Imagine transforming those leftover hot cross buns into a decadent, creamy dessert that will make your taste buds dance with delight! This Hot Cross Buns Bread Pudding is not just a recipe; it's a magical culinary transformation that turns ordinary holiday bread into an extraordinary dessert experience. Perfect for using up those extra buns and creating a show-stopping treat that will have everyone asking for seconds, this recipe combines the nostalgic flavors of traditional bread pudding with the unique spiced essence of hot cross buns.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 hot cross buns
- 2 cups milk
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously butter a 9x9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cut the hot cross buns into 1-inch cubes, allowing them to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to slightly dry out and absorb the custard better.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until well combined and smooth.
- Gently fold the cubed hot cross buns into the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the bread to absorb the custard.
- Sprinkle raisins throughout the soaked bread mixture, distributing them evenly.
- Transfer the pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the pudding to set completely.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Let your hot cross buns sit out for 10-15 minutes before cubing to help them absorb the custard more effectively.
- For extra richness, consider using whole milk or even half-and-half instead of regular milk.
- Don't overbake! The pudding should be golden on top but still slightly jiggly in the center for the perfect creamy texture.
- Experiment with additional mix-ins like chopped nuts or a sprinkle of orange zest to enhance the flavor profile.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- If your hot cross buns are particularly sweet, you might want to reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly.
- For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the pudding and refrigerate it before baking, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
