Guyanese Cross Buns, also known as “Gulab Jamuns”, are a traditional sweet pastry from Guyana. They are made with a mixture of flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices, and are usually filled with dried fruit and nuts.
The dough is rolled into small balls and then deep-fried until golden brown. These buns are a popular treat in Guyana and are often served during special occasions and festivals.
What is Guyanese Cross Buns?
Guyanese Cross Buns are a traditional pastry from Guyana. They are made with a simple dough of flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices.
The dough is rolled into small balls and then deep-fried until golden brown. The inside of the buns is usually filled with dried fruit, such as raisins, currants, and dates, as well as nuts.
These buns are a popular treat in Guyana and are often served during special occasions and festivals.
Why You’ll Love this Guyanese Cross Buns?
Guyanese Cross Buns are quick and easy to make. They require only a few simple ingredients and are simple to prepare. The deep-fried buns are golden brown and have a light and crispy texture.
The inside is filled with a delicious mixture of dried fruit and nuts, making these buns a sweet and flavorful treat.
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The Ingredients
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the dough and gives the buns their structure.
Milk: Milk adds moisture to the dough, making it soft and pliable.
Water: This helps bind the ingredients together and keeps the buns moist.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
Confectioners’ sugar: Used for dusting over the finished buns.
White sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough.
Raisins: Traditional fillings for cross buns, they add a sweet and chewy texture.
Egg and egg yolk: These act as binders for the dough.
Active dry yeast: This is used to help the dough rise and create a light and fluffy texture.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: These spices add warm and aromatic flavors to the dough.
Vanilla essence: Adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the flavor of the buns.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness in the dough.
Sugar glaze: Made with melted sugar, this is used to glaze the buns for a shiny finish.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Begin by combining flour, sugar, yeast and spices in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix together milk, water or milk, melted butter, eggs and vanilla essence.
Step 3: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until it forms a soft dough.
Step 4: Knead the dough on a floured surface for approximately 8-10 minutes.
Step 5: Cover the dough and let it rest for an hour until it doubles in size.
Step 6: After an hour, punch down the dough and add raisins and currants. Knead again to evenly distribute the fruit.
Step 7: Roll the dough into small balls and fry them in hot oil until golden brown.
Step 8: Drain the fried buns on a paper towel.
Step 9: Mix milk and confectioners’ sugar to make a glaze. Dip each bun in the glaze and let it dry on a wire rack.
Step 10: Once dry, use melted sugar to create a cross design on top of each bun.
Step 11: Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Guyanese Cross Buns.
Notes
• Be sure to use a deep fryer or large pot with a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature.
• If the oil is too hot, the buns will burn on the outside before cooking on the inside.
• To prevent the buns from sticking together, fry them in batches.
• If desired, the buns can be brushed with melted butter or a sugar glaze after they are cooked.
• For a richer flavor, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• The buns can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 bun (14g)
How to Store Guyanese Cross Buns?
Guyanese Cross Buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, the buns can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To reheat, place the buns on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Variations
• Coconut-Pineapple: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut and 1/2 cup of diced pineapple to the dough.
• Chocolate Chip: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough.
• Cinnamon-Sugar: Roll the buns in a mixture of 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon before deep-frying.
• Nutella-Banana: Fill the buns with 1 teaspoon of Nutella and 1 teaspoon of diced banana.
• Peanut Butter-Jam: Fill the buns with 1 teaspoon of peanut butter and 1 teaspoon of your favorite jam.
• Maple-Walnut: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the dough and brush the buns with melted butter and maple syrup after they are fried.
Ingredients
- 8 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoon water or milk
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup melted butter
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 egg
- 2 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup water
- 2 package of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla essence
- Icing Cross
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Melted sugar for glazing
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, yeast, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, mix together milk, water or milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla essence.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until it forms a soft dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Place the dough back into the mixing bowl and cover with a clean cloth. Let it rise for about an hour, until it has doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and add in raisins and currants. Knead for another minute to evenly distribute the fruit.
- Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in size.
- In a deep frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Drop the dough balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure even browning.
- Remove from oil and let drain on a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons of milk and 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar until a smooth glaze forms.
- Dip each bun into the glaze and place on a wire rack to dry.
- Once dry, use melted sugar to create a cross design on top of each bun.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Guyanese Cross Buns!
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the origin of Guyanese Cross Buns
A1: Guyanese Cross Buns are a traditional pastry from Guyana. They are usually served during special occasions and festivals.
Q2: How long do Guyanese Cross Buns last
A2: Guyanese Cross Buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, the buns can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q3: Is it possible to make Guyanese Cross Buns without deep-frying
A3: Yes, it is possible to make Guyanese Cross Buns without deep-frying. The buns can be baked in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Q4: What are some variations of Guyanese Cross Buns
A4: Some variations of Guyanese Cross Buns include coconut-pineapple, chocolate chip, cinnamon-sugar, Nutella-banana, peanut butter-jam, and maple-walnut.
Q5: Can I use whole wheat flour in this recipe
A5: Yes, you can use whole wheat flour in this recipe. Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a richer flavor.
Q6: Are Guyanese Cross Buns healthy
A6: Guyanese Cross Buns are not considered a healthy snack due to their high sugar and fat content. However, they can be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.
Q7: How do I store Guyanese Cross Buns
A7: Guyanese Cross Buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, the buns can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Guyanese Cross Buns are a delicious and easy-to-make treat. They are made with a simple dough of flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices, and are usually filled with dried fruit and nuts. The dough is rolled into small balls and then deep-fried until golden brown.
These buns are a popular treat in Guyana and are often served during special occasions and festivals. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this delicious pastry in no time. Enjoy!