6 ways to use up leftover hot cross buns
You know it’s Easter when you’re tucking into a sweet, buttered hot cross bun – this year we have some clever ways to use up any leftovers.
The provenance of the hot cross bun is up for debate, but they were first referenced in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1733. Typically eaten on Good Friday to represent Jesus's crucifixion – hence the cross on top – they also mark the end of Lent. Although the traditional recipe is made with dried fruit and mixed peel, they are now available in a variety of flavours all year round.
That’s almost three centuries of bun-making lineage, so we think it’s time for a shake-up. Discover our classic hot cross bun recipe, then try these original recipes, which make brilliant use of your leftover fruit buns, including a sweet twist on dippy egg and soldiers, a chocolatey bread & butter pudding, and chocolate brownies studded with hot cross bun chunks.
Learn the basics by watching our video on how to make hot cross buns, then discover three ways to flavour hot cross buns, Easter baking recipes, the best Easter cakes for kids and how to make decorated Easter eggs.
6 ways to use up leftover hot cross buns
1. Hot cross bun French toast dippers
Create a fun twist on dippy egg and soldiers with yogurt-filled chocolate eggs and even a lemon curd 'yolk'. Use leftover hot cross buns to make a French-toast style dipper for dunking. Discover more French toast ideas.
2. Chocolate hot cross bun bread & butter pudding
One for the chocoholics: these hot cross buns are slathered with chocolate spread and covered in a chocolate custard for a rich sweet treat. Serving 10 to 12, it's also an easy dessert for entertaining. If you have any leftover hot cross buns, try our hot cross bun lemon pudding, too.
3. Hot cross bun & butter pudding
Are you a fan of a classic bread & butter pudding? If so, you'll love this decadent twist that uses up hot cross buns. It's a nifty way to use up any Easter leftovers, plus you'll get to enjoy the delicately spiced hot cross flavour in a different form. You can make this pudding a day ahead – ideal if you've got guests coming over. Discover our top 10 bread and butter pudding ideas.
4. Hot cross bun bacon butties
Take your bacon sandwich to the next level for Easter weekend by swapping bread for a hot cross bun. It's an indulgent, treat-yourself breakfast which is ready in just 15 minutes. The combination of sweet and savoury makes this a great spring brunch. See more Easter brunch recipes.
5. Air fryer hot cross bun brownie
Looking for more air fryer recipes? We've given brownies a delicious Easter twist with hot cross bun chunks. Feel free to add any additions you like, too – marzipan, chopped nuts and crystallised stem ginger work well. Try our 10 best brownie recipes if you're a fan of this chocolatey treat.
6. Hot cross bread & lemon pudding
Try this zesty spin on traditional bread and butter pudding for a family-friendly spring bake. It's a brilliant bake for those who like lemon-flavoured desserts, using both lemon curd and lemon zest. Serve warm from the oven spread with a dollop cream or vanilla ice cream, if you like. See our best-ever lemon dessert recipes.
Find more Easter baking inspiration...
Our best hot cross buns recipes
Hot cross buns – recipes and tips
Paul Hollywood: How to make the best hot cross buns
Top 10 Easter bread recipes
Top 10 showstopping Easter bakes
Top 5 next level simnel cake recipes
Thought of any more inventive ideas with hot cross buns? Leave a comment below...
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Comments, questions and tips (3)
MCP
Is there a recipe for proper traditional hot cross buns? I don't want hot cross cookies or vegan or chilli hot cross buns, I want traditional spicy ones.
goodfoodteam
'Hot cross buns' (bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/hot-cross-buns-2)
Or
'Classic hot cross buns' (bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/classic-hot-cross-buns)
Cozee0
Sedish semla hot cross buns. Slice the top off the bun, scoop out some bread from the inside and fill with almond paste top with whipped cream, replace the top and serve!
evil_angelwings
OMG, yes! I need to do this! Thanks for the tip!
CBiancaL
Nice post, good ideas!! Thanx
Cozee0
Swedish semla - sorry
