Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that’s cozy, nostalgic, and downright delicious, then you’re going to adore this Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes that takes simple leftovers (hello, hot cross buns!) and turns them into something magical. I remember the first time I tried this — the warm spices and buttery custard soaked into the buns just blew me away. Stick around and I’ll show you exactly how to make it, plus some tips I’ve picked up along the way to make sure your pudding comes out perfectly every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work incredibly well together to create a creamy custard that soaks deep into the spiced hot cross buns — yielding that nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth texture. When shopping, I always recommend fresh hot cross buns for the best flavor, but slightly stale buns tend to soak up the custard even better!

• Hot cross buns: The star of the show! They add cinnamon, dried fruit, and that soft texture.
• Butter: Softened to spread easily and add richness to each slice.
• Eggs: They help set the custard and give the pudding its body.
• Milk: For a smooth base to the custard.
• Cream: Keeps the pudding luxuriously rich and indulgent.
• Cinnamon: Adds that warm spice that echoes the hot cross buns’ flavor.
• Caster sugar: Sweetens the custard without being grainy.
• Vanilla essence: Boosts the depth of flavor in the custard.
• Icing sugar: Perfect for a light dusting on top before serving.

Variations

I love that the Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe is so flexible — you can easily make it your own by swapping ingredients or tweaking flavors based on your mood or what you have in your kitchen.

• Use Different Breads: I’ve made it with cinnamon raisin bread or brioche rolls when I didn’t have hot cross buns handy — it still tastes fantastic!
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap milk and cream for coconut milk and a dairy-free cream alternative for a vegan-friendly twist.
• Extra Fruit: Toss in some chopped dried apricots or fresh berries for added texture and flavor.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves for even deeper warm spice notes.

How to Make Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Butter the Hot Cross Buns

Preheat your oven to 180°C fan bake and give your baking dish a good greasing with softened butter to stop any sticking. Slice the hot cross buns about 1 cm thick — that thickness is just right to soak up the custard without turning soggy instantly. Spread butter generously on each slice — this helps keep the pudding moist and gives it that gorgeous buttery flavor. Arrange the slices snugly side by side in your baking dish, like a warm little blanket of buns.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Custard Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, cinnamon, caster sugar, and vanilla essence until everything is smooth and well combined. This custard is the heart of the pudding, so take a moment to make sure it’s mixed well — no streaks of egg whites! The cinnamon really brings out the familiar hot cross bun spice, and the cream adds that indulgent richness I love.

Step 3: Soak and Bake

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the buttered hot cross buns, making sure every piece gets a good soaking. Now, here’s a trick I discovered: let it sit for about 10 minutes before baking. It gives the buns time to absorb all that custardy goodness, so you get a truly luscious pudding. Once soaked, pop it in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the custard is set (a little wobble in the middle is ok!).

Step 4: Dust and Serve

Once your pudding is out of the oven, dust it liberally with icing sugar for that classic finishing touch. It looks charming and adds a subtle sweetness. I like to serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous pour of custard — the perfect pairing that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

How to Serve Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep things simple by dusting with icing sugar, but if I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a few toasted flaked almonds add a lovely crunch and extra sweetness. Fresh berries on the side bring a pop of color and tartness, balancing the rich pudding beautifully.

Side Dishes

My go-to is a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or thick, homemade custard — either is guaranteed to bring that ultimate comfort factor. If it’s chilly outside, I sometimes serve it with a hot spiced tea or a glass of dessert wine like a late-harvest Riesling.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this pudding in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Another idea that impressed my guests was layering it with dollops of whipped mascarpone between the bun slices — it’s decadence on another level and perfect for Easter brunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they store well in the fridge for up to two days. I cover mine tightly with foil or plastic wrap to keep the pudding moist — reheat gently so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pudding successfully after baking by wrapping it tightly and popping it in an airtight container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at low heat. Texture might change a bit but it’s still delicious and perfect for quick dessert emergencies.

Reheating

My favorite method for reheating is to cover the pudding loosely with foil and warm it in the oven at 160°C for about 15 minutes — this keeps the custard creamy and the top soft rather than crusty or dry. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the pudding a bit rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe holds a special place in my heart — it’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel warm inside and sparks those nostalgic flavors of home and holidays. Once you try it, I guarantee it’ll become your go-to dessert for turning leftovers into something truly special. So grab those buns, get baking, and prepare to impress your family or guests with this comforting, classic pudding. You’ll love every spoonful, I promise!

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