Bake Play Smile

MENUMENU
  • Recipes
  • Thermomix
  • Desserts
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Thermomix
  • Desserts
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Thermomix
    • Desserts
    • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Easter

    Hot Cross Bun Bread And Butter Pudding

    Published: Mar 14, 2025 by Lucy · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe
    Baked Hot Cross Buns with raspberries and chocolate chips in an egg custard.

    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!

    An overhead shot of hot cross buns baked into a raspberry pudding.

    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!
    A piece of hot cross bun in a baked egg custard on a plate.

    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.

    The ingredients for bread and butter pudding made with hot cross buns.
    • 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.

    Hot cross buns cut in half and spread 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.

    Egg custard in a bowl.

    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.

    Egg custard poured over hot cross buns in a baking dish.

    Step 4 - Bake

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

    Raspberries and chocolate chips on top of hot cross buns in a baking dish.

    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
    An overhead shot of raspberries and chocolate chips in a bread pudding.

    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!
    Chocolate and raspberries on top of hot cross bun pudding.

    FAQs

    Can I use stale hot cross buns?

    Absolutely! In fact, they're the best kind of hot cross buns to use for this recipe as they are firmer! Plus it's a great way to use up any extra buns that are just past their use by date. But if you only have fresh hot cross buns, they'll be fine too!

    Can I use homemade hot cross buns?

    Yes, you can! Try my traditional homemade hot cross bun recipe or my chocolate chip hot cross bun recipe (both conventional and Thermomix instructions are included).

    Do you serve Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding warm or chilled?

    Just like a traditional bread and butter pudding recipe, this is best served warm. Add a scoop of ice-cream or a drizzle of cream for an extra decadent dessert.

    Can I use mini solid Easter eggs instead of chocolate chips?

    YES!! Transforming them into a scrumptious dessert is a great way to use up any extra Easter eggs you have lying around.

    A hot cross bun baked pudding on a fork.

    Related Recipes

    Want more sweet and delicious Easter recipes?

    Here's some of my most popular Easter sweets, desserts and treats:

    • A fluffy fruit hot cross bun spied with cinnamon and nutmeg on a white plate.
      Easy Hot Cross Bun Recipe
    • A white chocolate and Cadbury Creme Egg Cheesecake that's perfect for any chocoholic! Completely no-bake, super simple to make and totally delicious!! 
      Creme Egg Cheesecake
    • A simple 4 ingredient Chocolate Easter Birds Nests recipe made with Changs fried noodes, melted chocolate, peanut butter and mini Easter eggs.
      Easter Chocolate Birds Nests
    • The most delicious Easter Chocolate Caramel Tart with a biscuit crumb base, creamy caramel filling, chocolate ganache topping and mini Easter eggs!
      Easter Chocolate Caramel Tart

    WANT EVEN MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Facebook or Instagram. And if you love baking, then please come and join my Facebook cooking club group or subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

    An overhead shot of raspberries and chocolate chips in a bread pudding.

    Hot Cross Bun Bread And Butter Pudding

    A delicious Easter-inspired Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding baked in a creamy egg custard with tart raspberries and sweet chocolate chips on top.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Easter
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Soaking time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 serves
    Calories: 480kcal
    Author: Lucy - Bake Play Smile

    Ingredients

    • 6 hot cross buns
    • 40 g butter softened
    • ½ cup raspberry jam
    • 4 eggs room temperature
    • 250 ml (1 cup) milk
    • 300 ml cream
    • 50 g (¼ cup) caster sugar
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 150 g raspberries fresh or frozen
    • 125 g milk chocolate chips
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius (fan forced).
      Grease an 8 cup capacity (2 litre) baking dish and set aside.
    • Slice the hot cross buns in half. Spread with butter and jam.
    • Arrange the hot cross bun pieces in the baking dish.
    • Place the eggs, milk, cream, caster sugar, vanilla extract and ground cinnamon into a large bowl.
      Whisk until well combined.
      If using a Thermomix: mix for 20 seconds on Speed 4.
    • Pour the egg mixture over the hot cross buns.
      Allow to soak for 10 minutes.
    • Bake for 20 minutes then sprinkle with the raspberries and chocolate chips.
      Bake for a further 15 minutes or golden and cooked through.
    • Serve warm with ice-cream or cream.

