Banoffee Hot Cross Buns
Ingredients
Dough:
- ¾ cup plant-based milk almond, soy, or oat
- ¼ cup dairy-free butter
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup banana puree about 2 medium bananas
Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup canned coconut milk full-fat
- ½ cup dairy-free butter
Chocolate Cross:
- ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a small saucepan, heat the plant-based milk and dairy-free butter until warm (about 110°F). Remove from heat and sprinkle the yeast over the mixture. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Add the banana puree and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Caramel Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and golden brown.
- Add the coconut milk and dairy-free butter, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Let the caramel simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool completely.
Assemble the Buns:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces.
- Flatten each piece of dough and place a spoonful of the cooled caramel filling in the center.
- Carefully seal the dough around the caramel, forming a ball.
- Place the buns on a greased baking sheet, cover with a damp cloth, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Add the Chocolate Cross:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with a tiny corner snipped off.
- Pipe a cross over the top of each bun.
Bake the Buns:
- Bake the buns for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving.
Serve:
- Serve the buns warm for the ultimate gooey caramel experience.
Notes
- Plant-Based Milk: Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- Banana Puree: Use ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Caramel Filling: Make sure the caramel is cool enough to handle when filling the buns.