Keto Hot Cross Buns
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house. When I first attempted to make Keto Hot Cross Buns, I was filled with nostalgia, recalling the delightful treats my grandmother would whip up every Easter. She had a knack for turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Now, with my keto lifestyle, I was determined to recreate those cherished memories without the carbs. As I mixed together almond flour, whey protein powder, and a medley of spices, I could almost hear her voice guiding me. There’s a sense of joy that fills the kitchen when you bake, and these Keto Hot Cross Buns are no exception. Each bite offers a taste of tradition balanced with a modern twist.
Recipe Snapshot
35 mins
10 mins
25 mins
Medium
150 kcal
7 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
12 g
Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Blender, Oven, Food Processor, Cutting Board
What You’ll Enjoy About This Keto Hot Cross Buns
A Healthier Twist on a Classic
These Keto Hot Cross Buns take the beloved classic and transform it into a guilt-free delight. With only 3.9g of net carbs per bun, you can indulge without the worry of straying from your keto diet. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the festive season.
Rich in Flavor
One of the standout elements of these buns is the blend of spices. The warm flavor of cinnamon combined with a hint of orange zest adds a festive flair that is hard to resist. Each bite is a burst of flavor, reminiscent of the traditional recipe but tailored to fit a low-carb lifestyle.
Nutritious Ingredients
What I love about this recipe is how each ingredient plays a pivotal role. Almond flour serves as the base, providing a nutty flavor and a good source of protein and healthy fats. Psyllium husk powder helps to replicate the texture of traditional flour, giving the buns a delightful chewiness.
Great for Sharing
Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or enjoying a quiet family dinner, these Keto Hot Cross Buns are perfect for sharing. They can easily be made in batches, allowing you to spread joy with friends and family during the festive season.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Though these buns are traditionally associated with Easter, they are a delightful treat any time of year. Pair them with your favorite sugar-free jam or enjoy them plain for a satisfying snack.
Easy to Make
Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find that these Keto Hot Cross Buns are straightforward to make. The instructions are simple to follow, and before you know it, you’ll have a batch of irresistible buns ready to enjoy.
What to Gather for Keto Hot Cross Buns

When it comes to making Keto Hot Cross Buns, choosing the right ingredients is crucial. The blend of almond flour, protein powder, and other wholesome ingredients not only brings the texture to life but also enhances the flavor profile. Each ingredient has its own role to play, creating a delicious balance that invites you back for more.
- 2 cups almond flour or ground almonds (200g). Reduce by 2 tablespoons if using extra fine almond flour.
- 3 tablespoons whey protein powder or egg white protein.
- 3 tablespoons psyllium husk powder.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
- optional: zest of 1 orange or ½ teaspoon nutmeg.
- 2 teaspoons inulin.
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast.
- 1-3 tablespoons powdered sweetener to taste, optional.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature.
- 2 egg whites, room temperature.
- ¼ cup melted butter (50g).
- scant ¼ cup Greek yoghurt (50g), room temperature.
- ⅓ cup lukewarm water (80ml).
- ¼ cup diced prunes (40g).
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour.
- 6-7 tablespoons warm water.
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum.
The Method for Keto Hot Cross Buns

Making Keto Hot Cross Buns is a journey filled with delightful aromas and satisfying anticipation. Let’s dive right into the steps that will lead you to these delicious buns. Follow each step carefully, and soon you’ll have a warm batch ready to enjoy.
- Start by stirring the yeast and inulin into the lukewarm water. The ideal temperature is around 40 Celsius or 105 Fahrenheit. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it proof in a warm area for about 5 to 10 minutes. Watch as it bubbles and thickens; that’s a good sign!
- In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Mix together the almond flour, whey protein powder, psyllium husk powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and the optional orange zest or nutmeg if you choose to include them. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Now, it’s time to mix your wet ingredients! In a food processor or a bowl, whisk together the room temperature eggs, egg whites, and the melted butter. Make sure the butter is warm but not hot, so you don’t cook the eggs. Once combined, add the proofed yeast mixture to this bowl.
- Next, add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Blend well until combined. The texture should start to thicken at this point. Then add the second half of the dry mixture and blend until everything is well incorporated. You’ll notice the dough coming together nicely.
- Gently fold in the diced prunes into the mixture for that lovely sweetness. It’s a personal touch that elevates these buns.
- Prepare your baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. Wet your hands to prevent sticking and form the dough into 10 small balls. Place them on the tray, ensuring there’s space in between since they’ll expand as they rise.
- Cover the tray with a kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot. Allow the dough balls to rest for about 50 to 60 minutes, watching them grow in size. This is the time to preheat your oven to 175 Celsius or 350 Fahrenheit, so it’s ready when your buns are puffed up.
- As the buns are rising, let’s prepare the mixture for the crosses. In a small bowl, mix together coconut flour, water, and xanthan gum until you have a soft paste. Fill a small ziplock bag with this mixture and snip off a corner to create your piping tool.
- Once the buns have risen, pipe crosses over the top of each bun with the prepared mixture. This step adds that traditional touch we all love.
- Now, slide the tray into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the buns start to brown. To ensure they don’t dry out, loosely cover them with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 7 to 10 minutes. The total baking time should be around 22 to 25 minutes, resulting in beautifully baked Keto Hot Cross Buns!
Things Worth Knowing
- Proofing Yeast: Make sure to proof your yeast correctly. If it does not bubble and thicken, it might be dead, and you’ll need to start over.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and warm melted butter is crucial for the dough’s success. Cold ingredients can hinder the yeast from activating properly.
- Texture: The dough should be thick but not overly dry. If it seems too crumbly, you can add a bit more water to achieve the right consistency.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the buns towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-browning. Every oven is different!
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These buns freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually and store them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month.
Helpful Hints

