Hot cross bun bread and butter pudding
I’m not remotely religious, but I still love the lead-up to Easter because all the best foods come into the shops at this time of year. Obviously there are Easter eggs and Creme Eggs (which I tend to buy a bucketload of to last me through the summer – it’s a total travesty that they’re only sold at one time of year!), and when you want a break from all the chocolate, you can turn to the humble hot cross bun. I think I sometimes forget how great these things are, but then I have one and remember how much I love them. They make a great quick breakfast or lunch, or in this case, dessert!
This hot cross bun bread and butter pudding is just big chunks of hot cross bun, cooked in a simple egg mixture with cinnamon and nutmeg. I even sprinkled some brown sugar on top to give a nice crispy topping. There’s nothing more satisfying than having your spoon crack through the crunchy topping, and delve into the soft, custardy pudding below.
Of course, it’s even better with a drizzle of cream…
If you’ve ever read my previous bread and butter pudding post, you could probably figure out how to put this together on your own, but I couldn’t resist posting it anyway. Hot cross buns have a slightly cakey texture, kind of like brioche, so they work really well as a dessert, especially with the extra spices I added. You could also add extra sultanas if you’re so inclined, or maybe some of those tiny bits of candied orange and lemon peel. I left mine pretty simple though, and it was just perfect.
Hot cross bun bread and butter pudding
If you’ve cooked this recipe, don’t forget to leave a star rating!
Print Pin CommentIngredients
- 4 hot cross buns
- 2 eggs
- 150 ml milk
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (Gas Mark 5 / 375°F).
- Cut the hot cross buns into chunks (I cut each bun into 9 pieces), and place them in a medium-sized baking dish – mine measured around 5 x 8 inches.
- In a mug or small bowl, lightly beat the eggs with the milk, cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour the mixture over the buns, and use a fork to press the bread gently down into the egg mixture. Leave to sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the dish, and place in the oven. Bake for around 35 minutes, until golden brown and crispy on top.
Nutritional information is approximate, and will depend on your exact ingredients. Please calculate your own nutritional values if you require accuracy for health reasons.
Why not try another family-friendly dessert recipe: apple crumble cake! This could not be easier!
You can find them in bakeries where there’s a strong Irish-American community and Fresh Direct here in the NYC tri-state area carry them. The main difference from the ones we have back home is that the cross is made with icing.
That looks so good! I have no idea why but it’s been years since I’ve made bread pudding. Gotta change that! I just made challah. Hmmm. That would be good too.
To those people unable to just go out and buy hot cross buns, there are recipes available online, e.g. http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2066661/hot-cross-buns – these look authentic, and have a 5 star review rating, but I’ve not tried them…
It might either help you to identify something similar enough for substitution purposes, or you can always bake some, eat some fresh, then turn the rest into pudding the following day :-D
This is the best thing I have seen in so long!! I absolutely love Easter and hot cross buns are my best friend this time of year. I am making this in the weekend!!
Delicious, I will definitely pin it!
“…your spoon crack through the crunchy topping, and delve into the soft, custardy pudding below.” This is the perfect sentence. Enough to get my mouth watering and stomach rumbling- I haven’t had good bread pudding in way too long! Yum!
I have made bread and butter pudding with all sorts of breads, but never thought to use hot cross buns – what a good idea! Sounds delicious – definitely one to add to the repertoire – thanks!
Thanks! I’m sure they are easy to get in a bigger city (there would be English bakeries), but now I live in a small city in the desert southwest. For bread and cakes and petit fours, I go to a kosher bakery. I’ll need to ask if they make hot cross buns (if not, I’ll get the brioche from them). We also have lots of Mexican bakeries for fresh tortillas, cookies, and tres leches cake. Delicious! Time for a “food field trip” – that’s what I call any excursion for new or interesting food.
that sucks. I live in a town in Australia with 15,000 people and you can buy them everywhere here :p our supermarkets sell all different varieties too. and the bakery usually does a nutella version too.
they are a pretty big deal over here. had no idea these didn’t exist for americans.
Guess what? I found them! My bakery does make them for Easter, so now I have to try this bread pudding! :)
Yay! Do it! :)
This is such a clever idea! And it looks incredibly delicious.
Any suggestions for the hot-cross-bun-lacking folks in the US? I’m pretty sure I can’t get them here, and I’m not sure what to substitute. You mentioned brioche? Thanks!
I didn’t realise you can’t get them in the US, that sucks! :( Yeah brioche is probably your best bet – add a few sultanas too for that hot cross bun flavour :)