Hot Cross Bun Loaf

Makes 1 loaf

Hands-on time: 15 minutes

Hands-off time: 3 hours

INGREDIENTS

For the loaf:

6½ tbsp NESTLÉ KLIM Full Cream Instant Milk Powder

2¼ cups (254g) self-raising flour

1½ tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp mixed spice

2 tsp sugar

¼ cup (56g) margarine, cubed, plus extra to serve

1 large egg

⅓ cup raisins

1 large orange, zested and juiced

For the glaze:

1 tsp NESTLÉ KLIM Full Cream Instant Milk Powder

For the piping:

½ cup (56,5g) self-raising flour

Serving suggestion:

Marmalade

Nescafé coffee

*Microwave cooking times may vary due to wattage; use the timings below as a guide.

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease large loaf tin with non-stick cooking spray.

For the loaf:

2. Add the NESTLÉ KLIM Full Cream Instant Milk Powder to a large bowl. Sieve in the self-raising flour, cinnamon, mixed spice and sugar.

3. Using your fingertips, rub the margarine into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs.

4. Add ½ cup of warm water, the egg, raisins, orange zest and juice to the mixture and lightly stir with a wooden spoon until combined. *Chef’s Tip: Replace the raisins with chocolate chips, if preferred!

5. Spoon the dough into the loaf tin and smooth out the top.

For the glaze:

6. Combine the NESTLÉ KLIM Full Cream Instant Milk Powder with 1½ teaspoons of warm water and stir until smooth.

7. Gently brush the mixture over the loaf.

For the piping:

8. Combine the flour with ⅓ cup of water and stir until smooth.

9. Pour the paste into a resealable bag and cut off a small tip from one of the corners of the bag. Pipe 1 stripe down the middle of the length of the loaf. Pipe shorter stripes across the large stripe, leaving a 3cm gap between each.

10. Bake the loaf for 40 minutes until golden and cooked through. *Chef’s Tip: A skewer that comes out clean once inserted means it’s ready!

11. Allow the loaf to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool for 2 hours.

12. Cut the loaf into 20 slices. Serve warm with some margarine, marmalade and a cup of Nescafé coffee and ENJOY!

Planning to try this?

If yes, please share your pictures with us on the Foodies Of SA Group on Facebook. We'd LOVE to see it! 😍