If you love the warm spices and cozy flavor of traditional hot cross buns, this soft and fluffy Spiced Hot Cross Buns Loaf is about to become your new favorite treat! It has all the classic flavors of cinnamon, citrus, and sweet dried fruit, baked into a beautiful, sliceable (and pull-apart!) loaf that’s perfect for Easter brunch or a cozy weekend treat. My family went crazy for it! (Even when it has raisins in it!)
💕 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the classic hot cross bun flavor with way less shaping work
- Soft, fluffy, bakery-style texture
- Gorgeous for brunch tables and holiday spreads
- Easier to slice, toast, and serve
- That iconic cross drizzle makes it extra special
If you love this recipe you'll also need to try my Creamy Peanut Butter Easter Eggs (Silicone Mold Method)
Ingredients:
Jump to:
For The Hot Cross Buns Loaf 💕
For The Cross 💕
For The Glaze 💕
Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
Add brown sugar, honey, eggs, spices, orange zest, and salt. Mix in flour gradually, then knead in butter until smooth and slightly sticky.
3. Add the Fruit
Fold in raisins or currants evenly.
4. First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours until doubled.
5. Shape the Loaf
Roll dough into a large rectangle
Cut into strips or squares
Stack or layer loosely into a greased loaf pan for a pull-apart effect
6. Second Rise
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
7. Add the Cross
Mix flour and water into a thick paste. Pipe lines across the top to form a cross pattern.
8. Bake
Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.
9. Glaze
Brush or drizzle glaze over warm loaf for shine and sweetness.
💡 Helpful Tips & Tricks
Use a serrated knife for clean slices
Soak dried fruit in warm orange juice for extra juicy flavor
Don’t over-flour! A slightly sticky dough makes a softer loaf
If browning too fast, loosely tent with foil
Make Ahead and Storage Tips:
- Make Ahead: Prepare dough the night before and refrigerate after first rise
- Storage: Keep covered at room temp for 2–3 days
- Freeze: Slice and freeze up to 2 months
- Reheat: Toast slices or warm in oven for that fresh-baked feel
FAQ's:
Can I make this without a stand mixer?
Yes! It just takes a little extra kneading (about 10 minutes by hand).
Why didn’t my loaf rise?
Your yeast may be inactive or milk too hot. Aim for warm, not hot.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use plant milk and vegan butter.
Do I have to do the cross?
No! It’s traditional, but totally optional.
Substitutions & Variations:
- Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped apricots
- Add white chocolate chips or semi sweet chocolate chips for a fun twist
- Use lemon zest instead of orange for a brighter flavor
- Add a cinnamon sugar swirl layer for extra indulgence
Recent Recipes:
Spiced Hot Cross Buns Loaf
Equipment
- 9x5 Loaf Pan
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook
- Bench Scraper
- Piping Bag (or Zip-Top Bag)
- Kitchen Thermometer (Optional but Great) Helps ensure your milk is at the perfect temperature (around 110°F) so your yeast activates properly.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3½ cups bread flour
- 2¼ teaspoon active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup raisins or currants
Cross Topping:
- ½ cup flour
- 6 tablespoon water
Glaze:
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.2. Make the Dough
Add brown sugar, honey, eggs, spices, orange zest, and salt. Mix in flour gradually, then knead in butter until smooth and slightly sticky.3. Add the Fruit
Fold in raisins or currants evenly.4. First Rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours until doubled.5. Shape the Loaf
Roll dough into a large rectangleCut into strips or squaresStack or layer loosely into a greased loaf pan for a pull-apart effect6. Second Rise
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.7. Add the Cross
Mix flour and water into a thick paste. Pipe lines across the top to form a cross pattern.8. Bake
Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.9. Glaze
Brush or drizzle glaze over warm loaf for shine and sweetness
Notes
🩵 Recipe Notes
- Letting the loaf cool slightly helps it set before slicing
- Brushing with simple syrup instead of glaze gives a bakery-style shine
- This makes amazing French toast the next day.
