I made a classic British dessert with an Easter twist — it's perfect for using leftovers

Elevated Easter Treat: Indulge in Hot Cross Bun Chocolate Pudding

Easter celebrations often bring to mind joyous gatherings and delectable treats, with chocolate playing a starring role. While hot cross buns are a traditional Easter bake, this innovative recipe transforms them into a decadent chocolate dessert. Move over ordinary buns, this hot cross bun pudding offers a rich and satisfying twist for your festive table. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, it promises to be a memorable highlight of your Easter feast.

A Modern Twist on a Classic

The humble hot cross bun, while a seasonal staple, can sometimes lack excitement on its own. However, inspired by baking expert Jane Dunn of Jane’s Patisserie, this recipe reimagines the traditional bun. By drawing inspiration from the comforting British bread and butter pudding, this creation elevates the hot cross bun to new culinary heights.

Effortless Preparation with Everyday Ingredients

This recipe cleverly substitutes standard bread or brioche with halved hot cross buns, simplifying the classic pudding. While homemade buns can be used, pre-made options offer convenience. For this adaptation, readily available and affordable Specially Selected Luxury Hot Cross Buns from Aldi were chosen for their quality and ease. Priced at just £1.09, these buns provide an accessible and delicious base for this impressive dessert.

Simple Recipe, Maximum Flavour

Jane Dunn’s recipe is celebrated for its straightforward instructions, ensuring success even for novice bakers. The uncomplicated method makes it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels. Addressing potential reservations about fruit peel’s flavour, this pudding generously incorporates chocolate in various forms. Expect an abundance of chocolate chunks and chocolate chips, firmly establishing this pudding as a truly indulgent chocolate dessert. The custard base requires minimal effort, employing a quick all-in-one whisking technique, keeping preparation time to a mere ten minutes.

Anticipation and Baking to Perfection

The primary wait time involves the baking process itself. As the pudding bakes, the hot cross buns transform, browning beautifully while the rich custard thickens to a luscious consistency. The aroma alone is likely to convert even those with a known aversion to hot cross buns.

A Rich Dessert Best Enjoyed Warm

Be advised that this pudding is a deeply rich dessert, approaching the limits of indulgence, yet utterly worth it. Served warm, it is perfectly complemented by a touch of cool single cream or a scoop of ice cream. The contrast in temperature creates a harmonious balance, enhancing the overall dessert experience.

Hot Cross Bun Pudding Recipe

Ingredients

• 6-8 hot cross buns, halved
• 200g milk chocolate, roughly chopped
• 300ml milk
• 275ml double cream
• 2 medium eggs
• 3 tbsp caster sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 100g chocolate chips

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180ºC/160ºC fan/Gas Mark 4 and grease a suitably sized baking dish (ceramic or glass). Ensure it comfortably accommodates 6-8 halved hot cross buns placed side-by-side.
2. Halve each hot cross bun as if preparing for toast. Place chocolate chunks inside each bun half and sandwich back together.
3. Arrange the stuffed hot cross buns closely in the prepared baking dish, fitting as many as needed to fill the space.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, double cream, eggs, caster sugar, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined, creating the custard base.
5. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the arranged hot cross buns in the dish.
6. Sprinkle chocolate chips generously over the top of the pudding.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until golden brown and the custard is set.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for approximately ten minutes before serving.