Out of Raisins, one case
Substitute for raisins in hot cross buns
7 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Dried currants
Same amount as the raisins
The best substitutes for raisins in hot cross buns are dried currants (1:1), chopped dates (1:1), dried cranberries (1:1), or dried apricots (1:1). All provide similar texture and sweetness good for hot cross buns.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- hot cross buns
One casethe full raisins card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of raisins | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dried currantshot cross buns | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Chopped dateshot cross buns | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Dried cranberrieshot cross buns | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Dried apricotshot cross buns | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Dried cherrieshot cross buns | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Dried blueberrieshot cross buns | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 7 | Golden raisinshot cross buns | Same amountWorks | Works |
Dried currants
similar taste and texture
Small, sweet dried grapes that are the closest substitute to raisins in hot cross buns with similar flavor and texture
- Best for
- hot cross buns, when you want similar flavor, traditional bun recipes
Smaller than raisins but similar sweet, fruity flavor. Good 1:1 substitute in hot cross buns.
Chopped dates
different taste, similar texture
Sweet, chewy dried fruit with caramel-like flavor that works excellently in hot cross buns
- Best for
- hot cross buns, when you want caramel flavor, chewy bun texture
Sweeter and stickier than raisins. Chop into raisin-sized pieces for even distribution in buns.
Dried cranberries
different taste, similar texture
Tart and sweet dried fruit that provides excellent contrast in hot cross buns
- Best for
- hot cross buns, when you want tart contrast, holiday bun recipes
Tart and sweet flavor provides nice contrast in sweet hot cross buns. Works well in most bun recipes.
Dried apricots
different taste, similar texture
Sweet, chewy dried fruit with apricot flavor that adds unique taste to hot cross buns
- Best for
- hot cross buns, when you want apricot flavor, unique bun recipes
Chop into raisin-sized pieces for even distribution. Slightly different flavor but similar sweetness.
Dried cherries
different taste, similar texture
Sweet, chewy dried fruit with cherry flavor that works well in hot cross buns
- Best for
- hot cross buns, when you want cherry flavor, fruity bun recipes
Slightly tart and sweet. Chop into raisin-sized pieces for best distribution in buns.
Dried blueberries
different taste, similar texture
Sweet, chewy dried fruit with berry flavor that adds unique taste to hot cross buns
- Best for
- hot cross buns, when you want berry flavor, unique bun recipes
Smaller than raisins but similar sweetness. Works well in most hot cross bun recipes.
Golden raisins
similar taste, identical texture
Dried golden grapes that are essentially the same as regular raisins but with slightly different flavor
- Best for
- hot cross buns, when you want slightly different flavor, traditional bun recipes
Slightly sweeter and less tangy than regular raisins. Good substitute with same texture and baking properties.
How it behaves in this recipe
Raisins are popular in hot cross buns because they add natural sweetness and chewy texture without adding extra sugar. When substituting in hot cross buns, consider the flavor profile you want - dried currants are most similar, while dates, cranberries, and other dried fruits offer different flavor profiles but similar texture and baking properties.
Tips for substituting raisins
9 tips- Raisins add natural sweetness and chewy texture to hot cross buns without adding extra sugar
- Soak raisins in warm water for 10-15 minutes before adding to bun dough for plumper texture
- Toss dried fruits with a small amount of flour before adding to dough to prevent sinking
- Raisins pair excellently with cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warm spices in hot cross buns
- For energy bars, chop raisins finely or use raisin paste for better binding properties
- Raisins work well in both sweet and savory baked goods like breads and scones
- When substituting, consider the flavor profile you want in your final buns
- Raisins can be plumped in warm liquid (water, juice, or alcohol) for extra flavor
- For even distribution, mix dried fruits with other dry ingredients before adding wet ingredients
Notes on raisins
- Use a combination of different dried fruits for complex flavor profiles in hot cross buns
- Try soaking dried fruits in warm liquid (water, juice, or alcohol) for extra flavor
- Consider using fruit purees or jams for different binding properties in energy bars
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the best substitute for raisins in hot cross buns?
Dried currants are the best substitute for raisins in hot cross buns as they have the most similar flavor and texture. Use a 1:1 ratio in most bun recipes.
Can I use dates instead of raisins in hot cross buns?
Yes, chopped dates work well as a raisin substitute in hot cross buns. They're sweeter and stickier, so chop them into raisin-sized pieces for best results.
Do I need to soak raisins before making hot cross buns?
Soaking raisins in warm water for 10-15 minutes before making hot cross buns can plump them up and make them more tender, but it's not always necessary.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of raisins in hot cross buns?
Yes, dried cranberries work well as a raisin substitute in hot cross buns. They provide a tart and sweet flavor instead of the sweet, fruity flavor of raisins.
Why do raisins sink to the bottom of my hot cross buns?
To prevent raisins from sinking, toss them with a small amount of flour before adding to the dough. This helps them stay suspended in the buns.
Can I use golden raisins instead of regular raisins in hot cross buns?
Yes, golden raisins work well as a substitute for regular raisins in hot cross buns. They have slightly different flavor but same texture and baking properties.