Hot Cross Bun Pudding: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Hot Cross Bun Pudding: the ultimate Easter indulgence, reimagined! Imagine sinking your spoon into a warm, comforting dessert, where the spiced sweetness of hot cross buns meets the creamy richness of a classic bread pudding. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for using up leftover Easter treats or simply indulging in a seasonal favorite any time of year.

Hot cross buns themselves have a fascinating history, dating back to pre-Christian times, with the cross symbolizing the four quarters of the moon. Over time, they became associated with Easter, representing the crucifixion. Transforming these symbolic buns into a pudding is a delicious way to honor tradition while adding a modern twist.

What makes this hot cross bun pudding so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures – the soft, yielding bread soaked in a luscious custard, punctuated by the chewy dried fruit and the subtle spice of the buns. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with warmth and comfort. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a show-stopping dessert for a holiday gathering or simply craving a comforting treat on a chilly evening, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s get baking and create a truly unforgettable dessert!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 Hot Cross Buns, preferably a day old, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 large Eggs
• 1 pint (568ml) Whole Milk
• 1 cup (240ml) Heavy Cream
• ½ cup (100g) Granulated Sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) Light Brown Sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
• Pinch of Salt
• ¼ cup Raisins or Sultanas (optional)
• ¼ cup Dried Cranberries (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Apricot Jam, for glazing (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Water, for glazing (optional)

Preparing the Hot Cross Bun Base:

Before we even think about the custard, we need to get our hot cross buns ready. This step is crucial because it ensures the pudding has the perfect texture – not too soggy, not too dry, just right!

1. Cube the Hot Cross Buns: Using a serrated knife, carefully cut each hot cross bun into roughly 1-inch cubes. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly uniform; a little variation adds character to the final pudding.
2. Dry the Bun Cubes (Optional but Recommended): This step is optional, but I highly recommend it, especially if your hot cross buns are very fresh. Spread the cubed buns in a single layer on a baking sheet. You can either leave them out at room temperature for a few hours to dry out naturally, or you can toast them in a low oven (around 200°F/95°C) for about 20-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are lightly dried but not browned. This helps them absorb the custard better without becoming mushy.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. This will prevent the pudding from sticking and make it easier to serve.
4. Arrange the Bun Cubes: Spread the cubed hot cross buns evenly in the prepared baking dish. Try to distribute them in a single layer as much as possible.
5. Add Dried Fruit (Optional): If you’re using raisins, sultanas, or dried cranberries, sprinkle them evenly over the hot cross buns. These add a lovely burst of sweetness and chewiness to the pudding.

Making the Custard:

Now for the heart of the pudding – the creamy, flavorful custard! This is where the magic happens, transforming those humble hot cross buns into a decadent dessert.

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until they are light and frothy. This will help create a smooth and even custard.
2. Add Sugars: Add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar to the eggs. Whisk until the sugars are fully dissolved and the mixture is pale and slightly thickened. The brown sugar adds a lovely caramel note to the custard.
3. Incorporate the Dairy: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Make sure to whisk constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. The combination of milk and cream creates a rich and luxurious custard.
4. Add Flavorings: Stir in the melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. These ingredients add depth and warmth to the custard, complementing the flavors of the hot cross buns.
5. Taste and Adjust (Important!): Give the custard a taste and adjust the sweetness or spices to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter pudding, add a little more sugar. If you want a more pronounced spice flavor, add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg.

Assembling and Baking the Pudding:

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to bring everything together and bake our delicious hot cross bun pudding.

1. Pour the Custard: Slowly and evenly pour the custard mixture over the hot cross buns in the baking dish. Make sure all the buns are well saturated with the custard.
2. Press Gently (Optional): Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently press down on the hot cross buns, ensuring they are fully submerged in the custard. This will help them absorb the custard evenly.
3. Let it Soak (Crucial!): Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 1-2 hours. This allows the hot cross buns to fully absorb the custard, resulting in a moist and flavorful pudding. You can even leave it overnight for an even richer flavor.
4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Bake the Pudding: Remove the plastic wrap from the baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown and set. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs.
6. Check for Browning: If the top of the pudding starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
7. Cool Slightly: Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set a bit more and makes it easier to slice.

