Single Serve Hot Cross Bun

Name: Single Serve Hot Cross Bun
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 tsp instant yeast; 1/4 cup warm milk; 1 tsp sugar; 1/2 cup flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder; 3 tbsp dried fruit (soaked in 3 tbsp water for 15 mins); 1 egg (beaten and divided); 1 tbsp melted butter; Oil (for handling the dough); 2 tbsp flour; 2 tbsp water; Pinch of sugar; Honey

Fluffy and sticky hot cross bun studded with raisins. All you need is a bowl and 45 minutes. This single serve recipe does not disappoint for easter.

I love hot cross buns, I think I have made that exceptionally clear. In saying this, it seemed only fitting to create a recipe that is perfect for 1. The recipe is simple to mix up and all you need it a bowl and spatula. You can have a freshly baked hot cross bun in 45 minutes!

I must admit I wouldn’t make this recipe again only because I love it so much and it is over in one bun, so if I need more I need to make more which is unfortunate so I rather make a large batch instead, LOL! It is fluffy on the inside, golden on the outside, brushed with honey to give it that gloss and sticky texture on the outside. I have used raisins in the dough to keep it classic.

What are single serve recipes?

Single serve recipes are those which serve a single portion. Most often than not, a single portion is 2 servings cause why not? They use small quantities of the ingredients and take little time to mix and prepare making them easier and more approachable.

What is a single serve hot cross bun?

A single serve hot cross bun is exactly what it means, it is a recipe that makes exactly one hot cross bun. This recipe is simple to mix up as the ingredients are lesser in quantity, and bakes up in under 45 minutes. I have brushed the top with honey but you can brush it with jam. This recipe makes a large bun but you could do two smaller buns as well.

What ingredients do you need to make this single serve hot cross bun?

To make this hot cross bun we need all purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, instant yeast, salt, butter, milk and egg. Additionally we add a little cinnamon powder add a mixture of dried fruit such as golden raisins, black raisins, fruit peel, chopped dates. I like to give the bun an egg wash before baking. A good brush of honey after baking gives it that glossy and sticky buns look. You will need oil to help roll the dough into a bun, this helps it from sticking.

What equipment do you need to make this single serve hot cross bun?

To mix the dough we need a small mixing bowl with a rubber spatula. To pipe the cross I have used a piping bag but you can use the corner of a zip lock bag. The bun is brushed with an egg wash using a brush. I have used a baking tray lined with baking paper and baked it in the oven.

How to make this single serve hot cross bun recipe?

In a mixing bowl add the warm milk, yeast, sugar and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Add the flour, butter, half the egg, mixed dried fruit, salt, cinnamon powder and stir together until sticky and combined, there should be no dry pockets. Turn out the mixture onto a clean surface and briefly bring together with your hands. If it is too sticky add a little oil onto your palms to help. Line the bowl with oil and place the dough into the bowl, cover with a kitchen towel. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Make the cross mixture by mixing the flour and water together until smooth, transfer to a piping bag and set aside. Preheat the oven to 180℃ and line a baking tray with baking paper, once the dough has risen, remove from the bowl and shape into a ball, place on the lined tray. Brush with top with the remaining beaten egg, pipe over the cross and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden, risen and baked through. When you knock the bread it should have a hollow sound.

Serving and storing this single serve hot cross bun recipe?

Brush the warm bun with honey before serving. I like serving hot cross buns with butter and more honey. As I would serve these as well. You can serve it with black coffee or tea. If you don eat them the same day they need to be warmed in the microwave or toasted before serving because they are best eaten warm. Ideally store it in a zip lock bag or an air tight container at room temperature for 2 days and in the fridge for 1 week. I also enjoy the hot cross bun with jam and peanut butter.

Looking for more single serve recipes?

Now that we have covered how to make this Single serve hot cross bun, you can have a look at the video on my socials but let’s get to it. Don’t forget to follow along for more baking recipe inspiration.

If you try this recipe out, don’t forget to share it with me on instagram so I can see how it turned out. I’d love nothing more than to chat with you on your cooking/baking.