Trinidad Sugar Buns/Hot Cross Buns (recipe) - TriniGourmet.com (2024)

FAQs

Are hot cross buns OK for diabetics? ›

Diabetes charity Diabetes UK recommends eating Hot Cross Buns or a small piece of Simnel cake as an alternative treat, although some people with diabetes may consider these too high-carb/calories even for a treat.

Add the extra flour if required so the dough comes away from the bowl – the trick is to use the minimum to keep the dough soft so it rises easily (= fluffy buns), but just enough so the dough doesn't massively stick to your fingers (should be bit sticky though). Tough dough from too much flour = tough buns!

Your dough can become sticky when you add too much water or the flour isn't suitable for the type of dough you are making. Over proofing or fermenting the dough can also result in the gluten structure weakening causing sticky dough.

Unlike refined white bread, which can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, whole grain, and whole wheat bread contain complex carbohydrates and fiber. These components slow down glucose absorption, leading to a more gradual and steady rise in blood sugar, making them a better choice for individuals with diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association recommends choosing whole grain bread or 100 percent whole wheat bread instead of white bread. White bread is made from highly processed white flour and added sugar.

Hot cross buns contain a little fat from butter/shortening (around 5%) and are high in carbohydrate so consideration is needed around portion size for people with diabetes. Hot cross bun sizes vary a lot. For example, one commercial variety sold in a 6 pack contains 40g carbohydrate and 920 kJ (220 calories).

Hot cross buns can be a good source of fibre and complex carbohydrates. They're kind of like having a piece of bread with a touch of added spice and sweetness. However, if you do want to eat one every day, there are a few things to keep in mind.

What to add to hot cross buns? ›

Goat's cheese, fig and rosemary

2. Halve and toast the hot cross bun and spread both sides with goat's cheese. Add the fresh fig or spoon over the dried figs. Drizzle the fresh fig with honey or the dried fig with some of the syrup and add some finely chopped fresh rosemary.

Too much flour, or not the right kind, could be to blame. Dough made only from flour with a high or even average amount of protein (like bread flour or all-purpose flour) can become tough from overmixing. Protein gives bread structure in the form of gluten—the more you mix and move the dough, the more gluten you get.

The secret of successful rising

Most recipes call for the bread to double in size – this can take one to three hours, depending on the temperature, moisture in the dough, the development of the gluten, and the ingredients used. Generally speaking, a warm, humid environment is best for rising bread.

An overproofed dough won't expand much during baking, and neither will an underproofed one. Overproofed doughs collapse due to a weakened gluten structure and excessive gas production, while underproofed doughs do not yet have quite enough carbon dioxide production to expand the dough significantly.

Generally, while dough should be a little tacky to the touch, it shouldn't cling to your hands (certain types of bread might call for a stickier dough, but unless that's stated in the recipe, sticky dough is a no-go). Most often, the problem is too much water in the dough.

And here's the thing – you have a dietitian's word for it – hot cross buns are neither unhealthy nor healthy – they're neutral. They're just a food. And you only eat and enjoy them at one time of the year, so there's absolutely zero point feel guilty about sinking your teeth into the perfect bun.

Sadly, a typical "mall" cinnamon roll is not the most diabetes friendly. For example, a classic Cinnabon cinnamon roll contains more than 800 calories, 129 grams of carbs and 59 grams of added sugar. Sometimes homemade cinnamon rolls can have similar nutrition profiles.