A delicious, single serve hot cross bun which takes three minutes to whip up thanks to some microwave magic- Paleo, gluten free, sugar free, dairy free and with a vegan option too- Don’t forget the butter!
Single serve microwave friendly recipes make up a significant proportion of my e-cookbook. A couple of weeks ago I was experimenting with a banana bread recipe. What turned out was something fluffy, dense but tasting nothing like banana bread.
…..the mashed banana was still in a bowl on the counter.
Fail bloody whale.
I’m not one to ever waste food so of course this was going to be eaten. I whipped out the butter and some cinnamon thinking I could just call it a pathetic excuse for cinnamon toast but the fluffy texture reminded me of a seasonal treat I’d enjoy once or twice a year- Hot Cross Buns.
I have three issues with Hot Cross Buns.
1. Hot Cross Buns are something I do enjoy but only once or twice a year. The main reason is that compared to other baked goods or seasonal treats, they are quite bland. It’s quite a simple flavour enhanced by spiced fruits and cinnamon. What makes it an appealing treat or snack is the butter. Lashings of butter.
2. Hot cross buns in Australia come in a minimum pack of six. Most are packs of twelve or for those who embrace it, twenty four.
3. The white cross on them is NOT icing. In fact, the white cross is the worst part of the entire bun. Growing up, I would eat around the bun and save that to last and be treated with flour. Plain flour. Plain flour fooling people worldwide that it is a delicious glaze.
We could totally add a fourth to that list which is that most are made with standard wheat flour without taking into account dietary restrictions or lifestyle choices.
This microwave hot cross bun is single serving, takes three minutes to make and use minimal ingredients. It’s paleo, gluten, grain and dairy free and there’s also a vegan option. Please note- The vegan option does NOT turn out as aesthetically pleasing if you do not grease the bowl and not watch the microwave (lesson learnt).
Instead of using a mixed spice blend, I opted to use cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves because sometimes, those blends go heavy on the star anise and we don’t want liquorice buns here.
The ‘cross’ is completely optional but I know many of you like having a protein option and this is where the beauty of protein frosting comes in. Alternatively, you can use coconut butter slightly thawed or just omit it and go to town on the best part- Buttering the beauty up.
Set three minutes aside to make this microwave Hot Cross Bun and be thankful you don’t have a 24 pack to run through. Actually, you’ll probably be such a fan you’d end up making them AFTER the Easter season. That’s okay.
Share this recipe on Pinterest
Love this Hot Cross Bun Mug Cake recipe?
Share it with the world on Pinterest.
Microwave Hot Cross Bun (Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan)
Ingredients
For the Paleo/Gluten Free Version
- 1 tablespoon almond flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoon coconut flour sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1-2 tablespoon dried currants/raisins/cranberries etc
- 1 tablespoon coconut palm sugar*
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (or strictly paleo use
- 1 large egg white you can use a whole egg but it will be more flat
- 1/4 cup dairy free nut milk of choice I used unsweetened almond
For the vegan version
- 1 tablespoon almond flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoon coconut flour sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1-2 tablespoon dried currants/raisins/cranberries etc
- 1 tablespoon coconut palm sugar*
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (or strictly paleo use
- 1 small flax egg 1/2 T flax + 1 1/2 T water
- 1/4 cup dairy free nut milk of choice I used unsweetened almond
For the frosting
- Paleo version- 1-2 T coconut cream/butter piped in a cross
- Alternative pictured- 3 T vanilla protein powder mixed with dairy free milk until a 'frosting' is formed and piped in a cross
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the dry ingredients and mix well.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the dairy free milk with the egg white (or flax egg) and whisk lightly. Add the mixture to the dry mixture and mix until just combined.
- Grease a large mug or deep bowl (I used a cereal bowl) generously and pour the batter in it and microwave for 1-3 minutes, depending on the microwave (I used an 800Watt microwave and as pictured, i removed it from the microwave at exactly 90 seconds).
- Allow to cool slightly before 'crossing' then slice in half and top with butter.**
Notes
** These taste even better once removed from the microwave, allowed to cool then toasted.
Do hot cross buns in your city come in preposterous quantities?
Were you fooled by faux frosting cross?
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.
Somebody in my office made a hot cross bun for St Patricks day and it had been so long since I’d had one that I’d forgotten how good they are! It was more bread like than bun/cakey, but perfect in the toaster.
