Vegan Chocolate Oat Hot Cross Buns

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft, spiced oat buns with a rich chocolate center, marked with a traditional cross, perfect for a sweet Easter treat. This international-inspired desserts (vegan) ready in about 55 minutes layers oats, flour, cocoa powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 12 International cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a blender, combine dates, plant milk, and 2 tbsp oil; blend until smooth.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir in date mixture until a sticky dough forms. Fold in chocolate chunks.
  3. Step 3: Divide dough into 12 portions; shape into rounds. Place 2 inches apart on tray. Use a knife to cut a cross on top of each bun.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and firm to the touch. Let cool slightly before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegan Chocolate Oat Hot Cross Buns take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Vegan Chocolate Oat Hot Cross Buns?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegan Chocolate Oat Hot Cross Buns?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Vegan Chocolate Oat Hot Cross Buns for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Vegan Chocolate Oat Hot Cross Buns vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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