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Cheese and Marmite hot cross buns laid out in a random pattern on a yellow background, surrounded by decorative items.

Homemade Cheese and Marmite Hot Cross Buns Recipe

5 from 5 votes
A savoury twist on a classic Easter recipe, Cheese and Marmite Hot Cross Buns are the perfect treat for those Marmite Fans in your life.
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Course: Bread
Cuisine: British
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Resting and Rising Times: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 Buns
Calories: 281kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 250 ml Whole Milk
  • 25 g Unsalted Butter
  • 1 tsp Honey
  • 10 g Dried Yeast
  • 500 g Strong White Bread Flour
  • 5 g Sea Salt
  • 1 Egg
  • 50 g Marmite
  • 180 g Cheddar Cheese

For the Cross

  • 7 tbsp Flour
  • 5 tbsp Water

For the Glaze

  • 2 tbsp Shred-less Orange Marmalade
  • 2 tsp Water

Instructions

  • Warm the milk until it reaches lukewarm temperature, around 37°C (98°F).
  • Melt the butter and pour it into the lukewarm milk.
  • Add honey to the milk-butter mixture.
  • Stir in the dried yeast and let it sit for 20-30 minutes until frothy.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the bread flour with salt, creating a well in the center.
  • Lightly beat the egg and combine it with the Marmite, then pour into the well with the milk mixture.
  • Mix everything together to form a dough.
  • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  • Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl.
  • Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or cling film and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This time may vary depending on the room temperature.
  • Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Grate the cheddar cheese and sprinkle 130g over the dough, folding it in a few times to incorporate.
  • Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (around 80g each). Shape each portion into a ball and seal the bottom with a pinch.
  • Line a large baking tin with baking paper and a sprinkle of flour. Place the dough balls inside, sealed side down, leaving space between them to allow for expansion.
  • Cover the baking tin with a large clean plastic bag or cling film and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes to an hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Uncover the risen dough balls and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
  • For the cross, mix the flour with water to create a paste. Place it inside a piping bag and pipe crosses on top of each bun.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the buns turn a deep golden brown colour and sound hollow when you tap on the bottom of the bun with your fingers.
  • To make the glaze, combine the shred-less marmalade with water and heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to melt. Mix well.
  • Remove the buns from the oven and transfer them onto a wire rack. Brush each bun with the glaze while they are still hot.
  • Allow the buns to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!

Recipe Notes

  • Yeast Activation: Warm milk to 37°C (98°F) to activate yeast; avoid extremes in temperature.
  • Consistent Dough: Thoroughly knead dough for shiny skin and elasticity, ensuring proper gluten development for better texture and rise.
  • Proper Shaping: Shape dough into uniform balls, firmly sealing to retain air for even baking.
  • Glaze Application: Brush hot buns with glaze for a glossy finish while ensuring adherence.
  • Oven Monitoring: Watch buns while baking to prevent over-browning; tent with foil if needed.
  • Cooling Properly: Cool hot buns on a wire rack to prevent sogginess on the bottom; allow air circulation.

Nutrition Estimate

Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 418mg | Potassium: 193mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 260IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 147mg | Iron: 1mg