Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Bun Loaf Recipe [GUIDE]

Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Bun Loaf is a delightful twist on the traditional hot cross buns that are so synonymous with Easter celebrations. A comforting, slightly spiced loaf of bread, it incorporates all the warm, familiar flavors of a hot cross bun but in a more manageable, sliced format. The loaf is generously studded with plump currants, raisins, or sultanas, and seasoned with the characteristic hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, which evoke a nostalgic sense of comfort. Its cross, usually made from a simple flour paste, is drizzled on top, ensuring that this loaf is both aesthetically pleasing and in keeping with the tradition of hot cross buns, which were once believed to bring blessings.

The beauty of Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Bun Loaf is that it combines the best elements of bread baking and sweet spiced treats. It’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee. The addition of butter or a smear of jam on a warm slice makes it utterly irresistible.

This recipe simplifies the often finicky process of making individual buns and instead creates a single, large loaf. This makes it easier to bake and slice, and yet it still maintains the full-bodied, comforting flavor of traditional hot cross buns. It’s ideal for those who love the flavor but prefer the convenience of a loaf that can be easily sliced and shared.

Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Bun Loaf Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To recreate Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Bun Loaf, here are the essential ingredients you’ll need:

1. Strong White Bread Flour – This is essential for achieving a soft, airy texture. Strong flour has a higher protein content, which helps to develop the dough’s structure.
2. Butter – Softened butter adds a richness to the dough and helps create a tender crumb.
3. Milk – Full-fat milk is best for a soft, flavorful dough, and it contributes to the loaf’s golden color and slightly sweet taste.
4. Sugar – A little caster sugar will feed the yeast and give the bread a slight sweetness, which is characteristic of hot cross buns.
5. Yeast – Active dried yeast is the leavening agent that causes the dough to rise and gives the loaf its fluffy, airy texture.
6. Egg – An egg will enrich the dough and help with its structure, giving the loaf a lovely golden color.
7. Spices – A mix of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice will create that unmistakable ‘hot cross bun’ flavor that people love.
8. Mixed Dried Fruit – Currants, raisins, and sultanas are the traditional fruit additions, giving the loaf a fruity, sweet bite.
9. Salt – A small pinch of salt enhances the flavors and helps control the fermentation of the dough.
10. Water – Water helps to bring everything together into a smooth dough, and its quantity will depend on the humidity and type of flour used.
11. For the Cross – A simple flour paste (made with flour and water) is piped on top of the loaf to create the signature cross, or you could use icing to decorate after baking for a sweeter finish.
12. For the Glaze – A honey or sugar syrup glaze will give the loaf a beautiful shiny finish, as well as a touch of sweetness on the surface.

Equipment Needed

The equipment needed for this recipe is fairly straightforward and likely to be found in most kitchens. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Mixing Bowl – A large mixing bowl for combining your ingredients and kneading the dough.
2. Dough Hook or Wooden Spoon – If you have a stand mixer, a dough hook is ideal for kneading the dough. Otherwise, a wooden spoon or your hands will work just as well.
3. Baking Tin – A standard 2lb loaf tin works perfectly for this recipe, ensuring the loaf rises evenly and bakes to the right shape.
4. Tea Towel – This is for covering your dough while it rises, which helps to keep the dough warm and prevent it from drying out.
5. Baking Paper or Greaseproof Paper – To line your loaf tin, so that the loaf can be removed easily after baking.
6. Piping Bag – To pipe the cross onto the loaf, although you could also use a small plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off.
7. Pastry Brush – A pastry brush is useful for applying the glaze once the loaf is baked, giving it that irresistible glossy finish.
8. Cooling Rack – After baking, let the loaf cool on a cooling rack to prevent it from becoming soggy at the bottom.

Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Bun Loaf

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a small bowl, gently warm the milk until it’s just lukewarm (around 37°C). Add a teaspoon of sugar and the yeast to the milk, stirring it in to activate the yeast. Leave the mixture for about 10 minutes, until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This indicates that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in the dough.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the strong white bread flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Mix them together with a whisk or spoon to evenly distribute the spices throughout the flour.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Pour in the yeast mixture, followed by the beaten egg and melted butter. Stir together with a spoon or dough hook until a rough dough starts to form.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Once the dough has come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, simply knead with the dough hook for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Dried Fruit

When the dough is well kneaded, fold in the dried fruit, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. You may need to stretch the dough slightly to incorporate the fruit.

Step 6: First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl, covering it with a damp tea towel. Leave it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 7: Shape and Second Rise

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf shape to fit your prepared loaf tin. Place it in the tin and cover with the tea towel again. Let it rise for another hour, or until it has risen to the top of the tin.

Step 8: Make the Cross

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / Gas Mark 4. To make the cross, mix a tablespoon of flour with a little water to form a thick paste. Transfer it to a piping bag and pipe a cross over the top of the risen dough.

