Boost your protein intake with these healthy-ish hot cross buns

Best served with butter and a hint of salt

Thought the classic hot cross bun couldn't get better? Think again.

If there's one thing we love at Easter time it's a sticky hot cross bun – so why not dig into your favourite treat, with a healthy dose of protein too? 

This recipe takes the classic hot cross bun and gives it an injection of probiotic protein to keep you fuller for longer, without sacrificing taste. 

Ready, set, bake! 

Hot cross buns are better with a hit of protein. Image: iStock

Protein Hot Cross Buns

Serves: 9

Prep: 02:50

Cook: 00:15 

Ingredients – buns

• 3/4 cup(s) full cream milk 
• 1 teaspoon(s) dry yeast 
• 1/4 cup(s) stevia (granular sweetener) 
• 1 free range egg(s) whisked 
• 2 cup(s) wholemeal (or gluten-free) flour 
• 1/4 cup(s) 28GO Protein Probiotic Powder Vanilla or extra flour 
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt 
• 1 teaspoon(s) cinnamon (ground) 
• 2 teaspoon(s) all spice 
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) nutmeg (ground) 
• 1/3 cup(s) currants or raisins or sultanas (optional) 

Ingredients – crosses

• 2 tablespoon(s) wholemeal (or gluten free) flour w 
• 1 tablespoon(s) water 

Ingredients – glaze

• 1/4 cup(s) pure maple syrup 
• 1 tablespoon(s) water 

Method

1. Stir 1 tbs of the stevia into the warmed milk until dissolved. Sprinkle over the yeast, let it sit for 30 secs then stir. Set aside for 10 minutes to proof. Bubbles will appear when the yeast has activated.
2. Whisk the butter and egg together in a large bowl, then add the yeast mixture. Sift all remaining ingredients into the bowl and mix until it forms a dough. Fold in the raisins if using
3. Transfer the dough onto a floured bench and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic (add extra flour if needed, mixture shouldn’t be sticky).
4. Place dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover and place in a warm spot to proof for 1-2 hours until dough has doubled in size. 
5. Portion dough into 9 and roll into buns. Place the buns closed together onto a lined baking tray or into a skillet, cover and allow to rise in a warm spot for a further 30 mins.
6. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius. 
7. Mix cross ingredients together in a small bowl until it forms a thick smooth paste. Drizzle or pipe the paste over the buns to create a cross. 
8. Place the buns in the oven for 15 mins. 
9. While cooking, place the maple syrup in a saucepan over low-medium heat and simmer until it reduces. Brush glaze oven cooked buns and serve. 

Nutritionals

• Energy: 787.3kj
• Calories: 188.1cal
• Protein: 8.6g
• Fibre: 4.7g
• Fat:  2.2g
• Saturated Fat: 0.8g
• Carbs: 31.4g
• Sugar: 10.8g

Originally published as Boost your protein intake with these healthy-ish hot cross buns