Delicious Ways to Enjoy Hot Cross Buns: 6 Recipes You’ll Love

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Hot Cross Buns: 6 Recipes You’ll Love

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Hot Cross Buns: 6 Recipes You’ll Love

Warm, Friendly, and Straight from Our Little Bakery Kitchen

Hot Cross Buns have always been a sign of spring around here—soft, gently spiced, dotted with fruit, and filled with the kind of old-fashioned comfort that has a way of bringing everyone back to the table. They’re wonderful on their own, of course, but they also make the perfect base for simple, memorable recipes at home.

If you’ve ever wondered what to serve with Hot Cross Buns or how to use leftover Hot Cross Buns, we’ve put together six cozy, bakery-tested ideas that turn these seasonal favorites into something truly special.

Each recipe is easy, family-friendly, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing.

 

1. Hot Cross Bun French Toast (Customer Favorite!)

Why it’s perfect:
Warm, custardy, lightly crisp on the outside, and fragrant with cinnamon and spice — this is the ultimate use for Hot Cross Buns.

Ingredients

  • 4 Hot Cross Buns, halved

  • 3 eggs

  • ½ cup milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ½ tsp cinnamon

  • Butter for the pan

  • Maple syrup, powdered sugar, or berries for serving

Instructions

  1. Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.

  2. Dip each bun half into the mixture, letting it soak for 10–15 seconds.

  3. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

  4. Cook bun halves for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.

  5. Serve warm with syrup, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

 

2. Hot Cross Bun Bread Pudding

Why it’s perfect:
This recipe transforms leftover buns into a warm dessert that feels like a hug.

Ingredients

  • 6 Hot Cross Buns, torn into pieces

  • 2 cups milk

  • 3 eggs

  • ½ cup sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • ½ tsp cinnamon

  • Optional: raisins or chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8 baking dish.

  2. Add torn buns to the dish.

  3. Whisk milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour over buns.

  4. Let sit 10 minutes so the bread absorbs the custard.

  5. Bake 35–40 minutes until set and slightly golden.

  6. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

 

3. Hot Cross Bun Breakfast Sandwich

Why it’s perfect:
A fun sweet-and-savory twist that works beautifully for brunch.

Ingredients

  • 2 Hot Cross Buns

  • 2 eggs (fried or scrambled)

  • Ham or crispy bacon

  • Slice of cheddar, Swiss, or Havarti

  • Butter for toasting

Instructions

  1. Slice buns and toast lightly with butter.

  2. Layer egg, ham or bacon, and cheese.

  3. Close the sandwich and warm for 1–2 minutes in a skillet to melt the cheese.

  4. Serve immediately.

 

4. Hot Cross Buns with Honey Butter & Whipped Ricotta

Why it’s perfect:
Simple, elegant, and quick — wonderful for afternoon tea.

Ingredients

  • Hot Cross Buns

  • ½ cup ricotta

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 1 tsp lemon zest

  • Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Mix ricotta, honey, lemon zest, and cinnamon.

  2. Slice buns and toast lightly.

  3. Spread ricotta mixture on warm buns.

  4. Add a drizzle of honey before serving.

 

5. Hot Cross Bun Ice Cream Sandwiches

Why it’s perfect:
A fun, unexpected treat the whole family will love.

Ingredients

  • Hot Cross Buns

  • Vanilla, cinnamon, or butter pecan ice cream

  • Caramel or chocolate sauce

Instructions

  1. Slice buns in half.

  2. Add a scoop of ice cream inside.

  3. Drizzle with caramel or chocolate.

  4. Freeze 10 minutes before serving for a firmer sandwich.

 

6. Cream Cheese & Apricot Spread on Hot Cross Buns

Why it’s perfect:
A bright, springlike pairing that enhances the spiced flavors of the buns.

Ingredients

  • Hot Cross Buns

  • 4 oz cream cheese

  • 3 tbsp apricot preserves

  • Optional: chopped dried apricots

Instructions

  1. Mix cream cheese with apricot preserves.

  2. Toast buns lightly.

  3. Spread generously and enjoy.

 

BONUS Recipe: Hot Cross Buns with Spiced Orange Marmalade Spread

Why it’s perfect:
This one is bright, citrusy, and just a little bit nostalgic. The warm spices and orange marmalade play really nicely with the gentle spice in the Hot Cross Buns.

Ingredients

  • Hot Cross Buns

  • ½ cup orange marmalade

  • 1–2 tbsp orange juice (just enough to loosen it slightly)

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • ¼ tsp cinnamon

  • Pinch of nutmeg or clove (optional, for extra warmth)

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine orange marmalade, orange juice, butter, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg/clove.

  2. Stir gently until the mixture is melted, glossy, and slightly thinned. You want it spreadable, not runny—add a tiny splash more orange juice if needed.

  3. Slice and lightly toast the Hot Cross Buns.

  4. Spoon or brush the warm spiced orange marmalade over the cut sides of the buns.

  5. Serve right away while everything is still warm and fragrant.

 

Which Recipe Should You Try First?

Honestly? You can’t go wrong with any of them. Our customers love the Hot Cross Bun French Toast the most, but the bread pudding and breakfast sandwich are close favorites around here too.

Hot Cross Buns come around only once a year — so why not make the most of them?

Whether you’re treating yourself, cooking for family, or planning a spring brunch, these recipes bring warm flavors and old-fashioned comfort to your kitchen.

If you make any of them, we’d love to hear how they turned out!