    Notes

    RECIPE NOTES & TIPS
    • Hot Cross Buns - choose any flavour you like! Slightly stale hot cross buns are ideal for this recipe, but fresh work great too.
    • Store-bought or homemade - you can use either store-bought hot cross buns or make your own!
    • Soaking time - allow the egg custard mixture to soak into the hot cross buns before baking. This gives them a beautiful, soft pudding texture.
    • Raspberries can be frozen or fresh - I love to use fresh berries if they're available, however frozen berries are great to use all year round, and often more budget friendly too.
    • Over-browning - if you notice that the tops of the hot cross buns or the raspberries and chocolate chips are over-browning, simply place a sheet of foil loosely over the top and continue cooking until the custard has set.
    • Storing - store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before consuming.
    • Freezing - freeze for up to 1 month. Allow to defrost before reheating in the microwave or oven.
    • Serve - warm with ice-cream, cream or a sprinkle of icing sugar.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 272mg | Potassium: 196mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 888IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 2mg
    Did you try this recipe?Mention @BakePlaySmileBlog or tag #BakePlaySmile!

    More Easy Easter Baking Recipes

    • A chocolate cupcake topped with chocolate buttercream, a Easter bunny and sprinkles.
      Easter Bunny Cupcakes
    • Boozy Easter Chocolate Cocktail Recipe Video
      Chocolate Easter Cocktail
    • A spoonful of chocolate Easter egg mug cake with ice cream.
      Easter Egg Mug Cake
    • A collage of easter desserts, slices and brownies.
      The Most Popular Easter Recipes | 20+ Recipes
    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    I’m Lucy! A mum, a wife, a food blogger and a lover of all things to do with food! I love creating delicious, no-fuss Thermomix and conventional recipes the whole family will love. Classic baking favourites, lunch box snacks, quick and easy family dinners and more!

    More about me →

    Trending Recipes You’ll Love

    • No-Bake Rum Balls made with coconut, biscuits, condensed milk and cocoa powder.
      Kid-Friendly Rum Balls
    • A quick and easy classic dark chocolate hedgehog slice made with crushed biscuits, walnuts, coconut and condensed milk... the perfect melt and mix slice!
      Chocolate Hedgehog Slice
    • Introducing the famous 100 Cookie Recipe made with just 4 ingredients... butter, caster sugar, condensed milk and self-raising flour. This freezer-friendly cookie dough can be flavoured with any add-ins you like!
      The Famous 100 Cookie Recipe | Easy Condensed Milk Cookies
    • This new and improved Lemon & Coconut Slice recipe is absolutely perfect! A beautiful tangy base topped with a creamy lemon frosting... it seriously doesn't get any better than this!
      Lemon Coconut Slice - New & Improved

    Cosy Winter Desserts

    • A forkful of moist sticky date pudding with caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
      Sticky Date Pudding with Caramel Sauce
    • These super easy golden syrup dumplings are sure to become a family favourite! Serve hot with a big scoop of ice-cream for the perfect dessert.
      Easy Golden Syrup Dumplings | Winter Dessert Recipe
    • Chocolate self saucing pudding with ice cream on a plate.
      Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding
    • A slice of apricot pie with a scoop of ice-cream on top.
      Apricot Pie
    Names of brands that Bake Play Smile has had recipes featured in.

    Lunch Box Snacks

    • A white cake stand with yo yo biscuits that have pink and blue filling.
      Yo Yo Biscuits | Classic Recipe
    • A bowl filled with malted milk and coconut balls.
      Milo Balls | 4 Ingredient Recipe
    • Pieces of chocolate coconut slice on a white plate.
      Easy Chocolate Coconut Slice | Most Popular
    • ANZAC oat biscuits cooling on a wire rack.
      ANZAC Biscuits

    Footer

    Subscribe for weekly updates!

    Subscribe
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy
    • ↑ back to top

    Copyright © 2025 Bake Play Smile

    ↑ back to top

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.