Hot Cross Bun Bread And Butter Pudding

This Easter-inspired Hot Cross Bun Bread & Butter Pudding is baked in a creamy egg custard, topped with tart raspberries and sweet chocolate chips.

Serve it warm for brunch or with ice cream or cream for a decadent dessert—ready in under an hour!

Easter is one of my favourite times of the year... not only do you get to indulge in WAY too many Easter eggs, it's also the perfect excuse to do some Easter-inspired baking!

Looking for an indulgent and easy Easter dessert? This Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding is the perfect way to use up leftover buns and create a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat in no time!

Whether you're in the mood for something rich and creamy or a little chocolaty indulgence, there’s no shortage of Easter treats to satisfy your sweet tooth!

From my Creme Egg Brownies to homemade Hot Cross Buns, Easter Egg Fudge to rich and fudgy Easter Egg Brownies (and of course... Creme Egg Cheesecake!!!)... there's SO many options to choose from!

Jump to:

• Why You're Going To Love This Recipe
• What You Need
• Equipment Required
• Step By Step Instructions
• Substitutions
• Serving Suggestions
• Expert Tips
• FAQs
• Related Recipes
• Hot Cross Bun Bread And Butter Pudding

Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

• Rich & Creamy – Soft, spiced hot cross buns are baked in a silky egg custard for the ultimate comfort dessert.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it for Easter breakfast, brunch, or dessert—it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
• Great for Using Up Leftover Hot Cross Buns – Slightly stale hot cross buns? This recipe transforms them into something amazing.
• A Fun Easter Twist on a Classic – A delicious spin on traditional bread & butter pudding with an extra festive touch from Good Friday through to Easter Sunday!
• Easily Customisable – Swap the chocolate chips for mini solid Easter eggs for an extra indulgent treat!

What You Need

I'm sure you will LOVE this fun Easter-inspired bread and butter pudding!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

• Hot Cross Buns – Use any variety you love! Traditional, chocolate chip, fruitless, mocha, caramel, or even sticky date—this recipe works with them all. Slightly stale buns are ideal as they soak up the custard beautifully, but fresh buns work just as well.
• Butter & Jam – Spread generously over the halved buns for extra flavor. Any jam will do—raspberry pairs perfectly with the fresh raspberries in this recipe, but strawberry jam, apricot jam, or even marmalade would be delicious too.
• Custard Ingredients – A rich, creamy mixture of eggs, milk, cream, caster sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon creates a luscious custard that soaks into the buns and bakes into a light, fluffy texture.
• Raspberries & Chocolate Chips – Sprinkled on top partway through baking for bursts of tartness and sweet, melty goodness. Want to mix it up? Check out my substitution suggestions below for even more delicious add-ins!

Equipment Required

• Baking Dish – A 2-litre (8-cup capacity) ovenproof dish to bake the pudding.
• Mixing Bowl – For whisking together the custard mixture.
• Whisk – To combine the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon smoothly.
• Knife & Cutting Board – For slicing the hot cross buns in half.
• Spreading Knife – To spread butter and jam onto the buns.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurately measuring the ingredients.
• Oven – Preheated to 180°C (fan-forced) for baking the pudding.
• Cooling Rack – Optional, but useful for letting the pudding rest slightly before serving.

Step By Step Instructions

It's SO easy to make Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding at Easter time (plus the kids will love helping out!).

It's the most delicious twist on a classic British dessert!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Step 1 - Spread The Buns With Butter & Jam

Slice the hot cross buns in half.

Spread them with butter and jam.

Place into a greased baking dish (8 cup capacity).

Step 2 - Make The Creamy Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, milk, caster sugar, vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.

Pour the egg custard over the hot cross buns.

Step 3 - Allow To Soak

Leave the hot cross buns to soak in the egg custard mixture for 10 minutes to absorb some of the liquid.

Step 4 - Bake

Bake for 20 minutes, and then sprinkle the raspberries and chocolate chips over the top of the buns.

Bake for a further 15 minutes, or until the custard has set and the top of the buns are golden brown.

Serve while warm.

Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here are some tasty flavour twists to try for the ultimate comforting dessert!

1. Classic Spiced Fruit

• Use traditional hot cross buns
• Add sultanas, currants, orange zest or mixed dried fruit for extra sweetness
• Add extra spices or sprinkle with nutmeg and allspice for a warm, spiced flavour

2. Chocoholics Dream

• Use chocolate or mocha hot cross buns
• Swap chocolate chips for chunks of your favourite chocolate bar (think Caramilk, Lindt, or Toblerone!)
• Drizzle with warm Nutella or melted chocolate before serving

3. Berry Bliss

• Use fruitless hot cross buns
• Add a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries or any of your favourite fresh berries
• Top with a dusting of icing sugar and a dollop of Greek yogurt

4. Sticky Date & Caramel

• Use sticky date hot cross buns
• Add chopped Medjool dates and walnuts or pecans
• Drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving

5. Apple & Cinnamon Crumble

• Use apple & cinnamon hot cross buns
• Add thinly sliced apples and a sprinkle of brown sugar & extra cinnamon
• Top with a crumble mixture (butter, oats, flour, and sugar) for extra crunch

6. Boozy Adults-Only Treat

• Soak the buns in a splash of Baileys, spiced rum, or Grand Marnier before baking
• Use dark chocolate chips and dried figs
• Serve with a warm whiskey or brandy sauce

7. White Chocolate & Raspberry Delight

• Use white chocolate hot cross buns
• Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate chunks or solid mini white chocolate eggs
• Top with extra fresh raspberries and a drizzle of white chocolate sauce

8. Easter Egg Explosion

• Use any flavour hot cross buns
• Replace chocolate chips with mini eggs
• Scatter with crushed Malteser bunnies or broken-up Cadbury Creme Eggs

Serving Suggestions

Just like a classic bread and butter pudding, this recipe is best served warm:

• Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a rich, cool contrast to the warm pudding.
• Whipped Cream – A dollop of fluffy whipped cream or double cream for extra indulgence.
• Warm Custard – Drizzle over the top for a classic and comforting touch.
• Butterscotch Sauce – For a decadent, sweet finish.
• Chopped Nuts – Toasted almonds or hazelnuts add crunch and a lovely nutty flavour.
• Fresh Fruit Salad – Serve alongside a refreshing fruit salad for a lighter contrast.
• Mimosa – Pair with a glass of mimosa for a celebratory brunch or Easter treat!

Expert Tips

• Hot Cross Buns – Choose any flavour you like! Slightly stale buns are perfect for this recipe as they’re firmer and soak up the custard beautifully, but fresh buns work just as well.
• Store-bought or Homemade – You can use store-bought hot cross buns, or if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own for an extra personal touch.
• Soaking Time – Let the egg custard soak into the hot cross buns for at least 10 minutes before baking. This ensures the buns absorb the custard and bake into a soft, pudding-like texture.
• Raspberries – Fresh raspberries are ideal if in season, but frozen berries work just as well. They’re great for year-round use and often more budget-friendly!
• Over-browning – If the tops of the buns or the raspberries and chocolate chips start to brown too much, cover the pudding loosely with a sheet of foil and continue baking until the custard is set.
• Storing – Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing – You can freeze this pudding for up to 1 month. Let it defrost fully before reheating in the microwave or oven.
• Serving – Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream, a dollop of cream, or a light dusting of icing sugar for an extra treat!

FAQs

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