RECIPE: HEHP Hot Cross Buns
- Mar 3
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly baked hot cross buns wafting through the home. Warm spices, soft fluffy texture, and that golden cross straight from the oven. These HEHP (High Energy High Protein) Hot Cross Buns bring all the traditional Easter charm, with a nourishing twist designed especially for aged care settings.
Hot cross buns are more than just a sweet snack. They are soft, spiced, topped with a little cross and some studded with fruit. They are a sign that the hope of Easter is near.
Some people connect Easter buns with their faith. For others, they are a seasonal favourite that brings warmth and comfort. And let’s be honest… they irresist-a-bun.
To print this recipe, download The Aged Care Scoop.
What are Hot Cross Buns?
Well firstly they are hot, secondly there is a cross on top. No knead to overthink it.
The cross symbolises the Christian meaning of Easter and the story of Jesus’ sacrifice and love. It is a gentle reminder of hope, renewal, and kindness. It also helps you spot it from across the room. Handy when you’re bun-hunting.
History of Hot cross buns
A warm and fragrant symbol of Easter, hot cross buns bring people together across generations, cultures, and care settings.
Spiced breads have been enjoyed for special occasions since ancient times.
By the Middle Ages, hot cross buns were linked with Good Friday in England. Some believed they were blessed and shared with family and neighbour, others thought they brought good luck or even prevented food from spoiling.
Over time, they became a cherished Easter tradition across many cultures. Today, people of all backgrounds enjoy them.
Now they often appearing on shelves earlier each year. January? February? Bun early or bun late… no judgement here.
What Makes a Traditional Hot Cross Bun?
A traditional hot cross bun usually includes:
Yeast dough for a soft, fluffy texture
Warm spices like cinnamon or mixed spice
Dried fruit such as sultanas or currants
Citrus zest for brightness
A flour paste cross, often finished with a glossy glaze
In Christian tradition, the spices are sometimes thought to echo the spices used in preparing Jesus’ body, and the cross reminds us of His sacrifice and love. While others, it is simply enjoying the warm, fragrant spice and fruit flavours as part of Easter festivities.
Why try these must-bake boosted buns for better bites
This is a classic favourite made more nourishing.
Our HEHP High Energy High Protein Hot Cross Buns are great for so many reasons!
By enriching the recipe with milk powder and eggs, we’ve boosted the protein content while maintaining the soft, familiar texture residents love. Small changes like these make a meaningful difference, offering extra energy and protein in a snack resident already enjoy.
Protein
This recipe includes eggs, full cream milk and milk powder to boost the protein.
Each hot cross bun has 8.7 grams of protein which is great for residents.
For extra protein, you can pair with yogurt, ricotta, cottage cheese, or peanut butter.
Energy
Hot cross buns are delicious energy dense. One bun provides around 1476kJ of energy.
Sugar
Supermarket hot cross buns have 21-25.4g of sugar (per 100g), compared to 15.2g in this recipe. This recipe is a much better option in reducing residents’ sugar intake.
Support hydration
Offer fluids such as tea or coffee made with high protein or fortified milk to support hydration.
In aged care, every bite counts.
Providing HEHP options throughout the day adds up to help increase overall energy and protein intake, supporting residents to meet their nutritional needs. Regular inclusion of HEHP snacks can help reduce the risk of unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, while still delivering comfort, enjoyment, and that special Easter feeling.
Hot Cross Bun Ideas for Aged Care
Warm hot cross buns in the oven so that the aroma spreads through the home. Smell can encourage appetite, mood and spark memories.
Serve warm with butter and pair with tea for a comforting afternoon break.
Cut into halves or quarters for easier chewing.
Soft and warm buns are often better accepted than dry or cold ones. That’s bun-eficial for intake.
Whether enjoyed for spiritual reasons or simply as a seasonal treat, hot cross buns can create moments of connection in aged care, retirement living and disability homes alike.
If you need support with menu planning, portion sizes, or texture-modified options, reach out to an OSCAR Care Group Accredited Practising Dietitian.
We’re here to help you share Easter in a way that nourishes both body and spirit. Now that’s something to rise to!!
HEHP Hot Cross Buns Recipe
Makes 50 Hot Cross Buns
Ingredients
DOUGH | |
1.6 L | Full cream milk |
220g | Caster sugar |
56g | Dried yeast |
2.4 kg | Plain flour |
560g | Full Cream Milk Powder |
2 Tbsp | Ground Cinnamon |
3 Tbsp | Mixed Spice |
4 tsp | Salt |
320g | Butter, softened |
Rind of 6 Oranges | Orange rind, finely grated |
1 kg | Sultanas |
8 | Egg, Large lightly beaten |
CROSS | |
200g | Self-Raising Flour |
200mL | Water |
GLAZE | |
½ cup | Apricot jam |
4 tsp | Water |
ALLERGENS: Wheat (Gluten), Milk (Dairy), Egg
To print this recipe, download The Aged Care Scoop.
Method
ACTIVATE YEAST Warm milk to 38°C (Lukewarm). Stir in sugar until dissolved. Whisk in yeast. Stand 10 minutes until frothy.
MIX DOUGH Sift flour, milk powder, spices and salt. Rub in butter. Add orange rind and sultanas. Add eggs and yeast mixture. Mix until sticky dough forms.
KNEAD Knead 5–10 minutes (or 6–8 minutes in mixer) until smooth and elastic. If stiff, add milk 1 Tbsp at a time.
FIRST PROOF Place in oiled bowl. Cover. Proof 90–120 minutes at 26–28°C until doubled in size.
PORTION & SHAPE Knock down dough. Divide into 50 portions (90–100g each). Roll into smooth balls. Place 1 cm apart on lined trays.
SECOND PROOF Cover loosely. Proof 45–60 minutes until puffy. Preheat oven 180°C (fan 160–170°C).
PIPE CROSS Mix flour and water to thick paste. Pipe cross onto each bun.
BAKE Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown. Internal temp 90–93°C.
GLAZE Heat jam and water 30 seconds. Strain if required. Brush over hot buns.
SERVICE Serve fresh or toasted as per Resident preference. Butter to serve.
To print this recipe, download The Aged Care Scoop.
Texture Modification Suitability for these HEHP Hot Cross Buns
This recipe is suitable for the regular diet only.
Regular hot cross buns are not suitable on the Regular Easy to Chew, Soft & Bite Sized, Minced & Moist & Pureed diets.
Remember, it is essential that anyone serving food for residents on a texture modified diet have regular IDDSI training, including food testing.
Happy Easter from the OSCAR Care Group Team
