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For the spiced buttercream

Nutrition: per cupcake

  • kcal360
  • fat22g
  • saturates11g
  • carbs36g
  • sugars26g
  • fibre1g
  • protein6g
  • salt0.4g
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Method

  • step 1

    Combine the lemon juice and milk in a large jug, and set aside for 5 mins. Meanwhile, heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 and melt the butter in a saucepan. Use a little of the butter to grease a 12-hole muffin tin.

  • step 2

    Put the flour, baking powder, sugar, spice, almonds and a pinch of salt into a large bowl, then sift through it with your fingers to squash any lumps of sugar. Beat the eggs, zest and melted butter into the thickened milk. Pour this into the dry ingredients, then beat with a balloon whisk until even. Stir in the dried fruit and apple, scoop mix into the tin (the holes will be full; see tip below), then bake for 18-20 mins until golden and well risen. Cool for 10 mins in the tin, then remove to a rack.

  • step 3

    When the buns are cold, cut a cross from the top of each one using a serrated knife, then brush the tops with the apricot jam. For the spiced buttercream, beat everything together until creamy and pale. Pipe the buttercream into the crosses. Alternatively, simply glaze the buns and pipe crosses across the tops.

RECIPE TIPS
TRANSFERRING YOUR CAKE MIXTURE

Use an ice cream scoop to transfer the runny mix to the tin. It’s quicker and easier than using a spoon.

Recipe from Good Food magazine, December 2013

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Comments, questions and tips (15)

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Overall rating

A star rating of 4.8 out of 5.13 ratings

stonesue5468402

I wish you had a conversation for the recipes

wendysteeleleithYAqmMXO2

question

Can the cupcakes.be made.the day before and then.the frosting added.on the day?

goodfoodteam avatar
goodfoodteam

Hi, yes absolutely. We hope this helps. Best wishes, BBC Good Food Team.

hayleymt

question

I have a nut allergy, how could I substitute the ground almonds?

02smythes

Forgot the ingredients for the icing, so just made a plain orange icing instead… but despite my mistake, tasted amazing… beautifully moist cake recipe

fruitcake44

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

If you like Hot Cross Buns you'll love these! Delicious and moist cakes with a hint of spice. I didn't bother with the apricot jam glaze or with the cream cheese in the frosting, I simply flavoured my buttercream with a bit of the orange zest and a dash of the juice to soften and they tasted divine.…

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