Springtime Sweets: Bake Up Some History with Vegan Hot Cross Buns!

Hot cross buns are a classic Easter treat that have been enjoyed for centuries. But did you know that the origins of hot cross buns go back to ancient pagan cultures who baked sweet buns to honor the spring goddess Eostre? The history and symbolism behind these delicious treats is fascinating, so let's take a closer look!

The Origins of Hot Cross Buns

Eostre was an Anglo-Saxon goddess who was associated with the spring and the dawn. Her festival was celebrated during the spring equinox, which marked the beginning of the agricultural year and the rebirth of nature. To honor Eostre, people would bake sweet breads that were flavored with spices and dried fruits, and sometimes shaped into animal or plant forms.

When Christianity began to spread throughout Europe, many pagan customs were incorporated into Christian practices as a way to make the new religion more acceptable to the people. The tradition of baking sweet breads for Eostre was one of these customs, and it was eventually adapted to represent the cross of Jesus Christ.

The first recorded use of the term "hot cross bun" was in 1733, in a nursery rhyme that goes:

"Good Friday comes this month, the old woman runs With one or two a penny hot cross buns Whose virtue is, if you believe what's said They'll not grow mouldy like the common bread."

The rhyme refers to the practice of selling hot cross buns on Good Friday, which was considered a lucky day. It was also believed that hot cross buns had medicinal properties and could ward off illness.

The Symbolism of Hot Cross Buns

The cross on top of hot cross buns is the most recognizable symbol of these treats, and it represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The spices and dried fruits in the buns were also symbolic: cinnamon represented the spices used to embalm Jesus' body, while raisins or currants represented the dried fruits that were present at the Last Supper.

The tradition of eating hot cross buns on Good Friday spread throughout Europe and beyond, and today hot cross buns are enjoyed around the world as a symbol of Easter and new beginnings.

Vegan Hot Cross Buns Recipe

If you're looking to bake up some history and enjoy a delicious treat, here's a vegan recipe for hot cross buns:

Ingredients:

For the buns:

• 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (such as almond milk)

• 1/4 cup vegan butter or coconut oil

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup raisins or currants

For the cross:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 5-6 tablespoons water

For the glaze:

• 1/4 cup apricot jam

• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. Warm the non-dairy milk and vegan butter or coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter or oil has melted. Remove from heat and let cool until it reaches about 110°F.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and active dry yeast. Add the warm milk mixture and stir to combine.

3. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.

4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for about an hour, until it has doubled in size.

5. Punch down the dough and knead in the raisins or currants. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape them into balls. Place the balls on a greased baking sheet, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for another 30 minutes.

6. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Mix together the flour and water for the cross until a thick paste forms. Pipe the paste onto the buns in the shape of a cross.

7. Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown and fully cooked.

8. While the buns are baking, make the glaze by heating the apricot jam and water in a small saucepan over low heat until the jam has melted. Brush the glaze onto the buns as soon as they come out of the oven.

9. Let the buns cool on a wire rack before serving.

These vegan hot cross buns are a great way to celebrate Easter while honoring the traditions of the past. They're also a delicious treat any time of year, so give them a try and enjoy a taste of history!