum (if using single flours)*
- ½ Tsp Baking Powder
- ½ Tsp Salt
- ½ Tsp Cinnamon
- ¼ Tsp Nutmeg
- ¼ Tsp Allspice
- 2 TB Vegan Butter (softened)
- ¼ Cup Unsweetened Raisins or Currents
For The Vegan Egg Wash:
- ¼ Cup Plain Non-Dairy Milk
- 1 Tsp Maple Syrup (if using unsweetened milk)
For The Cross:
- ¼ Cup Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour
- 2-3 TB Water
or
- ¼ Cup Powdered Sweetener (or preferred powdered sugar)
- 2-3 Tsp Water
For The Apricot Glaze (optional):
- ¼ Cup Apricot Jam
- ¼ Cup Water
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by warming the water to about 110°F. About 30-60 seconds in the microwave so the water is just warm to the touch before stirring the yeast and allowing it to proof for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flours, starch, baking powder, salt, xantham gum (if needed), psyllium husk, sweetener, and spices. Mix well to combine.
- Pour in the proofed yeast mixture and softened vegan butter into the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms before adding in the raisins and orange zest.
- Knead the dough with your hands for a few minutes until you get a thick, uniform dough, and set it aside in a warm spot in the kitchen to rise for about 45 minutes.
- Grease a large baking dish or skillet, alternatively, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.
- Divide the dough into 6 tight balls, slightly flattened on the top. Fit them snuggly in your baking dish or on the baking sheet, it's fine if they touch!
- Set the buns aside, and back in a warm spot in the kitchen to rise for another 15-30 minutes while you preheat the oven and mix together the flour cross ingredients.
- Brush the buns with the non-dairy milk before using a sharp knife to cut an X (cross) in the tops of the unbaked dough. Use a piping bag (or Ziplock bag with the corner snipped) to fill the cross in with the flour-water mixture. The mixture should be thick and not too runny. It should not drip off the buns. (If making the icing cross, skip the step and just cut the cross).
- Bake the buns in the oven for 20-25 minutes, just until they are golden brown on top.
- Remove the warm buns from the oven and immediately brush them with the apricot jam glaze if desired. The glaze should be watery enough that it bushes on easily as a thin glaze.
- If you are using an icing cross, pipe the icing into the cross crevices and allow it to harden before adding the jam glaze.
Notes
- Flours: If you prefer, you can swap the sorghum and amaranth flour with equal amounts of gluten-free all-purpose. If so, omit the xantham gum.
- Psyllium Husk: You can replace the psyllium husk with one flax egg, chia seed egg, or powdered egg replacement.
- Butter: Vegan butter can be replaced with unsweetened applesauce.
- Storage: You can store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Hot cross buns are best served right away while they're still warm. However, if you want to optimize your leftover buns, spritz the bun with water and warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds until the bun is soft and warm!
- Freezing: You can freeze baked buns on a baking sheet in a single layer, then wrap them in freezer-safe wrap and store them in a storage bag or airtight container for up to 4 months. Allow the buns to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating them individually in the microwave, listed above, or spritzed with water and warmed in the oven at 250°F for about 5-10 minutes.
- Make-Ahead: To make the buns ahead of time you can follow the instructions through shaping the buns before their second rise. Store the buns in the fridge overnight. When you are ready to bake, remove the buns from the fridge at least 3 hours before baking and allow them to rise. Then continue with making the flour crosses and baking as instructed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bun
Whether you want to start some new Easter traditions with your family or want to recreate old ones, these gluten-free hot cross buns will bring a smile and warm fuzzy feelings to everyone!
So tell me:
+ Have you ever had hot cross buns? They're delicious warm and "buttered up" with some coconut or nut butter!
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Belgian Foodie
I wonder how many of these I could eat in one sitting....will have to try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha, let me know 😉
Ashley - Baker by Nature
Perfect for Easter brunch!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Thank you!
Melanie @ Gather for Bread
They turned out amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
These are so fun! Perfect for the upcoming holiday.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Exactly!
Nadia
I thought hot cross buns were a British thing, shows how little I know about them haha! These look yummy! 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They started as a Christian thing over in Europe, but of course the US has them now!
Honest Mum
They look amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Renee
Hi Rebecca! Like you, I have never had hot cross buns. I've always heard of them but have never had them They sure do look good. We think that my husband had a gluten intolerance. I have not made any type of gluten-free bread products yet but when I do, I know where to come to get recipes :-).
Thank you for sharing your childhood memories of your mom. I am a mom and hope that my children will be able to share some of those good memories.
As for Easter, we celebrate (what we sometimes refer to Resurrection Sunday) by waking up early and thinking on THAT most wonderful day that Jesus defeated death and rose from the grave. We also (when we can) get new outfits, or at least something new, to wear to church. We usually give our kids a gift also. This year I plan to make a special lunch for our family.