While the process of making Keto Hot Cross Buns is straightforward, having a few hints up your sleeve can make it even better! Here are some tips to ensure your baking adventure is a success:
- Storage: Keep your buns in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: You can freeze these buns for later enjoyment! Just wrap them well and store in the freezer for up to a month.
- Pairing: Enjoy your buns with some sugar-free jam or a spread of your choice for a delightful twist.
- Serving: These buns are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack any time of the day.
- Experiment: Feel free to experiment with different spices or ingredients to personalize the recipe to your taste.
Serving Options for Keto Hot Cross Buns
When it comes to serving Keto Hot Cross Buns, the possibilities are endless. Here are some enticing options to consider:
- Breakfast Delight: Serve these buns warm, toasted with a pat of butter for a comforting breakfast option.
- Brunch Treat: They make an excellent addition to any brunch spread, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
- Festive Occasions: Ideal for Easter celebrations or any holiday gathering, bringing a touch of tradition to the table.
- Snack Time: Enjoy them as a mid-day snack paired with your favorite beverage, be it coffee or tea.
- Storage Tip: Keep uneaten buns in an airtight container; they’ll stay fresh for several days.
- Seasonal Pairing: Try serving with seasonal fruits or a sugar-free glaze to elevate their flavor.
FAQ
Conclusion
These Keto Hot Cross Buns beautifully blend tradition with a modern, healthy twist. They’re not only low in carbs but also packed with flavor, making them an excellent choice for any occasion. I encourage you to try making these delightful buns at home; they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household!

Keto Hot Cross Buns
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Wooden Spoon
- Whisk
- Blender
- Oven
- Food Processor
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour Reduce by 2 tablespoons if using extra fine almond flour
- 3 tablespoons whey protein powder or egg white protein
- 3 tablespoons psyllium husk powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon orange zest or ½ teaspoon nutmeg, optional
- 2 teaspoons inulin
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1-3 tablespoons powdered sweetener to taste, optional
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 egg whites room temperature
- ¼ cup melted butter (50g)
- ¼ cup Greek yoghurt (50g), room temperature
- ⅓ cup lukewarm water (80ml)
- ¼ cup diced prunes (40g)
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 6-7 tablespoons warm water
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
Instructions
- Start by stirring the yeast and inulin into the lukewarm water. The ideal temperature is around 40 Celsius or 105 Fahrenheit. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it proof in a warm area for about 5 to 10 minutes. Watch as it bubbles and thickens; that's a good sign!
- In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Mix together the almond flour, whey protein powder, psyllium husk powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and the optional orange zest or nutmeg if you choose to include them. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Now, it’s time to mix your wet ingredients! In a food processor or a bowl, whisk together the room temperature eggs, egg whites, and the melted butter. Make sure the butter is warm but not hot, so you don’t cook the eggs. Once combined, add the proofed yeast mixture to this bowl.
- Next, add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Blend well until combined. The texture should start to thicken at this point. Then add the second half of the dry mixture and blend until everything is well incorporated. You’ll notice the dough coming together nicely.
- Gently fold in the diced prunes into the mixture for that lovely sweetness. It’s a personal touch that elevates these buns.
- Prepare your baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. Wet your hands to prevent sticking and form the dough into 10 small balls. Place them on the tray, ensuring there’s space in between since they’ll expand as they rise.
- Cover the tray with a kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot. Allow the dough balls to rest for about 50 to 60 minutes, watching them grow in size. This is the time to preheat your oven to 175 Celsius or 350 Fahrenheit, so it’s ready when your buns are puffed up.
- As the buns are rising, let’s prepare the mixture for the crosses. In a small bowl, mix together coconut flour, water, and xanthan gum until you have a soft paste. Fill a small ziplock bag with this mixture and snip off a corner to create your piping tool.
- Once the buns have risen, pipe crosses over the top of each bun with the prepared mixture. This step adds that traditional touch we all love.
- Now, slide the tray into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the buns start to brown. To ensure they don’t dry out, loosely cover them with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 7 to 10 minutes. The total baking time should be around 22 to 25 minutes, resulting in beautifully baked Keto Hot Cross Buns!
Notes
- Proofing Yeast: Make sure to proof your yeast correctly. If it does not bubble and thicken, it might be dead, and you’ll need to start over.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and warm melted butter is crucial for the dough’s success. Cold ingredients can hinder the yeast from activating properly.
- Texture: The dough should be thick but not overly dry. If it seems too crumbly, you can add a bit more water to achieve the right consistency.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the buns towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-browning. Every oven is different!
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These buns freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually and store them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month.


