The Perfect Belizean Cross Bun Recipe

Belizean Cross Buns, also known as 'Pow-da' buns, are a delicious treat native to the country of Belize. They are fluffy, slightly sweet, and make for a perfect snack with morning coffee or tea. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, and the end result is a tasty snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day. In this guide, we will take you through the steps to make these delicious treats, with a few tips and tricks to ensure you get the perfect bun!

Ingredients

Belizean Cross Buns are a delicious treat, often enjoyed at Easter and on Good Friday. They are similar to British hot cross buns but have a unique Creole twist.

The ingredients for Belizean Cross Buns are simple and easy to source. Here is a list of what you will need:

• Flour: The base of your bun will be made with all-purpose flour. You will need around 2 pounds or 6 cups of flour for your recipe. This will provide the structure and bulk to your buns.
• Sugar: Use a combination of white and brown sugar to sweeten your buns. You will need approximately 2.5-3 cups of white sugar and 1 cup of brown sugar. The brown sugar can also be used to sprinkle on top of the buns before baking for a caramelized finish.
• Eggs: You will need 2-3 eggs for your recipe. The eggs act as a binding agent and provide structure to your dough.
• Yeast: Use active dry yeast or instant yeast. You will need 2 packages or approximately 2 tablespoons of yeast. The yeast will help your dough to rise and give it a light and airy texture.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add a wonderful aroma and flavour to your buns. You will need 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of ground or grated nutmeg.
• Milk: Coconut milk is preferred for an authentic Belizean flavour, but you can also use evaporated milk or regular milk. You will need 1.5 cups of milk.
• Butter or Margarine: Use butter or margarine to add richness and flavour to your buns. You will need approximately 0.5 cups or 1 bar of butter or margarine.
• Vanilla: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavour of your buns.
• Raisins: Raisins are optional but are commonly used in Belizean Cross Buns. Use 0.5-1 cup of raisins and knead them into your dough before shaping the buns.
• Salt: A pinch of salt will enhance the other flavours in your buns.
• Baking Powder: If you are using gluten-free flour, you will need to add baking powder to help your buns rise. Use 3 teaspoons of baking powder.

With these ingredients, you are ready to start making your Belizean Cross Buns! In the next section, we will guide you through the method of preparing, shaping, and baking your delicious treats.

Mixing the dough

To make the dough for Belizean Cross Buns, start by placing the yeast in a deep mixing bowl. You can use either instant yeast or active dry yeast. If you're using active dry yeast, add a teaspoon of sugar and let the mixture stand for 10 minutes before stirring. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, egg, nutmeg, cinnamon, and raisins, if you're using them. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract if you like.

In a medium saucepan, add butter, milk, and vanilla. Heat this mixture slightly but do not let it come to a boil. You can use either coconut milk or regular milk for this. Then, pour the liquid into the mixing bowl with the flour and other dry ingredients. Mix everything together with a wooden spoon until the ingredients start to come together. The mixture should be slightly sticky but not too wet or dry.

If you want to make your Cross Buns extra fluffy, you can try adding some baking powder to the dry ingredients. This will give them a little extra rise and make them even softer.

Once your dough is mixed, cover the bowl and let it rest in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour. This will allow the dough to rise and double in size. After this first rise, you can move on to shaping and baking your buns.

Shaping the dough

Once your dough has been mixed and has risen for an hour, it's time to shape it. First, place the dough on a floured surface and knead it until it's smooth and pliable. Next, divide the dough into equal pieces—this number will vary depending on the recipe you're following and the size of buns you want. For larger buns, divide the dough into six pieces; for smaller buns, you can make up to 18.

Once you've divided the dough, form each piece into a ball. You can do this by cupping your hand over the dough and moving it in a circular motion, using your cupped palm to shape the dough into a ball. You can also gently move the dough in a circular motion on a clean work surface with the heel of your hand, using your other hand to maintain the circular shape.

After you've formed each piece into a ball, slightly flatten the dough balls. You can do this by gently pressing down on each ball with your palm or the heel of your hand. The dough balls should now be ready to place into a pan and left to rise again before baking.

Baking the buns

Now it's time to bake your Belizean buns!

First, preheat your oven to 375° F (180° C). While the oven is heating up, you can grease a baking sheet or line a non-stick pan with parchment paper.

Once your oven is ready, it's time to bake! Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake your buns for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. If you're using a pan, bake the buns for 30-40 minutes until they are completely brown. You'll know your buns are ready when they emit a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.

Once they're done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Then, it's time to enjoy your delicious, freshly baked Belizean buns! You can enjoy them on their own or with cheese, butter, or jelly/jam. For a true Belizean experience, try dunking your buns in a cup of coffee for breakfast, or pair them with fried fish for lunch or dinner.

If you're making Powder Buns, you can sprinkle the tops of the buns with brown sugar before baking for a caramelized finish.

Serving suggestions

Belizean Cross Buns are a delicious treat that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:

Breakfast

For a traditional Belizean breakfast, serve your freshly baked Cross Buns with a cup of strong coffee for dipping. If you're feeling indulgent, add a glass of tropical fruit juice on the side. You can also pair the buns with a light fruit salad to balance out the sweetness of the buns.

Tea Time

For an afternoon treat, enjoy your Cross Buns with a cup of tea. The slightly sweet and fluffy texture of the buns goes well with a hot beverage. You can also add a slice of cheese or a smear of butter or jelly/jam for an extra special treat.

Lunch or Dinner

Belizean Cross Buns can be a great side dish for a heartier meal. Try pairing them with fried fish for a true taste of Belize. You can also serve them with your favourite portions of cheese. If you're looking for something more substantial, try making a Cross Bun sandwich with your choice of fillings.

Dessert

While the Cross Buns are sweet enough to be a dessert on their own, you can elevate them by adding a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some chocolate sauce or caramel over the buns.

Snack

Belizean Cross Buns are a great snack option any time of the day. They're easy to eat on the go, and their fluffy texture will satisfy your hunger without weighing you down. You can also dip them in chocolate or sprinkle them with some cinnamon sugar for an extra special treat.

Frequently asked questions