Italian Lenten Buns
Italian Lenten Buns are soft, flavorful bread rolls filled with raisins and cherries, perfect for Lenten celebrations or as a sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon sugar, and yeast. Let stand until frothy.
- Soak raisins in warm water until soft and swollen. Pat dry before using.
- Combine milk, 4 tablespoons sugar, shortening, olive oil, pine nuts, raisins, drained and chopped cherries, and about 1 cup flour. Beat until well blended.
- Stir in softened yeast.
- Add about 1 1/4 cups flour and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle dough lightly with flour and knead for about 5 minutes on a floured surface.
- Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- Place dough in a greased bowl and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
- Punch down the dough.
- Break off small pieces and shape into buns. Place on a greased baking sheet.
- Let the shaped buns rise until puffy, about 20-30 minutes.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Italian Lenten Buns, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. If you don't have maraschino cherries on hand, you can substitute with dried cherries or cranberries. Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising. Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which contributes to a better texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Italian Lenten Buns make a delightful snack or breakfast treat. They pair beautifully with Zabaione or a light fruit compote. Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Great for brunch or as part of a festive Italian spread, they are sure to impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, wrap the buns in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Lenten Buns contains roughly 152 calories, with 3g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 840mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these buns ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator. In the morning, shape the buns and allow them to rise until puffy before baking. This method saves time and enhances the flavor.
What can I use instead of vegetable shortening?
If you prefer not to use vegetable shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both will add richness to the buns while maintaining the desired texture.
How do I know when the buns are done baking?
The buns are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean for the perfect bake.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).