RECIPE: Apple Hot Cross Buns
- Mar 3
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Soft, fluffy, and lightly spiced, these Apple Hot Cross Buns are a fresh and child-friendly take on an Easter favourite. We’ve swapped traditional sultanas for grated fresh apples, giving natural sweetness and moisture without the strong flavour or chewy texture that some children dislike. Hot cross buns are more than food. They are tradition. They create memories. They are social snacks. AND ours suitable for childcare centres!
To print this recipe, download The Childcare Scoop.
Try our Apple-solutely Delicious Hot Cross Buns
We have created an Apple Hot Cross Bun Recipe just for you! Let’s look at the Dietitian detail on these buns and why they’re more suitable for childcare, and some tips.
Unlike many supermarket hot cross buns, which often contain added sugars and generous amounts of dried fruit, this recipe keeps things simple and wholesome. The apple is subtly blended into the bun, meaning even fussy eaters won’t notice a strong apple taste, but they’ll enjoy the soft texture.
Portion size
We’ve created the ideal portion size for children, for an occasional treat. A serve of 90g is ideal, and can be served in half for a smaller portion (45g) for children.
Sugar
Supermarket hot cross buns have 21-25.4g of sugar (per 100g), compared to 7.3g in this recipe. That’s a huge difference, so this recipe is a much better option in reducing children’s sugar intake.
Salt
Supermarket hot cross buns have 171-220mg of sodium (per 100g), compared to 82mg in this recipe. Again, another reason why this recipe is more ideal for children, in choosing a snack with less salt.
Fruit
Each hot cross bun provide kids with 0.5 a serve of fruit – which is another great way to get more fruit into these growing bodies. Fresh apples are used in making this recipe. Also, the swap from dried fruit (sultanas) to fresh grated apples also aligns with Healthy Eating Advisory Service menu planning for long day care, which advise that dried fruit be offered no more than once per week. Dried fruit is a concentrated sugar source, which eaves a sticky remains on teeth and may promote to tooth decay.
Ideas for Child Care
1. Offer mini buns or half portions for little hands.
2. Lightly toast and cool before serving.
3. Protein booster - Pair the hot cross bun with yogurt, ricotta or cottage cheese and even a side of fruit, to give kids that protein boost they need.
4. Offer fluids like water to support hydration with the bun.
5. Encourage sensory exploration such as smell, touch, and taste.
6. Talk about the cross and how Easter is a time of sharing and kindness.
7. Turn it into a learning moment and a snack. A real bun-anza.
These Apple Hot Cross Buns are a delicious way for childcare centres to celebrate Easter while supporting healthy eating guidelines. A fun, nourishing option children will happily enjoy.
If you need support with menu planning, portion sizes, or texture-modified options, reach out to an OSCAR Care Group Accredited Practising Dietitian.
Apple Hot Cross Bun Recipe
Makes 20 Hot Cross Buns
Ingredients
DOUGH | |
360mL | Milk |
4 tsp | Maple Syrup |
2 x 7g sachets | Dried Yeast |
400g | Plain Flour |
200g | Wholemeal Plain Flour |
1 tbsp | Ground Cinnamon |
1 tsp | Mixed Spice |
½ tsp | Salt |
60g | Butter, softened |
4 apples | Apples |
2 | Egg, large |
CROSS | |
½ apple | Apple |
1 ½ tsp | Milk |
GLAZE | |
3 tsp | Maple Syrup |
2 tsp | Water |
ALLERGENS: Wheat, Gluten, Milk, Egg
To print this recipe, download The Childcare Scoop.
Method
Warm milk until just warm to the touch. Stir in the maple syrup, sprinkle over the yeast and stir gently. Set aside for 5–10 minutes until frothy. If the yeast mixture doesn’t foam, start again.
In a large bowl, sift the plain flour, cinnamon, mixed spice and salt. Stir in the wholemeal flour. Rub in the butter with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Grate apples (skin on) and gently squeeze out excess liquid. Stir through the flour mixture. Adding the grated apple to the flour mixture helps prevent soggy buns.
Add the egg and yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Turn onto a lightly floured bench and knead for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover and leave in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours.
Punch down the dough, knead briefly, then divide into 20 portions and roll into balls. Arrange 1cm apart on a lined tray. Cover and leave to rise for 30–40 minutes, until slightly puffed.
Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Cut apple into thin strips and press onto the tops to form crosses. Lightly brush the apple with milk.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden.
Warm the maple syrup with a little water and brush over the buns while still warm. Let buns cool completely on the tray once glazed.
Serve fresh or toasted with butter with a side of fruit and yoghurt.
Happy Easter from the OSCAR Care Group Team