Glazing (Optional):

For an extra touch of shine and sweetness, you can glaze the pudding while it’s still warm.

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the apricot jam and water. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the jam is melted and smooth.
2. Brush the Pudding: Brush the warm glaze evenly over the top of the pudding. This will give it a beautiful glossy finish and add a subtle apricot flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

This hot cross bun pudding is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the warm, spiced pudding.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
• Custard Sauce: For an extra decadent treat, serve the pudding with a warm custard sauce.
• Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, adds a burst of freshness and color.
• Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

• Use Different Types of Hot Cross Buns: Experiment with different flavors of hot cross buns, such as chocolate chip or apple cinnamon.
• Add Nuts: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the pudding for added texture and flavor.
• Substitute the Dairy: For a lighter pudding, you can substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with lower-fat alternatives, such as skim milk or half-and-half. However, keep in mind that this will affect the richness and creaminess of the custard.
• Make it Boozy: Add a tablespoon or two of your favorite liqueur, such as rum or brandy, to the custard for an extra kick.
• Individual Servings: Bake the pudding in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Reduce the baking time accordingly.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked pudding for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Troubleshooting:

Here are a few common problems and solutions:

• Pudding is too dry: Make sure you are using enough custard and that the hot cross buns are fully saturated. You can also try adding a little more milk or cream to the custard.
• Pudding is too soggy: Make sure you are drying the hot cross buns before adding them to the baking dish. You can also reduce the amount of custard slightly.
• Pudding is browning too quickly: Loosely cover the pudding with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
• Custard is curdled: Make sure you are whisking the custard constantly while heating it. If the custard does curdle, you can try straining it through a fine-mesh sieve.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Hot Cross Bun Pudding! I hope you and your loved ones enjoy this comforting and flavorful dessert as much as I do.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a celebration of flavors, and a ridiculously easy way to transform leftover hot cross buns into something truly spectacular. I wholeheartedly believe this Hot Cross Bun Pudding is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with a twist. The combination of the spiced buns, the creamy custard, and the optional (but highly recommended!) boozy kick creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for seconds – and maybe even thirds!

Why is it a must-try? Because it’s incredibly versatile. You can adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs. Use gluten-free hot cross buns for a gluten-free version, or swap the dairy milk for almond or soy milk for a vegan option. The possibilities are endless! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste and give those slightly stale hot cross buns a new lease on life.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Think of this pudding as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! For a truly decadent experience, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A drizzle of salted caramel sauce would also be divine. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch.

Here are a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

* **Boozy Boost:** As mentioned before, a splash of rum, brandy, or whiskey in the custard adds a wonderful warmth and depth of flavor. Start with a tablespoon and adjust to your liking.
* **Fruity Fun:** Add some dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots to the pudding for a burst of fruity sweetness.
* **Chocolate Indulgence:** Stir in some chocolate chips or chunks for a chocolatey twist. Dark chocolate pairs particularly well with the spices in the hot cross buns.
* **Citrus Zest:** A little orange or lemon zest adds a bright and refreshing note to the pudding.
* **Spice It Up:** If you want to enhance the spiced flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the custard.
* **Individual Portions:** For a more elegant presentation, bake the pudding in individual ramekins. This also makes it easier to control portion sizes (though you might find yourself wanting more!).
* **Breakfast Treat:** Believe it or not, this pudding also makes a fantastic breakfast or brunch option. Serve it with a side of fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup for a truly indulgent start to the day.

I’ve made this Hot Cross Bun Pudding countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s the perfect dessert for a cozy night in, a potluck gathering, or a special occasion. It’s also surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers. The recipe is straightforward, and the results are always impressive.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dessert that will wow your family and friends. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your variations, your serving suggestions, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Don’t forget to rate the recipe too! Happy baking! Let me know what you think of this Hot Cross Bun Pudding!