I hope you have a most wonderful Easter.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I think you should bake these then! You can start a great new tradition (gluten-free)!
That sounds like a lovely way to celebrate you're beliefs!
Dahn
Oh how yummy, these look delicious. I love hot cross buns.. perfect for Easter
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Thank you Dahn!
Liz
What a cute story about your bltother! I'm glad it had a happy ending 🙂 MY mom liked to make frosted buns for Easter morning, but hot cross buns were never part of our tradition. Maybe next year I'll finally make some 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha!
Well any nice warm baked good is perfect for Easter 😉
kimmythevegan
These buns sounds delicious! Very warm and comforting. Good for Easter =)
"which was also why we left him/her a plate of carrots and cookies!"
Hahaha. That's too funny. Your family sounds awesome. I love the Easter Miracle story.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you Kimmy!
It is an "Easter Miracle" story 😉 My crazy family!
Yvonne
Oh wow, these look great. I must try these out at the weekend 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes, yes! For the holiday!
rachel
these look delicious.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Farrah
I don't think I've ever had hot cross buns, but I don't think I can have the "usual" kind anymore now that I've seen these!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yea, well don't worry, these are better 😉 Haha!
Miz Helen
Your Hot Cross Buns will be perfect for this week!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes they will!
Chelsea Gray
OMG! these look amazing!! I've never had hot cross buns, but we will for sure have to try these! They look delish!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Let me know if you do!!! I know you'll love them!
Helen Fern
These look really good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Nikki
Of course, I've heard of hot cross buns but I've never seen them. I think we all know the nursery rhyme "Hot cross buns, Hot Cross Buns, See How They Run, See How They Run..." Oh, I think I'm messing up two nursery rhymes, Hot cross buns and Three Blind Mice. LOL perhaps we don't all know the nursery rhymes, insinuating myself. But I know there's a nursery rhyme in here somewhere.
As always when I come here, I learn something new. And not just that I can't remember my nursery rhymes. These Hot Cross Buns look fantastic. I had no idea what they even looked like, and these look super yummy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha! Yes the song! I didn't mention it because I don't know how it actually goes either 😛
Well I hope you can make some soon!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner
ooh those look yummy! I've just started to make my own bread products because we all need more bread in our lives!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right! Who could pass up a classic hot cross bun either!
Emily
Wow, you have a fantastic array of so many different flours in there. I love hot cross buns. I think we made a gluten free version for Christmas. <333 YUMM!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Fantastic! Thank you, Emily!!
Bethany
These look so delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! xo
Kathleen
What a good recipe. I did not know about Sorghum Flour. I have a breakfast cereal make from Sorghum and it is delicious, so I will have to look for the flour. With all those good spices these buns have to taste good.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is such a lovely flour for GF baking!
Kristen @ The Endless Meal
I haven't had hot crossed buns since I was a kid. I used to love them but totally forgot about them. Thank you for the reminder!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well I know what you need to bake this week! 😉
audrey @ unconventional baker
I love hot cross buns, even though we don't celebrate Easter. When I was a kid my grandmother did, so that's where the bun memories come from. These look beautiful <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
At least you've had them before! Haha! I'm so late! Thank you!
Hannah
I've never had hot crossed buns before, but yours certainly look tasty! I'd happily eat them at any occasion.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope can make them soon, Hannah!!
Lucie
I love your journey to finally making these! It's so funny how ironic things like that happen all the time. I don't think I've ever had a hot cross bun myself actually. Amazing job recreating the recipe Rebecca! I'm intrigued by the tapioca starch in the icing, can't wait to try that!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Lucie! You would adore hot cross buns!!!
I added the starch to make the icing whiter and thicker since I only use erythritol!
Hana | Nirvana Cakery
Vow Rebecca, these look really great! I love hot cross buns, but have never tried gluten-free version, definitely will have a go:)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you dear!! They are delicious little buns 😉
Shannon
I have never had a hot cross bun!!! CRAZY! I am for sure making them this year!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Not crazy!! But do it!
Gin
Wow, your mom was a TOTALLY AWESOME Easter Bunny! That was so nice of your dad's friend to help out with the tragically scattered money. I've always wanted to try hot cross buns too! Yours came out so cute! 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, she is a rockstar!
Make some buns, stat!!
Marla
Hi Rebecca,
Hot crossed buns were something my Mother used to make every Easter when I was a child but of course they were made with plain wheat flour because that's all we had at that time. So these bring back fond memories and they look delicious. Pinned & twitted.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O well I hope you can make these to enjoy once again!
Vicki Montague - The Free From Fairy
I love hot cross buns! I shall be making some but not quite yet or there won't be any left for Easter!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahahaha, good call 😉
Annmarie
What a yummy idea! These look delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks, Annmarie!
