Vegan Chocolate Oat Hot Cross Buns

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-31 · Updated 2026-03-31

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

Soft, spiced oat buns with a rich chocolate center, marked with a traditional cross, perfect for a sweet Easter treat. This recipe (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

150 g oats
200 g flour
30 g cocoa powder
100 g pitted dates
120 ml plant-based milk
60 ml vegetable oil
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
100 g chocolate chunks

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Instructions

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.
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.
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.
Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and firm to the touch. Let cool slightly before serving.