Hot Cross Bun Bread Butter Pudding
Hot Cross Bun Bread & Butter Pudding: A Spicy Spring Treat
Ever find yourself with leftover hot cross buns after Easter? Me too. Honestly, it's happened more times than I care to admit.
But this time, I decided to do something different. I'm making a Hot Cross Pudding , and it's absolutely divine! Think of it as bread and butter pudding with a spiced, fruity twist.
What is it? A Comfort Food Pudding Reimagined
This Hot Cross Pudding recipe transforms those delicious buns into something even more special. Imagine the flavours of Hot cross bun pudding recipe : warm spices, citrus zest, and sweet dried fruit all baked into a creamy custard.
It's a little bit retro and a whole lot yummy. The origins can be found on the classic bread and butter pudding but it has now a modern touch to be part of Easter dessert ideas , with a medium difficulty level, plan for a total time of about 1 hour 35 minutes and it yields 6-8 servings.
It's Easter Dessert, But Make it Fancy Baking
This recipe is perfect for using up leftover buns, is a great way to elevate your baking game. It's rich, decadent, and surprisingly easy to make.
Plus, it's packed with dried fruit and spices, making it a truly comforting and satisfying Dessert For Easter . But honestly, who says you need a special occasion? It's great Fun Deserts to make any time of year.
Key Ingredients for Our Spiced Bread Pudding
Alright, let's talk ingredients. You'll need about 6 Aesthetic Baking hot cross buns, slightly stale ones are best for soaking up that custard.
I love adding extra raisins and mixed peel for that extra burst of flavour and spice! As for the custard, think creamy, rich, and subtly spiced with nutmeg and vanilla.
Ready to get started?
Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment for Hot Cross Pudding
Alright, my friend, let's dive into what you'll need for this incredible Hot Cross Pudding . Think of this as a supercharged bread and butter pudding with hot cross buns .
I'm telling you, it's amazing ! It's great Comfort food pudding perfect after a Spring baking recipes session. Ready for some Fancy Baking ?
Main Ingredients
Here's what you need to whip up this Dessert For Easter :
-
Hot Cross Bun Base
:
- 6 Hot Cross Buns (approx. 500g/1.1 lbs ). Day-old is best, sliced 1 inch thick. These will be perfect for Bread and butter pudding with hot cross buns .
- 50g/¼ cup unsalted butter, softened.
- 50g/¼ cup raisins.
- 50g/¼ cup mixed peel, finely chopped.
- Zest of 1 orange.
- Zest of 1 lemon.
-
Custard
:
- 500ml/2 cups whole milk. Full fat gives the best flavour.
- 250ml/1 cup heavy cream (double cream). Makes it extra rich!
- 100g/½ cup granulated sugar.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Pinch of ground nutmeg. Adds a nice warmth to the Spiced bread pudding .
- 4 large eggs.
- 2 large egg yolks.
-
Glaze (Optional)
:
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam, warmed and strained.
- 1 tablespoon water. Gives a lovely sheen.
Quality check for buns: Good quality hot cross buns are essential. Look for buns that are soft, fragrant, and packed with dried fruit.
Seasoning Notes
Don't underestimate the power of spices and Aesthetic Baking !
- The nutmeg is key to that cozy, spiced flavour. Don't skip it!
- Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness.
- For a little kick, add a pinch of cinnamon.
Quick sub: No mixed peel? Try finely chopped dried apricots.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, yeah?
- 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish : Perfect for this amount.
- Whisk: For smooth custard.
- Mixing bowls: For the ingredients.
- Small saucepan (for glaze): If you're feeling fancy.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key here.
- Offset spatula or knife: Buttering buns made easy.
- Wire rack: to let it cool
No fancy whisk? A fork will do in a pinch. This makes Fun Deserts so easy! Let's get this Hot cross bun pudding recipe started.
Are you ready for some Easter dessert ideas ? You totally got this.
Hot Cross Bun Bread & Butter Pudding: A Spicy Spring Treat
Fancy some comfort food pudding that's a total step up from the usual? Then this Hot Cross Bun Bread & Butter Pudding is your answer.
Imagine a warm hug made of bread and custard. This isn't just any pudding; it's the perfect Dessert For Easter or really any time you crave something special.
This aesthetic baking treat, is like a hug from your grandma only with a spicy twist.
Prep Steps: Getting Our Ducks in a Row
First things first: let's get organized. It’s what Mary Berry would do, honestly! Soften 50g/ ¼ cup of butter. Slice up 6 hot cross buns (day-old are best).
Get your 50g/ ¼ cup raisins , 50g/ ¼ cup of mixed peel, and zests ready. A little mise en place goes a long way.
For safety, make sure you don't preheat the oven 'til everything's ready. It's just good sense, innit? This saves time, and keeps you safe!
step-by-step to Spiced Bread Pudding Perfection
Right, let's get cooking!
- Preheat your oven to 325° F ( 160° C/Gas Mark 3) . Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Butter each bun slice. Arrange half in the dish, sprinkle with half the fruit and zests. Top with the remaining buns and fruit.