Step 9: Bake the Loaf

Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the base.

Step 10: Glaze the Loaf

While the loaf is baking, prepare the glaze by gently heating honey or sugar syrup until it’s liquid. Brush this glaze over the hot loaf as soon as it comes out of the oven for a shiny, sweet finish.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Once cool, slice and enjoy!

Tips And Tricks

• Use Lukewarm Liquid: When activating yeast, it’s essential to use lukewarm milk or water. Too hot, and the yeast will die; too cold, and it won’t activate.
• Kneading: Don’t rush the kneading process. Kneading the dough properly develops the gluten, which gives the loaf its texture. If you’re using a mixer, use the dough hook to knead for about 5 minutes, which is often quicker than doing it by hand.
• Rising Time: Let the dough rise for the full time to ensure that the yeast works its magic. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the bowl in an oven with just the light on, or even near a radiator, to create a warm environment.
• Extra Fruity: If you want to make your loaf extra fruity, you can add more dried fruit to the dough, or even mix in some chopped candied peel for added flavor.
• Make It Sweeter: For an extra sweet touch, drizzle icing over the cross after baking instead of using the traditional flour paste cross. This will make it even more of a dessert loaf.

Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Bun Loaf is an ideal way to bring the comforting flavors of hot cross buns into your kitchen without the hassle of shaping individual buns. With its soft, spiced crumb, sweet dried fruit, and glossy glaze, this loaf is sure to become a favorite in your home. It’s a recipe that’s perfect for family gatherings, Easter celebrations, or any time you’re craving a spiced, fruity treat. Easy to slice, share, and savor, this loaf brings all the nostalgia of a traditional hot cross bun with the added convenience of a single, glorious loaf.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Bun Loaf

Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Bun Loaf is already a classic in its own right-deliciously spiced, lightly sweet, and perfect for any Easter celebration or just a cozy afternoon treat. But if you’re looking to add a little twist to the traditional recipe, there are a variety of easy variations you can try. These small adjustments can elevate the flavor, texture, and overall experience of this beloved loaf.

1. Add Dried Fruits or Nuts

   While the original recipe includes sultanas and currants, you can easily switch things up by incorporating different dried fruits such as apricots, cranberries, or raisins. Dried figs or dates can also bring a richer, more complex sweetness. For a bit of crunch, you might want to fold in chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, which can provide a delightful contrast to the soft texture of the bun.

2. Swap the Spices

   Traditional hot cross buns are spiced with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed spice. However, you can create a more unique flavor profile by experimenting with other spices. Try adding ground ginger for a little more heat, or even a pinch of allspice or cardamom to bring a slightly exotic, fragrant touch. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, you could reduce the spice quantities and emphasize the richness of the bread itself.

3. Citrus Twist

   Another easy variation is to add a citrus zing. Zest some orange, lemon, or even lime into the dough to brighten the flavors. This little addition brings a fresh, zesty aroma that complements the richness of the bread and the sweetness of the dried fruits. For even more citrusy flair, drizzle a citrus glaze on top after baking, or mix a few teaspoons of citrus juice into the glaze.

4. Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Bun Loaf

   If you’re a chocolate lover, why not take this classic loaf in a more indulgent direction by adding chocolate chips? Dark chocolate works best here, as it pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the bread and the spices. You can also use milk chocolate chips for a creamier, sweeter finish, or go wild with a combination of different chocolate types-think white, milk, and dark for a surprising burst of flavor in every bite.

5. Vegan or Dairy-Free Versions

   For those with dietary preferences, it’s easy to adjust Mary Berry’s recipe to make a vegan or dairy-free version of the hot cross bun loaf. Simply replace butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil, and swap out milk for an unsweetened almond or oat milk. If the recipe calls for eggs, you can use flaxseeds or chia seeds mixed with water as an egg replacer, which will still help provide structure and binding for the dough. These tweaks ensure that everyone can enjoy the loaf, regardless of dietary restrictions.

6. Use Different Glazes

   The traditional sugar glaze on top of the hot cross bun loaf gives it a glossy, sweet finish. However, you can get creative here by experimenting with different types of glazes. Try using honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. Alternatively, a spiced glaze-made with a little cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter-can add a warm, caramelized flavor that perfectly complements the loaf’s soft texture.

By mixing and matching any of these variations, you can make Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Bun Loaf your own, adding your signature touch to this already beloved recipe.

Storing Leftovers

Hot Cross Bun Loaf is one of those indulgent treats that’s hard to resist, but what do you do if you have leftovers? The good news is that, like most baked goods, it can be stored in a few different ways to keep it fresh and ready to enjoy for days after baking.

