ingredients

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• ✓2 cups of wholemeal spelt flour
• ✓7g yeast packet
• ✓1/4 cup maple syrup
• ✓1 tbsp brown sugar
• ✓1/4 cup dates, pips removed and diced
• ✓1 egg
• ✓1/2 cup almond milk
• ✓3 tbsp coconut oil
• ✓1 tbsp cacao powder
• ✓1 tbsp orange juice
• ✓1 tsp vanilla extract
• ✓1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the cross

• ✓1/4 cup flour
• ✓1 tbsp cacao powder
• ✓5 tbsp water (more if needed)

method

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1. 1

   In a small bowl, add maple syrup, almond milk and place in the microwave for 20 seconds to slightly warm (you don't want it boiling) Once warm, add yeast and whisk for 20 seconds. Set aside.

2. 2

   In another bowl, add egg, orange juice, coconut oil, cinnamon and vanilla extract. Whisk until light.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cacao, yeast mixture and the egg mixture. Mix until it combines. Add dates and mix through.

4. 4

   On a floured surface, knead the dough (add a little more flour if still sticky) and knead until soft. Place back into the bowl and allow to rise lightly for 40 minutes.

5. 5

   Preheat oven to 180°C fan-forced.

6. 6

   Divide the dough into 8 even balls and place onto a lined baking tray.

7. 7

   Combine ingredients for the cross into a small bowl and mix. Place into a piping bag and pipe a cross over the bun.

8. 8

   Place into the oven for 20 minutes until cooked through.