Baking for Easter: Matcha Raspberry Hot Cross Buns – A Fresh Take on Tradition
About this Recipe
Easter, a time of renewal and celebration, invites the warmth of spring and the joy of shared meals. In this season of rebirth, the kitchen becomes a haven of creativity, especially with the baking of Easter treats. Among these, a new favorite arises: Matcha Raspberry Hot Cross Buns. This recipe offers a contemporary twist on the classic, introducing vibrant flavors and colors that promise to brighten any Easter table.
Spring’s Delight: Matcha Raspberry Hot Cross Buns, an Easter Treat Reimagined
Ingredients: Crafting Spring in Every Bite
The foundation of these buns lies in their thoughtful ingredients, which marry tradition with modern culinary trends. The star, premium-grade matcha powder, not only imbues the buns with a striking green color but also adds a nuanced, earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of Easter. Raspberries, with their bright burst of tartness, evoke the fresh beginnings of spring. Together with the rich dough—enriched with milk, butter, and eggs—these buns become a soft, fluffy canvas for the dynamic interplay of flavors, enhanced by a hint of mixed spice and cinnamon for a nod to tradition.
The Baking Process: A Celebration of New Beginnings
Creating these Matcha Raspberry Hot Cross Buns is as much about the joy of Easter baking as it is about the delicious results. The process is a ritual, starting with the activation of yeast and the careful blending of the dry and wet ingredients to form a harmonious dough. Kneading this vibrant green dough becomes a meditative practice, preparing us for the rebirth and renewal that Easter symbolizes. As the dough rises, so does anticipation, culminating in the shaping and baking of the buns, each adorned with a cross to signify the season.
Decoration and Serving: Easter Elegance
In keeping with Easter traditions, these hot cross buns are finished with a simple yet elegant touch. The cross, traditionally a mix of flour and water, can be infused with matcha to intensify the buns’ visual appeal. A glossy apricot glaze adds a final, festive sheen, inviting the first bite. Served warm, perhaps with a side of butter or a drizzle of honey, they offer a moment of reflection and joy amidst Easter celebrations.
Pairing: Completing the Feast
To complement the unique flavors of the Matcha Raspberry Hot Cross Buns, consider pairing them with a beverage that echoes their freshness and vibrancy. A light, floral tea, such as jasmine or chamomile, can highlight the matcha’s depth, while a cup of freshly brewed coffee offers a grounding contrast to the buns’ sweetness and spice.
A New Tradition for Easter
This Easter, let the Matcha Raspberry Hot Cross Buns be a testament to the season’s spirit of innovation and renewal. By blending the traditional with the contemporary, these buns not only satisfy the palate but also inspire a fresh approach to Easter baking. As families gather and memories are woven, these distinctive buns will stand out as a symbol of shared joy and the endless possibilities that spring brings.
Happy Easter and Happy Baking!
Ingredients
- 500g strong white bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 75g caster sugar
- 2 tsp matcha powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 7g sachet fast-action yeast
- 300ml whole milk
- 50g unsalted butter
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 200g raspberries (fresh or if using frozen, ensure they are thawed and drained)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 75g mixed peel (optional for extra texture and flavour)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, caster sugar, matcha powder, salt, and yeast.
- Gently warm the milk and butter in a pan until the butter melts and the mixture is lukewarm. Add this, along with the beaten egg, to the dry ingredients. Stir to form a soft dough.
- Knead: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Incorporate the raspberries, orange zest, and mixed peel (if using) during the final 2 minutes of kneading, being careful not to overmix as the raspberries can break down.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with cling film, and leave to rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns: Knock back the dough, then divide into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a bun and arrange on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space for them to expand. Cover with a clean tea towel and leave to rise for another hour.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 220°C (fan 200°C, gas mark 7).
- Prepare the Cross Mixture: Mix the plain flour with enough water to make a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag and pipe a cross on each bun.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes or until golden. If they are browning too quickly, cover them with foil.
- Glaze: Warm the apricot jam and brush over the warm buns to give them a glossy finish. Allow to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm or at room temperature.
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