Delicious Recipe For Guyanese Cross Buns – A Tasty Treat!

Growing up in an interfaith home, my family celebrated both Christian and Hindu holidays. One of our traditions on Good Friday was receiving hot cross buns from our church community. While I enjoyed the buns, I often found them to lack flavor. That’s why I decided to create my own delicious recipe for Guyanese Cross Buns, adding apricots, cherries, and apricot jam for a burst of flavor. The combination of spices, citrus zest, and dried fruits make these buns truly irresistible. Here’s how you can make this authentic and traditional Guyanese Easter Bun recipe.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to make flavorful Guyanese Cross Buns with this authentic recipe.
• Add apricots, cherries, and apricot jam to enhance the taste of the buns.
• Experience a burst of flavor with the perfect combination of spices, citrus zest, and dried fruits.
• Follow the easy-to-follow steps to create fluffy and delicious Guyanese Cross Buns.
• Enjoy these tasty treats on their own or explore various ways to savor them.

Ingredients and Instructions for Guyanese Cross Buns

To make these fluffy and flavorful Guyanese Cross Buns, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
• 1/4 cup apricot jam
• Oil for greasing

Follow these easy instructions to create your delicious Guyanese Cross Buns:

1. In a small bowl, combine the yeast with 1 tablespoon of warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, clove, salt, orange zest, and lemon zest.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt the vegetable shortening and butter together. Add the milk and brown sugar, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat.
4. Transfer the milk mixture to the mixing bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add the dried apricots and cherries, kneading until they are evenly distributed.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
7. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a greased baking sheet.
8. Cover the buns with the kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
10. Bake the buns for 15-18 minutes until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
11. Remove the buns from the oven and immediately brush them with apricot jam for a glaze.
12. Allow the buns to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Now you have a delicious batch of Guyanese Cross Buns ready to enjoy!

Enjoying the Perfect Guyanese Cross Buns

Once you’ve baked your delicious Guyanese Cross Buns, it’s time to savor their fluffy goodness. These buns are perfect on their own, with their vibrant flavors and soft texture. To enhance the experience, I recommend slightly warming them before taking a bite. This will intensify their delightful aroma and make each mouthful even more enjoyable.

For a delightful twist, try making French toast with your Guyanese Cross Buns. Cut them in half and dip them in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract. Then, cook them in a buttered skillet until golden brown and serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s a heavenly breakfast treat that will leave you craving for more.

If you want to take it up a notch, sauté your Guyanese Cross Buns in butter. This adds a lovely golden crust to the buns and brings out their rich flavors. Serve them warm with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent experience.

Don’t worry if you have leftovers, as you can freeze the buns for later enjoyment. Simply thaw them when you’re ready to devour, and if desired, pipe the signature crosses on top using a mixture of powdered sugar and water. This will ensure that every bite remains as delicious as the day you baked them.