Chocolate hot cross bun bread & butter pudding is a delightful twist on a classic Easter dessert. This version features soft, chocolate hot cross buns soaked in a rich custard, bringing together subtle notes of cocoa, warm spices, and creamy sweetness in every spoonful. If you prefer a more traditional flavour, simply swap the chocolate hot cross buns for these hot cross buns.

The buns are layered with butter before being soaked in a mixture of milk, cream, eggs, vanilla and a hint of sugar. Once baked, the pudding has a lightly crisp top and a velvety, custard-soaked centre.

It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it an impressive yet fuss-free treat for your Easter brunch or dessert. Top it off with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

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Ingredients & Substitutions

The printable recipe card below has the full ingredients list and instructions.

  • Hot cross buns – any type of hot cross buns work for this pudding. I used chocolate for this one, but spiced is also yummy. Stale buns are better for this recipe. Here are my two favourite recipes for chocolate hot cross buns or easy hot cross buns!
  • Butter – helps crisp the bun edges and adds richness. Margarine can work in a pinch, but real butter gives the best flavour.
  • Egg – binds the custard, creating a creamy texture.
  • Milk – provides moisture for the custard base. Whole milk is best. Oat or almond milk is a dairy-free option.
  • Heavy cream – makes the pudding extra rich and velvety.
  • Caster sugar – sweetens the custard. If unavailable, white granulated sugar works. Just whisk it well to dissolve.
  • Vanilla extract – adds a touch of flavour to the batter.
  • Chocolate chips – these are optional, but they go well with chocolate hot cross buns.
  • Powdered sugar – to dust the top after baking.
hot cross bun bread and butter pudding ingredients

How To Make Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding

Step 1: Preheat oven to 180℃ (350℉). Grease a large casserole dish or pie pan with butter.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.

mixing together custard in a bowl

Step 3: Slice the hot cross buns in half and spread with butter. Arrange the buns in the baking dish.

Sliced hot cross buns

Step 4: Pour the mixture over the hot cross buns and leave to soak for 15 minutes.

Hot cross buns soaking in custard

Step 5: Sprinkle with chocolate chips.

hot cross bun bread and butter pudding sprinkled with chocolate chips

Step 6: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until cooked through.

Baked hot cross bun bread and butter pudding

Step 7: Dust with icing sugar and serve with cream or ice cream.

How To Store

At Room Temperature – Bread puddings made with dairy and eggs shouldn’t sit out for too long. It’s best to enjoy the pudding within 2 hours of baking. If you’re still serving after that, transfer any leftovers to the fridge.
Refrigerate – Store your pudding in an airtight container (or covered tightly with plastic wrap) in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave or oven and serve immediately.
Freeze – I don’t recommend freezing this dessert.

Hot cross bun bread and butter pudding with powdered sugar and raspberries

Did you make this recipe and love it? If so, please leave a review below to let others know it’s delicious! Thank you!

Hot Cross Bun Bread And Butter Pudding

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
6 Serves

Ingredients
  

  • 6 hot cross buns
  • 40 grams butter softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup whole fat milk
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup caster sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips
  • ½ tablespoon icing sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 180℃ (350℉). Grease a large casserole dish or pie pan with butter.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
  • Slice the hot cross buns in half and spread with butter. Arrange the buns in the baking dish.
  • Pour the mixture over the hot cross buns and leave to soak for 15 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes or until cooked through.
  • Dust with icing sugar and serve with cream or ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 116mg | Sodium: 87mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 771IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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