Cozy Hot Cross Bun Bread Pudding Recipe with Warm Spices
A comforting and easy bread pudding made with spiced hot cross buns soaked in a warm custard with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Perfect for cozy occasions and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
- 6 large hot cross buns (about 450g / 1 lb)
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (75g) raisins or currants (optional)
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the hot cross buns into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Use day-old buns if possible.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Place the cubed buns and raisins (if using) in a large mixing bowl and toss gently to distribute evenly.
- Slowly pour the custard mixture over the buns, folding gently with a spatula to coat all pieces evenly. Let sit for 10 minutes to soak.
- Pour the soaked bun mixture into a greased 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Drizzle melted butter on top and optionally sprinkle a pinch more cinnamon.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. Test doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out mostly clean but moist.
- Let the pudding cool slightly for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
[‘Use day-old buns for better custard absorption and texture.’, ‘Let the buns soak in custard for at least 10 minutes; increase to 15 minutes if buns are very fresh.’, ‘If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.’, ‘Room temperature eggs and dairy help prevent custard curdling.’, ‘Butter on top creates a golden, crispy crust.’, ‘Try adding a splash of orange zest or rum/brandy for flavor variations.’, ‘Can be made dairy-free by substituting milk and cream with almond, oat, or coconut milk and using dairy-free butter.’, ‘Gluten-free version possible by using gluten-free spiced buns or bread.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Protein: 7
Keywords: hot cross bun, bread pudding, warm spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cozy dessert, easy bread pudding, Easter dessert