Hot cross buns (brioches de carême)

Lenten buns are strongly associated with Easter in Quebec due to their English origins. These soft, round buns contain currants and spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg.

This easy-to-follow recipe requires few ingredients and little preparation time, yet the final result is a delicious bun the whole family will enjoy. With a bit of patience and care, you can turn these Lenten buns into an unforgettable dessert for your Easter celebrations.

Historically, these buns were marked with an incised cross to symbolize Christ, but today the cross is often made with icing. While the tradition of eating spiced buns in spring may have roots in ancient Greek customs, the English practice of eating them on Good Friday was formalized under the Tudors. (Source: Easter in Canada, The Canadian Encyclopedia)