Easter in Britain is a time of renewal, gathering with loved ones, and of course, delicious bakes that have been passed down for generations. If you want to bring a touch of British tradition to your Easter table, these classic bakes are the perfect place to start.
Hot Cross Buns
Perhaps the most iconic of all British Easter treats, hot cross buns are spiced sweet rolls studded with dried fruit and marked with a cross on top. They’re traditionally eaten on Good Friday, symbolizing the crucifixion, but they’re so delicious that they’ve become a springtime staple. Enjoy them warm, toasted with butter, or even used as a base for bread pudding.
Tip: If you want to switch things up, try a variation with chocolate chips instead of raisins, or an orange and cardamom-spiced version for a fresh twist!
Simnel Cake
This rich fruitcake, topped with marzipan, has been a part of British Easter celebrations for centuries. Traditionally, it’s decorated with 11 marzipan balls to represent Jesus’ disciples (minus Judas). It’s a lighter alternative to Christmas fruitcake and is often enjoyed on Easter Sunday.
Tip: For an extra touch, toast the marzipan under the grill for a golden, slightly caramelized finish.
Other Classic British Easter Treats
While hot cross buns and Simnel cake steal the show, here are a few other British bakes worth considering:
- Easter Biscuits – Delicately spiced shortbread-like biscuits with currants, perfect with a cup of tea.
- Spiced Scones – Lightly spiced scones with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, served with clotted cream and jam.
- Mini Egg Nest Cakes – Simple chocolate cornflake or rice crispy cakes topped with mini eggs for a fun, no-bake option.
If you’re looking to bring some British charm to your Easter celebrations, these classic bakes are a wonderful way to do it. Do you have a favorite Easter treat? Let me know in the comments!
Simple Hot Cross Buns Recipe
If you’re looking for a quicker, easier way to make Hot Cross Buns without compromising on flavor, this simplified recipe is for you! Soft, sweet, and spiced, they’re perfect for Easter mornings or any time you want a cozy, homemade treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ¼ cup (50g) sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (150g) dried fruit (raisins or currants)
For the Crosses:
- ⅓ cup (40g) all-purpose flour
- 3–4 tbsp water
For the Glaze:
- 2 tbsp honey or apricot jam
Instructions
- Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg, and mix until the dough comes together. Stir in the dried fruit. - Knead & First Rise:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes, until smooth. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 4–5 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. - Shape & Second Rise:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and arrange them in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. - Make the Crosses:
For the crosses, mix the flour with 3–4 tablespoons of water to make a thick paste. Put the paste in a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the tip snipped off) and pipe a cross over each bun. - Bake:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the buns for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown. - Glaze & Serve:
Once the buns are out of the oven, brush them with honey or apricot jam to give them a nice shiny finish. Let cool slightly before serving.
Serving Tip: Serve warm with butter or enjoy them as-is for a simple, satisfying treat!