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!