Name: Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 6 hot cross buns; 30g butter, softened; 2 eggs; 1 cup milk; 1 cup cream; ½ tsp cinnamon; ¼ cup caster sugar; 1 tsp vanilla essence; 1 tsp icing sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 11 reviews

There is nothing quite as comforting and nostalgic as a warm, gooey bread pudding, and the Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe takes that cozy feeling to the next level. Combining the spicy, fruity charm of traditional hot cross buns with a rich custard soak and a golden bake, this pudding is a celebration of flavors and textures that sing together beautifully. It’s the perfect treat for any time you want to elevate simple ingredients into something truly special and heartwarming.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden board holds multiple pieces of brown bread with raisins, each slice spread unevenly with creamy, pale yellow butter. The bread slices vary in size and shape, some rectangular and others more rounded, with a soft texture and visible raisins inside. The board is placed on a white marbled surface, showing a casual arrangement of the buttered bread slices in no particular order. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe is delightfully easy because the ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect balance of richness, spice, and creaminess. Each component plays a pivotal role in crafting the final luscious texture and inviting aroma of this dish.

6 hot cross buns: These bring the signature fruity and spiced flavor that defines the pudding’s character.
30g butter, softened: Used to coat the bread slices, it adds lusciousness and helps create a golden crust.
2 eggs: Vital for making the custard that binds everything together with a silky smooth texture.
1 cup milk: It lightens the cream, ensuring the custard is rich but not too heavy.
1 cup cream: This adds indulgence and velvety softness to the custard base.
½ tsp cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the hot cross buns’ natural flavors beautifully.
¼ cup caster sugar: Sweetens the custard perfectly without overpowering the subtle spices.
1 tsp vanilla essence: Introduces a fragrant note that makes every bite irresistible.
1 tsp icing sugar: For dusting on top, adding a delicate sweetness and attractive finish.

How to Make Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Bowl

First things first, preheat your oven to 180°C on fan bake setting so it’s perfectly heated when the pudding is ready to go in. Grease a large bowl with butter—not just to prevent sticking but also to add a subtle buttery flavor to the edges of the pudding where it bakes golden and crisp.

Step 2: Slice and Butter the Hot Cross Buns

Cut each hot cross bun into 1 cm-thick slices and spread each slice generously with the softened butter. Laying these slices side by side in your greased bowl creates the base of your pudding and ensures that every morsel is rich and buttery before soaking in custard.

Step 3: Mix the Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, cinnamon, caster sugar, and vanilla essence. This mixture turns into a flavorful custard that softens the buns while layering on creamy richness and fragrant warmth, making your pudding unforgettable.

Step 4: Soak the Buns

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the buttered hot cross buns, allowing each slice to soak up all that goodness. Letting it rest for about 10 minutes here is key—it gives the bread time to absorb the custard so every bite is tender and infused with flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your bowl into the oven and bake for 35 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the custard is set. This heat transforms the custard from liquid to luxuriously creamy pudding and crisps the edges of the bread for texture contrast.

Step 6: Add the Final Touch

Once your pudding is out of the oven and slightly cooled, dust the top with icing sugar for a delicate sweetness and a pretty, snow-kissed effect. Now, it’s ready to be served along with your favorite accompaniments.

How to Serve Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with several overlapping slices of a cinnamon-colored baked dessert dusted lightly with powdered sugar, with one slice missing. Below it, there is a white plate with a serving of the same dessert in uneven chunks, topped with powdered sugar, next to a smooth ball of pale yellow ice cream. The plate rests on a blue and white striped cloth on top of a white marbled surface. A spoon with a shiny reflective surface lies to the right of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of icing sugar is classic, but feel free to get creative with garnishes like a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a scattering of plump raisins to echo the bun’s mix-ins. A drizzle of warm honey or a spoonful of clotted cream can add extra decadence.

Side Dishes

This pudding shines alongside traditional custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts perfectly over each warm spoonful. Alternatively, fresh berries or spiced stewed fruit offer a refreshing contrast that balances the richness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this pudding family-style in a large, rustic ceramic bowl for an inviting vibe. Or dish it out into individual ramekins for a charming presentation. For a festive touch, place a small sprig of mint or an edible flower on top to brighten up the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any hot cross bun bread and butter pudding left over, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days while retaining most of its creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze individual portions wrapped well in airtight containers or foil. When you want a cozy treat later, defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating gently. This is a great way to have dessert ready for a busy day.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 160°C for about 15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat to keep the custard creamy rather than rubbery. Serving with a warm sauce or cream boosts the fresh-eating experience.

FAQs

Can I use regular buns instead of hot cross buns?

While you could substitute other sweet buns or even brioche, hot cross buns add a unique combination of spices and dried fruit that really elevate the pudding’s flavor and authenticity.

Is it necessary to butter the buns before soaking?

Yes, buttering the buns adds a rich layer of moisture and helps create that delightful golden crust that makes the pudding so special.

Can I make this pudding dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can use coconut cream and a plant-based milk alternative like almond or oat milk, plus a vegan butter substitute to keep it creamy and tasty.

What is the best way to serve this pudding?

Serving warm with vanilla custard or ice cream is a classic favorite, but it’s also lovely with fresh fruit or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

How do I know when the pudding is fully baked?

The top should be golden brown and look set, with the custard firm around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the middle—it will continue to set as it cools.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe is one of those dishes that brings a little magic to your table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for turning leftovers into a show-stopping dessert or celebrating a family tradition with a twist. I encourage you to try it soon and experience the warm, comforting joy it brings to every bite!