Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding

The perfect recipe for left over (stale) hot cross buns

In the realm of culinary ingenuity, there’s something immensely satisfying about transforming leftovers into delectable dishes. One such creation that embodies this concept is Bread and Butter Pudding made with old hot cross buns. This delightful dessert not only rescues stale buns but also elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. So let’s start making a hot cross bun bread and butter pudding:

Whether enjoyed as a comforting dessert or a decadent breakfast, this pudding is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So, the next time you find yourself with leftover hot cross buns, don't toss them out—turn them into something truly extraordinary with this simple and scrumptious recipe.

What do we need?

“Old bread” can be expressed as “stale bread” or simply as “aged bread.” These terms imply that the bread is no longer fresh and may be slightly dried out or past its prime. And that is exactly what we’re going to use…

Ingredients:

4-6 old hot cross buns, sliced
Butter, softened
1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruits (optional)
2 cups milk
3 eggs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling (optional)
Whipped cream or custard, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Spread one side of each hot cross bun slice with butter.
Arrange half of the bun slices, buttered side up, in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the raisins or dried fruits over the buns. Top with the remaining bun slices and sprinkle the rest of the raisins or dried fruits on top.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the milk mixture evenly over the bun slices in the baking dish. Press down gently to ensure all the bread is soaked in the liquid. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the liquid.
If desired, sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top of the pudding for extra flavor.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the pudding is golden brown and set in the middle.
Once baked, remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream or custard on top.

Get the recipe for how to bake your own hot cross buns. You can even bake these delicious buns without the cross throughout the year….

Tips for baking

Use Generous Amounts of Butter: Don’t skimp on the butter when spreading it on the hot cross bun slices. The butter adds richness and flavor to the pudding, so be generous with it.
Soak the Buns Thoroughly: Make sure to soak the hot cross bun slices in the custard mixture for an adequate amount of time. This allows the bread to absorb the liquid, resulting in a moist and creamy pudding.
Add Flavorful Extras: Enhance the flavor of your pudding by adding extras like raisins, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips. These add-ins not only provide bursts of flavor but also add texture to the pudding.

Serving Tips

Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the pudding to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This gives the custard a chance to set further and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Serve with a Topping: While hot cross bun bread and butter pudding is delicious on its own, you can take it to the next level by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream, custard, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Enjoy your hot cross buns baked with custard!