Wholesome Vegan Hot Cross Buns – A No-Fail Recipe for Plant-Based Families

Fluffy, wholesome, dairy free Hot Cross Buns!!

There’s something about the smell of fresh hot cross buns wafting through our off-grid island home that feels like a hug from the inside out. These buns were such a hit - They’re sweet, soft, and full of the good stuff… with no eggs or dairy in sight. We make these buns with oat milk and olive oil, and they’re so fluffy and full of spice that even the most skeptical non-vegans won’t know the difference.

This recipe is featured in our latest YouTube video where we are sharing the very REAL side of our island life!

Ingredients:

• 1¾ cups oat milk, warmed (lukewarm, not hot just a bit warm!)

• 1 tsp coconut sugar, to activate the yeast

• 1 tablespoon / 7g (1 sachet) instant dry yeast

• ¼ cup olive oil or vegan butter, melted

• 3 cups plain flour (plus extra if needed)

• ¼ cup coconut sugar

• 2 tablespoons cinnamon (use less if you prefer - we LOVE cinnamon)

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• ¼ tsp allspice (if you have it - I used a blend of ginger, cloves and nutmeg)

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup sultanas or raisins

• Zest of 1 orange (optional, but adds magic)

For the Cross:

• ¼ cup flour

• 3–4 tbsp water (to make a pipeable paste)

For the Glaze:

• 2 tbsp maple syrup & 1 tsp hot water

Method:

1. Activate the yeast
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm oat milk and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until bubbly and blooming!

2. Mix the dough
   Add the melted vegan butter (or oil), flour, spices, salt, orange zest, and sultanas. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

3. First rise
   Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled.

4. Shape the buns
   Punch down the dough and transfer to a floured surface, divide into 12 even pieces. Shape into smooth balls and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover again and rise for another 30–45 minutes.

5. Make the cross mix
   Mix the flour and water into a thick paste. Pipe crosses over the buns using a zip-lock bag you pinched from the international security check or a piping bag if you are sophisticated!

6. Bake
   Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.

7. Glaze
   While still warm, brush with your maple or jam glaze for that glossy finish.

8. Enjoy!!

   Share these delicious buns with your loved ones and celebrate the spring equinox!!

Notes from the Island:

These buns freeze beautifully (if they last that long). We often double the batch, and they disappear before you can say “Happy Easter.” And if you’re not into dried fruit, chopped dark chocolate or cranberries are a dreamy twist.

Let me know if you bake them—I’d love to hear if they make your house smell as good as ours!
And don’t forget to check out the full video here to see the chaos, joy, and real island kitchen vibes.

Big love & buns,
Katie x
@theislandlifeofus

Glaze your Hot Cross Buns with Maple Syrup!! So easy and wholesome