If you adore the comforting spice of traditional baking meets the creamy indulgence of classic Italian dessert, then this Hot Cross Bun Tiramisu Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine soft, spiced hot cross buns soaking in a rich coffee mixture, layered luxuriously with whipped mascarpone cream, and dusted lightly with cocoa powder—each bite celebrates warmth and sophistication perfectly blended together. It’s a festive twist that transforms your familiar treat into a show-stopping dessert that’s both nostalgic and wonderfully fresh. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or a casual weekend treat, this Hot Cross Bun Tiramisu Recipe delivers joyous flavors with every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A square white ceramic dish with two handles contains one layer of small pieces of brown cake with visible dark spots, evenly placed at the bottom. On top of the cake pieces, there is a large dollop of thick, white cream being spread by a white spatula. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create this delightful Hot Cross Bun Tiramisu Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color—making the final dish irresistible. From fluffy cream to aromatic coffee and spiced hot cross buns, your pantry essentials will come to life in this stunning dessert.

Cream (350ml): Whipping this creates the light, airy texture that’s essential for that classic tiramisu feel.
Mascarpone cheese (500g): This creamy Italian cheese adds richness and a velvety smoothness that melts in your mouth.
Vanilla essence (2 tsp): Adds a sweet, fragrant note that elevates the cream mix beautifully.
Caster sugar (½ cup): Provides subtle sweetness without graininess, perfectly balancing the flavors.
Hot cross buns (6): The star of the recipe, these spiced buns add warmth and texture unlike any other base for tiramisu.
Sugar (2 Tbsp): Sweetens the coffee dip to enhance the soaking process with just the right amount of flavor.
Black coffee (1¼ cups): Infuses a robust bitterness that contrasts exquisitely against the creamy layers.
Liqueur (1 Tbsp, optional): Adds a subtle boozy depth for adult palates, making the dish feel extra special.
Cocoa powder (1–2 Tbsp): Used for dusting, it finishes the tiramisu with a classic touch of rich, chocolate bitterness.

How to Make Hot Cross Bun Tiramisu Recipe

Step 1: Whip the Cream

Start by whipping the cream until soft peaks gently hold their shape. This stage is key to creating the light, fluffy texture you want to balance the richness of the mascarpone.

Step 2: Mix in Mascarpone, Vanilla, and Sugar

Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese, vanilla essence, and caster sugar, then continue whipping the mixture until stiff peaks form, ensuring that rich, creamy consistency we all crave in tiramisu.

Step 3: Prepare the Hot Cross Buns

Slice the hot cross buns into approximately 1cm thick pieces. These will act like the traditional ladyfinger biscuits but with that wonderful spicy twist unique to hot cross buns.

Step 4: Make the Coffee Mixture

Combine the sugar, black coffee, and optional liqueur in a shallow dish to create a soaking liquid for the buns. This mixture infuses each slice with bold flavors and a hint of sweetness, setting the foundation for the tiramisu layers.

Step 5: Soak and Layer the Buns

Quickly dip each hot cross bun slice into the coffee mixture and arrange them neatly at the bottom of your serving dish. Don’t soak them for too long—they should be moist but still hold their shape beautifully to keep your dessert intact.

Step 6: Add the Cream Layer

Spread half of your luscious mascarpone cream mixture evenly over the soaked bun layer, smoothing it gently with a spatula to create a perfect canvas for the next layer.

Step 7: Repeat Layers

Add another layer of coffee-soaked hot cross buns and top with the remaining mascarpone cream, again smoothing the surface for a neat finish.

Step 8: Decorate with Cocoa Powder

Lay strips of paper on top in a cross pattern to mimic the classic hot cross bun decoration, then dust the cocoa powder generously over the top. Once dusted, carefully remove the paper strips to reveal crisp, lovely stripes—such a charming finishing touch.

Step 9: Chill

Cover your tiramisu and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld and the layers to set firmly, giving you the perfect texture and depth of flavor when you serve.

How to Serve Hot Cross Bun Tiramisu Recipe

The image shows a large white ceramic dish filled with a layered dessert that has been partially scooped out from one corner, revealing three layers: a creamy white bottom layer, a middle layer of soaked brown cake or biscuit, and a thick white cream layer on top, all covered with a grid pattern of cocoa powder and white cream lines. Nearby, a white plate holds a single square slice of the same dessert, showing the same layers inside the slice. A woman's hand is gently holding the edge of the plate. The dish and plate rest on a white marbled surface, with a soft blue cloth nearby and a stack of empty white plates in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For extra flair, consider a light sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or a few toasted almond flakes on top. These add subtle texture and warm spice notes that complement the dessert’s flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

A simple cup of black coffee or a dollop of lightly whipped cream on the side pairs wonderfully with this Hot Cross Bun Tiramisu Recipe, creating a well-rounded experience that highlights the dessert’s rich complexity without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in clear glasses or mason jars so everyone can admire the beautiful layered effect before diving in. It’s a charming presentation perfect for dinner parties or festive brunches where visual impact counts just as much as flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hot Cross Bun Tiramisu can be kept in the refrigerator covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to three days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the delicate cream texture and ensures each bite stays fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

If you want to prepare this treat ahead of time or save portions for later, freeze in airtight containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve the creamy consistency and coffee-soaked buns perfectly.

Reheating

Tiramisu is best served cold, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, let any frozen leftovers thaw fully in the refrigerator before serving to maintain that ideal creamy texture and rich flavor you love about this Hot Cross Bun Tiramisu Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use regular buns instead of hot cross buns?

While you can technically substitute with other soft bread, hot cross buns are essential for this recipe’s signature spiced flavor. Their unique blend of cinnamon and dried fruit gives the tiramisu its distinctive taste you won’t want to miss.

Is the liqueur necessary in the coffee mixture?

The liqueur is completely optional but adds a lovely depth and warmth. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply omit it and the dessert will still be deliciously flavorful.

How long should I soak the hot cross bun slices?

Just a quick dip of 1–2 seconds per slice is perfect. The buns need to absorb enough coffee to be moist but not so much that they become soggy and fall apart.

Can I prepare this dessert a day in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, making it the day before only improves the flavors as they meld together during chilling, making your Hot Cross Bun Tiramisu Recipe even more delightful to serve.

What can I use instead of mascarpone cheese?

Mascarpone is key for that authentic rich and creamy texture. However, you can try a mix of cream cheese and whipped cream as a substitute, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the way this Hot Cross Bun Tiramisu Recipe brings together familiar festive flavors with the elegance of a classic dessert. It’s simple enough to prepare yet impressive enough to wow your friends and family. I warmly encourage you to give it a try—once you do, I bet it will become a new favorite for any occasion where you want to share joy, comfort, and a little bit of magic in every bite.