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes
I grew up Catholic as well and for some reason have also never had a single hot cross bun in my life. I'm happy to see you made a healthier, gluten-free version of them though. I might just have to make these 😉 Pinning!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah, than I think you have a duty to make some this year! Haha! Thank you Vanessa 🙂
Cailee
YUM!! Gluten free hot cross buns?!? YES please!! These look amazing! Hope that you have a great weekend!
xoxo Cailee!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you sweet! I hope you do too (and bake some buns!!!)
sarah
OMG YUM!! Thanks so much for sharing this Rebecca! They are beautiful and perfect for Easter! Love it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O, thank you so much dear!!
Amberjane
I love hot cross buns and these look great Rebecca!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Kat | curlsnchard.com
I've never had hot cross buns either, I guess it's just not a thing here in Austria 😉 We do make a sweet bread though for easter, but it's more the size of a loaf of bread and different from those buns. Easter was such a fun time as a kid - I grew up Catholic as well...in the morning we would go to a little chapel in the neighborhood to get the food blessed for the easter meal and then in the afternoon the Easter bunny came 😉 We have a garden, so the nests were usually hidden around and the older I got, the more difficult my parents hid the gifts (like up in trees...). Even long after I didn't believe in the Easter bunny my parents still hid some chocolate and little gifts in the garden - ah, fun memories!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah those sounds like glorious memories!!! My mom still gets us a few gifts and she was hiding eggs for a very long time 😉 No shame!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness
I also grew up Catholic but had no idea hot cross buns was a Christian tradition. So cool! I learned something today - yay!! These look soooooo nummies!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Which means now with that new found knowledge you must bake some buns!!!
Dee Dee (My Midlife Kitchen)
These look scrumptious! I love the slightly sweet component you added here, too. Need to add them to my list!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! You'll love these classic buns!
One Messy Mama
These look delish! Can't wait to try them out!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! Enjoy!
Katya
I recently found out that I'm gluten intolerant and it's not that easy to find delicious recipes to try.... However, I believe I found the right spot! ;)) even though I'm not celebrating Easter, I'll definitely include this yummy recipe into my recipe book (I would rather call it Pinterest recipe book).
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well I hope you enjoy these!
Lauren
I've never had a hot cross bun! I totally want to try these now!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Do it!!! You won't be disappointed!
neil@neilshealthymeals.com
Wow, hot cross buns yum!
Hot cross buns totally remind me of my younger days when my gran used to get freshly baked hot cross buns which were sold at her church and bring them for my little brother and I. Good, fond memories!
Well don'e on this superb gluten free recipe. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Aw, such perfect memories!!! Do you bake them, yourself, now?
Petite Words
Wonderful ! can’t wait to share these so many little ones I know are Gluten free! (: And this is sure to brighten up many an Easter.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope they bring some warm smiles!
Jacqueline Meldrum
Nice to see an alternative to traditional hot cross buns for vegans and those who are gluten intolerant. Excellent.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Jacqueline!
Sabrina
I've always heard the song but I've never tried these before! Now must be the perfect time!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha! Yes! And you should bake them while listening to the song!
Sophia @Veggies dont bite
The 12 year old in me wants to giggle every time I see the title "Hot Cross BUNS"...but really though, these are gorgeous! I kind of just want to lick that frosting right in those cross cracks...MMMMM. I've never had these before but I bet they are delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha! Well any time BUN is involved, I feel a little silly too 😉
Jenn
We had very similar Easter traditions it seems. My mom ended up numbering the eggs she hid one year and keeping a list on a sheet of paper of where each one was hidden.....this, of course, after we found eggs with candy inside like a whole year after Easter once. 🙂 And, oh my gosh, your mom rocks! I can picture here darting through traffic Frogger style...I hope your brother was appreciative. 🙂
By the way, these hot cross buns look great. I don't think I've ever eaten one - traditional or not - but I think I should certainly start!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, that's quite a system!
I know! All for some stupid quarters and dimes!!! And shards of sad plastic egg :O
I think you should too! I know I'm glad I did 😉
Kristy @ Southern In Law
These look AMAZING! Yay for holiday recipes everyone can enjoy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Mmmhm, you know it!
Patrick Weseman
Those look so good,
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Sarah
these are adorable and look so yummy!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you, Sarah!
Aimee / Wallflower Girl's Kitchen
These are adorable, Recbecca!! Pinned 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Aimee!
Teffy @ Sprinkle of Green
They look delicious!!
I've actually never tried the gluten-full hot cross buns, so won't be able to compare, but they look amazing and I can't wait to try then =)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well I never did either so...let's all just say these are best 😉
jules
These look fantastic! I love making Hot Cross Buns this time of year - nice to have a new recipe to try!
