Healthy Hot Cross Buns (Grain, gluten, dairy and refined sugar free)

Healthy Hot Cross Buns

Who doesn't love some Easter baking.  This recipe is an old favourite in our family which I created and made out of love because my daughters and I are gluten and dairy free. I hope you enjoy this healthier spin on an Easter favourite.  Without the sugar and additives, these hot cross buns are easier on the stomach and generally won't cause any inflammation or flare ups if you are sensitive. 

Have a lovely Easter!

INGREDIENTS⠀
⠀
DRY:⠀
2 cups almond meal ⠀
1/2 cup Tapioca flour ⠀
2 tbsp coconut floor ⠀
2 tsp baking powder ⠀
2 tsp ground cinnamon⠀
1 tsp ground ginger⠀
1 tsp mixed spice⠀
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg⠀
1/2 tsp salt⠀
Orange zest ⠀
1 apple (diced, cored and cut into tiny pieces)⠀
3/4 cup sultanas (oil free)
⠀
WET:⠀
4 organic or free range eggs⠀
1/4 cup coconut oil melted
1/3 cup maple syrup ⠀
1 tbsp vanilla extract⠀
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice⠀
 

FROSTING:⠀
1 cup plain COYO coconut yoghurt ⠀
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract⠀
2 tbsp sweetener of choice (I used vanilla sugar)⠀
2 tbsp coconut flour ⠀
⠀

METHOD
- Preheat oven to 180 degrees and line a muffin tin⠀(makes 12)

- Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl then add orange zest and apple and mix
- In a seperate bowl, combine wet ingredients and whisk together.⠀
- Combine wet mixture and dry mixture until smooth⠀
- Divide the mixture evenly in a muffin tray and bake for 25 minutes⠀
⠀
DAIRY FREE FROSTING
- If not using COYO coconut yoghurt which is thicker, place Coconut yoghurt in a nut milk bag and strain to remove excess moisture from the yoghurt*

- Combine ingredients and beat together with a mixer until it’s thickened - about 2 minutes.

- Once muffins are cooled downed, spoon into a piping back (or ziplock bag with a corner snipped) and pipe onto the cooled cupcakes.

Tip:  Thinner coconut yoghurts may require just spooning as opposed to piping. Option to put the frosting in the fridge for 10 minutes to help set before piping if you need to.

I hope you enjoy!