Name: Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 10 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; Ice cream or custard (optional)

If you’ve ever wanted to turn those delicious, spiced Hot Cross Buns into a cozy, comforting dessert, then you are going to love my Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe. This recipe takes the classic flavors of Easter and transforms them into a warm, custardy bake that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. Trust me, once I discovered this trick with leftover buns, it quickly became a family favorite, and I know you’ll find it just as magical.

💚

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting & Nostalgic: It brings the cozy, spiced flavors of Hot Cross Buns into a warm, creamy pudding.
Easy to Make: Uses simple pantry ingredients and leftover buns in a snap.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether Easter or anytime, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s fancy but fuss-free.
Versatile Serving: Delicious warm from the oven with custard, ice cream, or even a drizzle of cream.

The image shows a round white plate with a red rim filled with a baked dish. The dish has many overlapping brown slices arranged in a circular pattern, covering the entire plate. The surface has a light dusting of powdered sugar, adding a soft white texture on top. The baked slices have a slightly crispy, golden-brown look with some darker spots, indicating caramelized edges. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully because the rich custard perfectly soaks into the spiced, buttery hot cross bun slices, creating an irresistible pudding. When shopping, try to pick hot cross buns that are a day or two old; they soak up the custard better without turning mushy.

Hot cross buns: The star of the show—choose ones with good spice and fruit content for extra flavor.
Butter: Softened butter spreads easily on the bun slices, adding richness and a lovely golden crust.
Eggs: These help set the custard and give pudding its structure.
Milk: Balances richness without making it too heavy.
Cream: Adds that silky texture you want in a pudding.
Cinnamon: I love the warm, comforting touch it adds to the custard.
Caster sugar: It dissolves quickly, sweetening the mixture evenly.
Vanilla essence: Brings out all those flavors and adds a subtle perfume.
Icing sugar: For a pretty dusting on top before serving.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile the Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe is, and I encourage you to make it your own. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or just want to try a twist, there are plenty of ways to customize it.

Fruit variations: Sometimes I add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the custard mix for an extra burst of sweetness and texture.
Dairy-free option: Swap out cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version that’s still indulgent.
Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or mixed spice along with cinnamon if you want a deeper flavor profile.
Booster toppings: Toasted nuts or a caramel drizzle on top can make it feel a bit more special for guests or holidays.

How to Make Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Butter Each Bun Slice and Arrange

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C fan bake (or 350°F fan). While it warms up, slice your hot cross buns about 1 cm thick—this thickness keeps each piece sturdy enough to hold the custard without falling apart. Spread softened butter generously on each slice; this adds flavor and helps give you that golden, crispy edge we all love. Then arrange the slices side by side in your greased baking dish, creating a nice, even layer without gaps.

Step 2: Whisk Custard and Pour Over

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, cinnamon, caster sugar, and vanilla essence until everything’s well combined. You’ll notice this custard mixture is quite fragrant and smooth—exactly what brings the bread pudding to life. Pour this mixture evenly over the arranged bun slices, making sure each piece is soaked. Then let it sit and soak for about 10 minutes—this is a game-changer because it gives the buns time to absorb all those custardy flavors without becoming soggy.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for around 35 minutes. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden top and a custard that’s just set but still slightly wobbly when you jiggle the dish. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with a little moistness—that’s perfect. Baking times can vary a bit depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it from the 30-minute mark onward.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let it cool just slightly so it firms up a bit. Dust the top generously with icing sugar for that classic, pretty finish. Now comes your favorite part: serving it! My go-to is a big scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a warm drizzle of custard. The softness of the custard-soaked buns, combined with the spices and the cool creaminess, makes each bite pure bliss.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe

Use Day-Old Buns: Slightly stale hot cross buns soak up custard better without turning mushy, giving your pudding more texture.
Let It Soak: Don’t rush the 10-minute soak after pouring custard; trust me, it makes all the difference for that perfect custardy center.
Watch Your Bake Time: Every oven’s different, so start checking doneness at 30 minutes to avoid drying it out.
Serve Warm: This pudding shines best fresh and warm; reheat gently to keep it creamy, not rubbery.

How to Serve Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe

In the white bowl, there is a serving of bread pudding with a light brown color and a slightly crispy top layer dusted with powdered sugar. The bread pieces are chunky and mixed with dark raisins visible throughout. To the side, there is a scoop of creamy, pale yellow vanilla ice cream with a smooth texture. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a red cloth with white polka dots nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Personally, I keep it simple with a dusting of icing sugar, but if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted almonds or a drizzle of caramel sauce works wonders. Fresh berries on the side add a pop of color and brightness that contrasts beautifully with the spiced richness of the pudding.

Side Dishes

This pudding is a dessert star on its own, but I love serving it with classic custard or vanilla ice cream, especially on chilly evenings. If you want to turn it into a brunch treat, a dollop of Greek yogurt or creme fraiche balances the sweetness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For Easter or special occasions, try baking the pudding in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can even layer the pudding with mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans for texture surprises. Wrapping ramekins with a festive ribbon makes for a charming presentation that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well wrapped in the fridge for up to 2 days. I like to cover the pudding tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When stored properly, the custard remains creamy, and the flavors even have a chance to meld more!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pudding a couple of times with good success — just make sure to cool it completely before wrapping tightly in airtight containers or foil. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. The texture holds up surprisingly well!

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is in a 160°C (320°F) oven for about 15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep moisture in. Avoid the microwave if you can; it tends to make the custard rubbery rather than smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread instead of hot cross buns for this pudding?

Absolutely! While hot cross buns add that unique spiced and fruity flavor, you can substitute with brioche or challah loaf slices for a rich pudding. Just note that regular bread won’t have the signature spice and fruit profile of hot cross buns.
How can I make this pudding dairy-free?

Swap the milk and cream with your favorite plant-based milks like coconut, almond, or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The texture changes slightly but still tastes delicious.
Is it possible to prepare this pudding ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pudding a few hours ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. This helps flavors to develop even more.
What should I serve with hot cross bun bread and butter pudding?

I love serving it warm with vanilla ice cream, custard, or a simple drizzle of cream. Fresh fruit or a spoonful of lemon curd can add a lovely citrus contrast as well.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding Recipe turns simple festive buns into a dessert that feels both indulgent and homey. When I first tried making it, I was surprised by how easy it was and how well it was received by my family. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel warm inside, with a dainty touch of celebration. So, next time you find yourself with some leftover hot cross buns, give this recipe a go — you’ll thank me later. It’s one of those easy but impressive dishes that’s perfect for sharing, comforting, and simply savoring.