My Vegan Hot Cross Scones

As a Brit, scones have always been a favourite of mine (especially warm from the oven with lashings of strawberry jam). So with Easter upon us, I decided to get creative in the kitchen and give them an Easter-themed twist, enter: Vegan Hot Cross Scones! If, like me, you love hot cross buns and you also love scones, you’re going to adore these.

Hot cross buns are always a favourite in my household at this time of year. 4pm is tea and hot cross bun time. So, you can imagine that the idea of a hot cross bun-themed scone sounded absolutely divine to me, I just had to get creating! These Vegan Hot Cross Scones will be perfect for your Easter spread, they’re the cutest afternoon tea addition alongside little finger sandwiches and bottomless cups of tea.

I have made ‘healthier’ scones in the past (back when I thought sugar and flour were foods of the devil – news flash, they’re not), but recently I decided I wanted an easy and accessible scone recipe here on the blog, keeping it as classic as possible while obviously keeping it vegan.

These scones are incredible still warm, straight from the oven – definitely best served and eaten fresh on the day. However, they will keep for a few more days in an airtight container.

If you make these Vegan Hot Cross Scones then please make sure to comment below or tag me in your recreations over on Instagram using @ginabnutrition or #ginabnutrition – I love to see them! Happy Easter baking friends!

What is the Difference Between a Scone and a Hot Cross Bun?

Scone and hot cross bun are both types of baked goods, but they have distinct differences in terms of ingredients, preparation, appearance, and cultural significance.

Scone:

1. Ingredients: A scone is a small, round, baked bread product. The main ingredients include flour, baking powder, butter or fat, milk or cream, and sometimes sugar. Scones can be plain or include additional ingredients like dried fruit, nuts, or even savoury items like cheese.
   
2. Texture: Scones have a crumbly and tender texture, often achieved by cutting cold butter or fat into the dry ingredients and not overworking the dough.
   
3. Preparation: Scones are typically mixed to form a dough, which is then gently kneaded and cut into rounds or wedges before baking. They are usually served split in half and can be enjoyed with jam, clotted cream, or butter.
   
4. Shape: Scones are usually shaped into round or triangular forms before baking.
   
5. Cultural Significance: Scones have a strong association with British cuisine and are commonly served during afternoon tea or as part of a breakfast or snack.

Hot Cross Bun:

1. Ingredients: A hot cross bun is a spiced, sweet bun made with flour, yeast, sugar, milk, butter, eggs, and often dried fruit like currants or raisins. They are traditionally flavoured with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
   
2. Texture: Hot cross buns are soft and slightly chewy, with a tender crumb. The use of yeast gives them a light and airy texture.
   
3. Preparation: Hot cross buns require yeast to rise, and the dough is typically kneaded, left to rise, shaped into individual buns, and then baked. After baking, they are often glazed with a sweet syrup for shine.
   
4. Appearance: Hot cross buns are marked with a cross on top, which can be made from a paste of flour and water or other ingredients. This cross is a symbol of Christianity and represents the crucifixion.
   
5. Cultural Significance: Hot cross buns are traditionally associated with Good Friday and the Easter season in various cultures, particularly in the United Kingdom. The cross on top holds religious significance, reminding people of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

How to Make My Vegan Hot Cross Scones…

If you’re going to make these vegan hot cross scones, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. Self Raising Flour (300 grams): This is the main flour used in the recipe and contains a leavening agent (baking powder) that helps the scones rise during baking.

2. Baking Powder (1 tsp): Baking powder is a leavening agent that releases carbon dioxide gas when mixed with moisture and heat, causing the scones to rise and become fluffy.

3. Salt (1 pinch): Salt enhances the overall flavour of the scones and helps balance the sweetness from other ingredients.

4. Mixed Spice (3/4 tsp): Mixed spice is a blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. It adds warmth and depth of flavour to the scones.

5. Golden Caster Sugar (50 grams + 2 tbsp): Golden caster sugar sweetens the scones and contributes to their texture and browning during baking. The additional 2 tablespoons might be used for sprinkling on top for added sweetness and a bit of crunch.

6. Dairy-Free Butter (90 grams, Cold): This is a substitute for traditional dairy butter and provides fat to the scones, which contributes to their tenderness and flavour.

7. Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Vanilla extract adds a pleasant aroma and flavour to the scones, enhancing the overall taste profile.

8. Soy Milk (or any dairy-free milk) (130 ml): Soy milk acts as a liquid component and helps bind the dry ingredients together. It’s also responsible for the moisture in the scones.

9. Apple Cider Vinegar (or lemon juice) (1 tbsp): This ingredient, when mixed with the soy milk, can act as a vegan-friendly buttermilk substitute. The acid helps create a reaction with the baking powder, further aiding in the scones’ rise and texture.

10. Raising or Mixed Dried Fruit (90 grams): The dried fruit adds sweetness and chewiness to the scones, as well as bursts of flavour. Raisins, currants, or other dried fruits are commonly used.

11. Plain Flour (50 grams): This might be used for dusting the surface when rolling out the dough, preventing sticking and aiding in shaping the scones.

12. Golden Caster Sugar (2 tbsp): This additional golden caster sugar is likely intended for a final sprinkle on top of the scones before baking, adding sweetness and a touch of sparkle to the finished product.

Are Hot Cross Buns Suitable for Vegans?

Traditional hot cross buns are typically not suitable for vegans as they often contain ingredients like dairy milk, butter, and sometimes eggs. However, many variations of hot cross buns can be made to accommodate a vegan diet by using plant-based alternatives for these ingredients. Here are some ways to make vegan hot cross buns:

1. Milk: Replace dairy milk with a plant-based milk like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
   
2. Butter: Use dairy-free butter or margarine instead of regular butter.
   
3. Eggs: Replace eggs with options like applesauce, mashed banana, flaxseed meal mixed with water (as a flax egg), or commercial egg replacers.
   
4. Honey: If the recipe calls for honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup, agave nectar, or another vegan-friendly sweetener.
   
5. Dried Fruit: Make sure that any dried fruit you use is free from animal-derived additives like gelatin.
   
6. Cross: The traditional cross on top of the buns is often made from a simple flour and water paste. You can use water or a plant-based milk and flour to create the cross.
   
7. Glaze: Some hot cross bun recipes have a glaze applied after baking. You can use a vegan-friendly glaze, such as a mixture of plant-based milk and a sweetener.