- Heat 500ml/2 cups milk, 250ml/1 cup cream, 100g/ ½ cup sugar, vanilla, and nutmeg in a saucepan. Simmer only!
- Whisk 4 large eggs and 2 large egg yolks in a separate bowl. Slowly pour some hot milk into the eggs, whisking like crazy.
- Pour the egg mix into the milk, whisk. Pour over the buns. Press down gently. Soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake for 45- 55 minutes , until golden and slightly wobbly.
- Cool slightly. Glaze (optional): Warm apricot jam with water, brush on top.
- Serve warm, you know?
Pro Tips for a Cracking Hot Cross Pudding Recipe
Want to take this fancy baking to the next level? Use day-old buns. They soak up the custard better. Avoid overbaking, unless you want a dry pudding, and who does? For a boozy kick, add some brandy to the custard.
My personal tip is to serve it warm with vanilla ice cream and you got yourself a fun dessert . Oh my gosh, it's heaven on a spoon!.
This Hot Cross Pudding is such a treat, it’ll become one of your favorite Spring baking recipes . You can even prep this the day before! Just cover it and bake when you're ready.
Easy peasy. You can tweak it to be a Hot cross bun pudding recipe .
Recipe Notes for your Spiced Bread Pudding
Right then, let's talk nitty gritty about this Hot Cross Bun Bread & Butter Pudding . Honestly, baking should be fun, not stressful.
So, I've got some notes for you, things I've learned along the way making this Comfort food pudding.
Serving Suggestions: Aesthetic Baking Time!
First impressions matter, right? For plating, think warm and cozy. I like scooping out a generous portion of this Hot Cross Pudding into a nice bowl.
A dusting of icing sugar always looks fancy. And honestly, a sprig of mint? Chef's kiss! For sides, vanilla ice cream is a winner.
It complements the warm spices beautifully. Or, a dollop of freshly whipped cream works wonders too. A cup of tea or a latte makes it perfect.
We are looking to create a Fancy Baking vibe!
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
If you are thinking of keeping some of this Dessert For Easter , let it cool completely first. Cover it tightly with cling film or put it in an airtight container.
It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing? Not really recommended. The custard can get a bit weird.
To reheat, pop it in the oven at 300° F ( 150° C) until warmed through. Or, microwave it in short bursts, keeping an eye on it.
Variations: Fun Desserts Ahead!
Fancy mixing things up? You could easily make this dairy-free by using almond milk and a dairy-free spread. For a seasonal twist, swap the mixed peel for dried cranberries in the winter.
For the Adults, Try adding a glug of orange liqueur or dark rum to the custard. It adds a lovely warmth! If you want to try some Spring Baking recipes try to add some rhubarb or a rhubarb compote.
Nutrition Basics: What's Inside?
Alright, so it's Bread and butter pudding with hot cross buns , it's not exactly a health food. But, it is soul food! This Hot Cross Pudding has a good bit of protein from the eggs and dairy.
It has carbohydrates from the bread and sugar. The spices like nutmeg have some anti inflammatory properties. It's all about balance, innit?
So there you have it. My tips and tricks for making this Hot cross bun pudding recipe . Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Now, go bake some magic! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh hot cross buns for this Hot Cross Pudding, or do they need to be stale?
While you can use fresh hot cross buns, slightly stale ones are actually better! Day-old buns will soak up the custard more effectively without becoming overly soggy. Think of it like making toast - a little bit dry is perfect to absorb the butter. It prevents your pudding from becoming a mushy mess!
My custard sometimes curdles. How can I avoid this when making Hot Cross Pudding?
Curdling is a common custard conundrum, but easily avoided. The key is gentle heat and tempering the eggs. Slowly pour a bit of the warm milk mixture into the whisked eggs before adding them to the rest of the milk this gradually raises their temperature and prevents them from scrambling.
Also, avoid boiling the milk and cream mixture simmering is all you need!
Is there anything I can substitute if I don't have mixed peel for the Hot Cross Pudding?
Absolutely! Mixed peel adds a lovely citrusy note, but you can easily adapt. Try using just extra orange zest and lemon zest, or add some chopped dried apricots or cranberries for a similar chewy texture and fruity flavour. A little marmalade could also work in a pinch, channelling your inner Paddington Bear!
How do I know when my Hot Cross Pudding is done? I don't want to overbake it!
The sweet spot for this pudding is when the custard is set around the edges but still has a slight wobble in the centre. It will continue to set as it cools. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with foil to prevent it from burning.
Overbaking will result in a dry, rubbery custard nobody wants that!
Can I prepare the Hot Cross Pudding ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely get a head start. You can assemble the pudding and let it soak in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before baking. This allows the buns to really absorb the custard. However, I wouldn't recommend assembling it more than 2 hours in advance, or the buns might get too soggy.
How should I store leftover Hot Cross Pudding?
Leftover Hot Cross Pudding should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently in the microwave or oven, but be careful not to overcook it. Serve with some fresh cream for an extra treat!
Hot Cross Bun Bread Butter Pudding
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-30g |
| Fiber | 2-4g |