Also, which is worse: fail whale or the struggle bus. Both weigh a significant amount.
YES- It really is more like a bread hence….slathering it in butter.
We need to discuss this lingo in person.
Hahaha…you totally made a microwave-version of the hot cross bun. That, my friend, earns you some incredible props. But I have totally been there. Make a recipe and get it in the oven only to turn around and find a key ingredient still sitting on the counter. It’s measured out and ready to go…but it’s sitting on the counter and the rest of its ingredient friends are sitting in the oven. Failblog.
Mate, I’ve done that with sugar so many times, I’ve had to tell people I share it with that a ‘banana’ bread or ‘zucchini’ muffins are savoury. Savoury with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Your buns look so nice and toasty. Quite firm, but rather pale =l I’ve never had a hot cross bun so now this seems like my first experience is looming in the near (three minute) future!
Any updates on the America search!? You’re getting me too excited.. or any job prospects, fields, etc that you are looking into?
Also, have an almost empty jar of mocha nut butter ready to go make and stuff with your brownie batter oatmeal. Can life get any better!?
LOL. You’re hitting on me through food again aren’t you!
Urgh. work wise, I’m flexible. It’s finding a place! I’m nearly ruling out Boston because I can’t find anywhere remotely affordable and close to downtown! 🙁
What a wonderful recipe!
Thank you!
I have never even tried a hot cross bun!! Is that weird?!?! I totally thought it was frosting though. I love all the spices listed so I’m sure I would like it. Thanks for always sharing a vegan version too!! As you know, I’m not vegan but I don’t usually cook with eggs so I’m super happy when you include an egg-free recipe.
Christina. I am offended.
When we catch up again, I will make this for you.
It’s done in the microwave? Love it! Although hot cross buns are one of those things that I have to have the real thing. It would be un-British of me otherwise 😉
Haha, so true! Enjoy, Dannii!
I don’t even know if the stores sell hot cross buns but I do know it was the first song I learned to play on the recorder back I fourth grade lol …..Hot cross buns, hot cross buns, hot cross buns…I will never forget the repetitive beat.
LOL. I hate you. I have that in my head now too.
..one a penny two a penny hot cross buns.
soooo I’ve never had a hot crossed buns (say whaaa?!). Looks like I’ll have to change that!
You need to try this, Nicole- Heck if I get a place in NYC, I’m making you some! 🙂
I’ve never even SEEN a hot cross bun before, actually! I just know of them from playing that song on the recorder in elementary school. I don’t think it’s a thing here in the Midwest. Good thing you made your own handy recipe, in case you move to Chicago where you won’t be able to pick one up at any ol’ bakery! You’re always thinkin’.
Hahaha that damn song. I will open up a Hot Cross Bun shop in Chicago!
Please do! I will end up being Customer of the Month every month, or an employee. Do you want my money or my labor? Haha
I am definitely making these! The vegan version of course since I can’t have eggs 😉 I haven’t had bread-ish anything for quite a while and it’s high time I made something like this!
Thanks Sarah! definitely give it a go, or the microwave English muffin- Perfect bread like texture 🙂
This is such a great idea! I adore hot cross buns but I will never get through (and really shouldn’t get through 😉 ) a whole pack on my own 🙂
Haha, so proud of you Jess!
I’ve never had a hot cross bun before. I’ve heard of them, but I never even knew what was in them!
Kelly, you’v love it. Purely because you lather it with butter 😉
Confession: I don’t think I’ve ever eaten hot cross buns before, which is probably my brain subconsciously boycotting false advertising. Don’t ever lie to me about frosting. EVER.
I’m right there with you, especially since the frosting is my favorite part.
Also, I don’t think I actually know what a hot cross bun is.
Urgh. Meg. And you call yourself a bread connoisseur. (not really).
Noted.
…..Want some frosted buns? 😉
Damn, you beat me to it! I was planning on making a hot cross bun “mug cake”! I don’t think I;ve ever had a real one…at least, not that I can remember!
It’s so good, buddy! Especially doused in nut butter! 😉
(or I guess you could eat it in a sweet potato! ;))
Arman, my recipe box for single serve treats is growing. I love this new idea it is perfect for someone always watching their calorie intake! I have always loved hot crossed buns. This is a great variation. The frosting looks fantastic too! Take care, Catherine
Thank you so much, Catherine!