Easter is approaching and we’ve had fun whipping up our gluten and grain-free take on hot cross buns with a dash of Chaga. We first created this recipe as a twist on the traditional favourite in 2021, and it feels like revisiting an old friend as we recreate it each year when Easter rolls around.
Chaga adds a dose of naturally occurring antioxidants and polyphenols to the recipe; traditionally valued for supporting immune health and cellular function. Its warm, earthy flavour works in synergy with the cinnamon and orange. These hot cross buns are rich in flavour and feel indulgent while remaining refined sugar free.
Enjoy this recipe and the delicious luxury of time across the upcoming long weekend.
Makes 6 – 8
Why You’ll Love These Healthy Hot Cross Buns
- Gluten-free and grain-free
- Naturally sweetened with maple syrup
- Made with Chaga, used to support immune health and reduce oxidative stress
- Warmly spiced with cinnamon and brightened with orange
- Dairy-free and vegan options available
Ingredients
2 cups organic almond meal
1/3 cup organic coconut flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ cup tapioca starch
½ tsp sea salt
1 ½ tsp organic ground cinnamon
Zest and juice of 1 organic orange
1 tsp Inner Atlas Chaga
½ cup organic melted butter, ghee, or coconut oil
¼ cup organic maple syrup
3 free range, organic eggs or egg replacer
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup of organic dark chocolate
Method
Pre-heat oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
In a bowl or jug lightly whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, eggs and vanilla extract.
In a separate mixing bowl combine the almond meal, coconut flour, baking powder, tapioca starch, sea salt, cinnamon, orange zest, juice and Chaga.
Add the wet mixture to the dry and mix well.
Take out a small palmful of the mixture and roll into a ball between clean hands. Flatten slightly to create a ‘bun’ shape and place on the baking tray. Repeat with remaining mixture. You should end up with 6 to 8 buns.
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15 – 20 minutes.
Melt the dark chocolate using the double boiler method. Once fully smooth add the melted chocolate to a jug with a pouring lip or a piping bag if you have one. With buns still on the tray, pour or pipe the chocolate slowly over each creating a cross shape.
Allow the dark chocolate to cool and harden, then serve and enjoy with a little butter or your spread of choice.
What is Chaga?
Chaga is a nutrient-dense mass found growing on birch trees in cold climates and known for its high antioxidant and polyphenol content. It has a naturally earthy, slightly vanilla-like flavour that pairs beautifully with warming spices like cinnamon. It’s known to help support immunity, reduce inflammation, combat oxidative stress and keep blood sugar levels steady. Adding Chaga to your baking is an easy way to elevate both flavour and function.
FAQs
Are these hot cross buns keto-friendly?
They are low in refined sugars but not strictly keto due to maple syrup and tapioca.
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely - use coconut oil and a suitable egg replacer.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze without the chocolate crosses and add it fresh when serving.
Chaga FAQs
What are the key benefits of Chaga?
Chaga is renowned for its high antioxidant content and immune-supporting properties. It’s rich in polyphenols and compounds that can help reduce oxidative stress, support overall wellbeing, and promote a balanced inflammatory response. Using a high-quality extract, such as our sustainably wild-harvested Inner Atlas Chaga, ensures you’re getting a concentrated, pure and bioavailable form.
Does Chaga lose its benefits when baked?
Our Chaga extract is heat-stable, meaning its beneficial compounds remain intact during baking. While prolonged exposure to very high temperatures may reduce some potency, baking with our Chaga will not.
What does Chaga taste like in baking?
Chaga has a mild, earthy flavour with subtle vanilla notes, making it a beautiful complement to warming spices like cinnamon and citrus. It blends seamlessly into recipes like these hot cross buns without overpowering the flavour.
Discover Inner Atlas Chaga:
