Hot Cross Bun Blondies

Hot cross bun blondies are a delightful twist on the classic Easter treat, marrying the beloved flavours of spiced fruit buns with the rich texture of blondies. These gooey, golden squares are infused with warm cinnamon and mixed spice, complemented by plump sultanas and delicious white chocolate chips, creating a comforting and aromatic dessert perfect for any time of the year. Topped with a sweet glaze that mimics the traditional cross, hot cross bun blondies blend nostalgia with modern baking, making them an irresistible addition to any afternoon tea or festive celebration. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature and experience the joy of a familiar favourite transformed into a new and exciting delight.

How to assemble the Hot Cross Bun Blondies:

1. Carefully remove the blondie from the pan and slice into 16 squares.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the icing sugar and water until a paste forms.

3. Use a piping bag with the end snipped off to pipe the crosses over each blondie.

4. Enjoy!

Baking tips:

• Mixed spice: Mixed spice is a traditional British spice blend that typically includes a combination of cinnamon, coriander seeds, nutmeg, clove, pimento, and ginger. This aromatic mixture adds warmth and depth to a variety of dishes. If you are unable to find this blend in your local store, you can create a suitable substitute by using 1 Tsp of cinnamon, along with ½ Tsp each of ground ginger and ground nutmeg.

• Don’t over mix: This technique of stirring the batter only until it is just mixed is crucial for maintaining a tender and moist crumb in your baked goods. When I am preparing the batter, I typically transition to using a rubber spatula to carefully fold all the ingredients together until there are no longer any visible streaks of flour.

• Don’t over-bake: To ensure a soft, fudgy center, it's crucial not to overbake the blondies. The key is to bake them until the top feels set and a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Remember, they may seem a bit soft initially, but they will definitely firm up as they cool down in the pan.

• Cross alternatives: Instead of using icing sugar and water to create the cross, you can choose to use melted white chocolate for a rich and creamy alternative.

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Hot Cross Bun Blondies

Yield: 16 Squares

Author: Chloe Sims

Prep time: 35 MinCook time: 35 MinTotal time: 1 H & 10 M

A delightful twist on the classic Easter treat, marrying the beloved flavours of spiced fruit buns with the rich texture of blondies.

Ingredients

Blondie

• 170g Unsalted Butter
• 200g Brown Sugar
• 135g Granulated White Sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 1 Egg Yolk
• 250g Plain Flour
• 1 Tsp Baking Powder
• 2 Tsp Mixed Spice
• 1 Tsp Cinnamon
• 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
• 150g White Chocolate Chips
• 100g Sultanas

Cross

• 50g Icing Sugar
• 1-2 Tsp Water

Instructions

Hot Cross Bun Blondies

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, grease and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Melt the butter in the microwave, allow to cool.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices and salt.
4. In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs and egg yolk.
5. Fold in the flour mixture using a spatula until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and sultanas until evenly combined.
7. Pour the batter into the lined pan and smooth over using a spatula.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool fully.
9. Carefully remove the blondie from the pan and slice into 16 squares.
10. In a small bowl, mix together the icing sugar and water until a paste forms.
11. Use a piping bag with the end snipped off to pipe the crosses over each blondie.
12. Enjoy!

Notes

Mixed spice: Mixed spice is a traditional British spice blend that typically includes a combination of cinnamon, coriander seeds, nutmeg, clove, pimento, and ginger. This aromatic mixture adds warmth and depth to a variety of dishes. If you are unable to find this blend in your local store, you can create a suitable substitute by using 1 Tsp of cinnamon, along with ½ Tsp each of ground ginger and ground nutmeg.

Don’t over mix: This technique of stirring the batter only until it is just mixed is crucial for maintaining a tender and moist crumb in your baked goods. When I am preparing the batter, I typically transition to using a rubber spatula to carefully fold all the ingredients together until there are no longer any visible streaks of flour.

Don’t over-bake: To ensure a soft, fudgy center, it's crucial not to overbake the blondies. The key is to bake them until the top feels set and a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Remember, they may seem a bit soft initially, but they will definitely firm up as they cool down in the pan.

Cross alternatives: Instead of using icing sugar and water to create the cross, you can choose to use melted white chocolate for a rich and creamy alternative.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

308

Fat

13 g

Sat. Fat

8 g

Carbs

47 g

Fiber

1 g

Net carbs

46 g

Sugar

33 g

Protein

3 g

Sodium

53 mg

Cholesterol

57 mg

Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.

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