~jules
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are fun to make and so delish!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
I have to confess... I've never had a hot cross bun! We don't do anything for Easter, but I would celebrate with these for sure!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well you were not alone!!! I feel like they are so iconic, yet most people never end up trying them!
Linda @ Veganosity
Such a sweet story. Thank you for sharing it. It brought back so many joyous memories of Easter morning in my house when my kids where little. Oh, how many hours I spent at Toys R Us! 🙂
Those buns are the prettiest that I've seen on the web this season. Well done!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, I loved going there!!! I don't even remember buying much though :/ (It was an expensive store!)
Woohoo! Thank you Linda!
Dr. Jennifer Weinberg MD MPH | Simple Pure Whole Wellness
These look like they deserve a spot on my Easter menu for sure!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope so 😉
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
These are so fun! I've never made hot cross buns before but have wanted to. Love your gluten free version.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally give them a try!
Austen Tosone
Love the photography of this post! I'm not gluten-free but tried some gluten-free cookies for the first time the other day and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
If you know how to bake, you won't! Gluten-free flours are fantastic and these are so many amazing combos. They taste better than boring old wheat anyway!
Sandi (@sandigtweets)
I can't believe I have never had these before. They look fabulous!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!!! I know!! I'm glad I finally got around to it!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
I grew up Catholic too and never had hot cross buns. Crazy! Yours look delicious. Pinning so I can give them a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They seem to have been forgotten in the modern age! Haha! But totally worth trying!
tianna
yummy! these look delicious! ♥
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
Where have these been all my life too!?! Sweet, soft, spiced, glaze filled, with raisins, like seriously they were made for me and yet I've never had one either 😮 Less peeps, more hot cross buns please Easter bunny! I am incredibly impressed by how perfectly soft and fluffy these look! And the fact that they are actually yeasted and everything, you are a gf baking pro! Stale peeps were actually pretty good, but I liked them super fresh too. Come on its, a sugar covered marshmallow, it's never going be bad. But these, these look like they would be incredible fresh and warm from the oven <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'm so proud of my baking. I mean...I can't stop now! I wasted so many years of NO baking!!!! Now....I can't stop, won't stop! (I think it was your fruity influence!)
I don't like the fresh, they have to be stale! Hahahaha! It's just not the same!!
Yes!! These have to be eaten nice and warm and preferable right form the oven!
Melissa @ vegan does it
You're mom is awesome! I love reading your stories from your childhood. We do celebrate Easter, we just paint and decorate wooden and paper mâché eggs instead of actual eggs. The kids love crafting and then "hunting" for them! We were not religious growing up and I'm still not so hot cross buns were never a thing in our house, but these sure look yummy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Melissa! Haha! I love telling these stories!!
Vegan celebrations are way better anyway 😉
I'm totally reversed haha, but might as well still make them even though I'm not religious!
Melanie Pickett
These look yummy! My Mom used to make hot cross buns at Easter. I have to watch gluten now also since I have Crohn's disease. Good recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well I hope you give these a try! They won't disappoint!
Michele
Yum! All your breads look awesome and I have extra love for breads studded with raisins 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Studs of raisins bring happiness 😉
Keeley McGuire
These look delicious and I love how allergy friendly they are!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! 🙂
Kelly @ Mostly Homemade Mom
I love hot cross buns, these look like a great healthier version! I'd love to try them!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Kelly!
peter @feedyoursoultoo
I am so impressed with all the gluten free and vegan recipes I see. These buns look great and provide real inspiration that I can add more and more vegan recipes into my diet and lose nothing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
There is nothing to lose!
Amy
You know, it seems silly, but I've never had a hot cross bun in my whole life. This is definitely something that needs to be remedied!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well you were not alone in that!
Laura
Sometimes I feel like you and I are on the same wavelength . . . I'm in the midst of testing GF hot cross buns as well in preparation for some Easter excitement. Yours look awesome!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Well they are a must!!!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
I'm a huge fan of hot cross buns and I must say you are genius to come up with a pretty delectable looking GF version! They have the perfect rise, Rebecca - well done!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!! Haha! First shot at them was a success!
Meeta
I have a favorite recipe for hot cross buns which I have been making for years - finding an appropriate one for friends that are on a gluten-free diet was not easy. These really look good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Meeta!
Krista
My son has removed gluten from his diet recently to see if he is allergic. He loves bread and these look delicious. Thanks for the recipe.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This is a great recipe for him then!
Citra Kale @Citra's HOme Diary
I don't celebrate easter, but I like hot cross bun and sometimes made them at home just for brunch sometimes. Your gluten free version seems great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are a great brunch option!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
I am so excited to start making hot cross buns and this is a great alternative for gluten free people.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I'm glad I finally made them!
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health
i don't celebrate Easter but i do like learning about the history/traditions..you mom seriously is a TROOPER!!!!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, she's the best!