Hot cross buns are a classic Easter treat, but sometimes we want something a little quicker, healthier, and easier to make. Enter these healthy hot cross muffins — the perfect last-minute bake that captures all the warm, spicy flavours you love, without the refined sugar or fuss.
Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, almond butter, ripe banana, and naturally sweet dried fruit, these muffins offer a soft, comforting texture and a deliciously spiced aroma. The cream cheese and honey frosting adds just the right touch of sweetness and the iconic “cross” detail that makes them instantly recognisable as an Easter favourite.
Whether you’re baking for a festive brunch, an afternoon snack, or a treat for the whole family, these muffins are a delicious way to enjoy the season with a healthy twist. Plus, they come together in just minutes with minimal equipment — no kneading, no rising, just easy baking.
Why ‘Healthy’?
Made with simple, natural ingredients like oats, banana, almond butter, and dried fruit, these muffins are packed with fibre to support digestion and keep you feeling full longer. Almond butter adds healthy fats and protein, giving you steady energy without the sugar crash. Plus, they’re refined sugar-free, so you can enjoy a comforting, tasty treat that’s actually good for you. The cream cheese and honey cross on top delivers just the right touch of sweetness to bring all the flavours together.
Serve Ideas
These hot cross muffins are perfect on their own as a wholesome snack or breakfast treat. Serve them with a cup of your favourite tea or coffee for a cosy moment. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yoghurt to add extra creaminess and protein. For a special occasion, arrange them on a festive platter alongside fresh berries and nuts for an inviting Easter spread everyone will love.
Tips
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more moist your muffins will be. If your bananas are still a bit green, let them ripen on the counter for a couple of days.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, just blitz until combined. Overmixing can make the muffins tough instead of soft and fluffy.
- Baking Time Check: Ovens vary, so start checking your muffins at 12 minutes. They’re ready when a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Make Ahead: These muffins store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 1 month.
- Frosting Tip: For easier piping, let your cream cheese and honey come to room temperature before mixing.
Swaps
Almond Butter: Try peanut butter or cashew butter if you prefer a different nutty flavour.
Raisins + Orange Peel: Use dried cranberries, chopped dates, or chopped apricots for a different fruity twist.
Mixed Spice: If you don’t have mixed spice, cinnamon alone works perfectly or add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves.
Cream Cheese: For a dairy-free option, swap with vegan cream cheese or coconut yogurt thickened with a little coconut flour.
Storage
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze muffins individually wrapped in cling film or in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Defrost at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
More Muffin Recipes
- Plant-Packed Breakfast Muffins
- Healthy Double Chocolate Muffins
- Healthy Peach & Raspberry Muffins
- 6-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Savoury Muffins
Healthy Hot Cross Muffins
Ingredients
- 70 g oats
- 80 g almond butter
- 50 g raisins +orange peel
- 1 tsp mixed spice*
- 1 egg
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 tsp baking powder
Topping
- 40 g cream cheese
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a food processor and blitz for just 5 secs and again for another 5-10 secs. All you need is for the ingredients to be combined together into a batter (see consistency in the video).
- Transfer to a muffin tin and bake (I have put some muffin cases in it).
- Bake for 14-15 minutes at 180C.
- Meantime make the frosting: simply combined cream cheese and honey into a bowl and mix.
- I have used a piping bag to make neat lines bit you could use a small small or a spoon.
- Once muffins are ready, let them cool down completely and the add the frosting.