Are you ready to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Jamaica? This Easter, ditch the ordinary and bake a batch of these irresistible Easter buns! This classic Jamaican recipe is bursting with warm spices, sweet fruit, and a delightful, slightly crisp exterior. It's the perfect homemade treat for your Easter celebrations, guaranteed to impress family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this easy recipe will guide you every step of the way. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup currants
- ½ cup mixed peel (candied citrus peel)
- 1 tablespoon dark rum (optional, can substitute with vanilla extract)
- Egg wash (1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tablespoon of milk) for glazing
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and ¼ cup of sugar. Gently stir and let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the beaten egg and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined. This creates the base of your delicious Easter bun dough.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough seems too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 4: Add the Fruits and Rum
Stir in the raisins, currants, mixed peel, and rum (or vanilla extract). The rum adds a lovely depth of flavor, but it’s completely optional.
Step 5: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a softer bun.
Step 6: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 7: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough to release the air. Shape the dough into 8-10 buns and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
Step 8: Bake the Buns
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the buns with the egg wash for a beautiful golden-brown finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the buns cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy these delicious Jamaican Easter buns with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped candied ginger for an extra spicy kick.
- If you don't have mixed peel, you can use only raisins and currants.
- These buns freeze well. Once cooled completely, wrap them individually and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information (per bun, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: Approximately 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Easter treat! Happy Baking!