1. Room Temperature Storage

   If you plan on consuming the loaf within a day or two, storing it at room temperature in an airtight container is perfectly fine. Simply slice the loaf and wrap the slices in parchment paper or store them in a bread bin to prevent them from drying out. Keeping the loaf sealed in an airtight container will help maintain its moisture and keep it from becoming stale.

2. Freezing Leftovers

   If you’ve made a big batch and don’t think you’ll finish the loaf within a couple of days, freezing is the best option to preserve its freshness. Slice the loaf into individual portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place all the slices in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. The loaf can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply toast the slices straight from frozen, or let them thaw at room temperature.

3. Reheating

   Whether you’ve frozen it or stored it at room temperature, reheating is a great way to restore the loaf to its fresh-baked glory. If it’s been frozen, thaw the slices first, and then warm them in a toaster or under the grill. For a softer texture, you can wrap the slices in foil and heat them in the oven. A few minutes at 180°C (350°F) should bring back that delicious, freshly-baked aroma and softness.

4. Keeping the Glaze Fresh

   If you’ve added a glaze to the top of your Hot Cross Bun Loaf, it’s best to store the loaf with the glaze facing up to avoid it becoming sticky or transferred to the container. If you notice the glaze has lost its shine, you can reapply it by melting a little bit of sugar and water in a pan and gently brushing it over the top of the loaf.

What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Bun Loaf?

Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Bun Loaf, with its sweet, spiced flavor and soft, fluffy texture, is perfect as a standalone treat with a hot cup of tea. However, if you’re looking to pair it with something for an extra indulgent breakfast, brunch, or snack, there are plenty of delightful options.

1. Butter and Jam

   For a simple and classic pairing, spread a generous amount of butter on a warm slice of Hot Cross Bun Loaf, allowing it to melt into the bread. Add a spoonful of your favorite fruit jam-apricot, strawberry, or raspberry all work beautifully. The combination of sweet and savory is a timeless breakfast treat that’s hard to beat.

2. Cheese Pairings

   If you’re in the mood for something a little savory, consider pairing your Hot Cross Bun Loaf with cheese. A sharp cheddar or a creamy Brie provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet, spiced bread. The richness of the cheese complements the loaf’s soft texture, and the flavors balance each other perfectly.

3. Fruit and Yogurt

   For a lighter and fresher option, pair the Hot Cross Bun Loaf with a bowl of yogurt and fresh fruits. A dollop of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey, along with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or citrus fruits, makes for a refreshing breakfast or brunch option. The tangy yogurt enhances the sweetness of the loaf, while the fresh fruit adds a burst of flavor and texture.

4. Spiced Hot Chocolate

   On chilly days, there’s nothing like pairing a warm slice of this spiced loaf with a cup of rich, spiced hot chocolate. Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even chili powder to the hot chocolate for a delightful depth of flavor that complements the loaf’s spices.

5. Ice Cream or Custard

   For a dessert-worthy treat, serve a slice of your Hot Cross Bun Loaf warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of creamy custard. The richness of the custard or the creaminess of the ice cream contrasts with the soft, pillowy texture of the loaf, turning it into a luxurious indulgence.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Bun Loaf is a versatile and delicious treat that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking to make simple recipe variations or trying to figure out how to store leftovers, this loaf offers endless possibilities. It’s a perfect way to bring a touch of tradition and warmth into your kitchen, with the bonus of being easy to adapt for all kinds of preferences, dietary needs, and occasions.

With the right storing techniques, you can keep the loaf fresh for days, and by pairing it with the right accompaniments, you can transform it into a delightful breakfast, dessert, or snack. The soft, spiced bread, glazed with sweetness and adorned with dried fruits or nuts, brings both comfort and joy-making it a perfect centerpiece for any occasion or just a cozy treat on a regular day.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Bun Loaf?

To make Mary Berry’s hot cross bun loaf, you’ll need ingredients such as strong white bread flour, mixed dried fruit (like currants or raisins), yeast, sugar, milk, butter, eggs, and a pinch of salt. You’ll also need mixed spice or cinnamon for that signature hot cross bun flavor. For the cross, a simple paste made from flour and water is typically used, and for glazing, a sugar syrup is recommended for that beautiful shine.

How Long Does It Take To Make Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Bun Loaf?

The process of making Mary Berry’s hot cross bun loaf typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, which includes both preparation and proving time. The dough itself requires a first rise of about 1 hour, then shaping and a second rise for another hour. After baking in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, the loaf should cool for 15 minutes before serving. It’s a perfect recipe if you’re looking to make a delicious treat for Easter or any time of the year!

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Hot Cross Bun Loaf Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare Mary Berry’s hot cross bun loaf in advance. If you’d like to bake it the day before, let it cool completely after baking, then wrap it tightly in cling film or store it in an airtight container. For the best taste, it’s recommended to eat it within 2-3 days, although it can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven for a few minutes for that freshly-baked feel.