This Raspberry Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Pudding is a festive dessert twist that’s as comforting as it is indulgent. Made with soft, chocolate-studded buns, tart raspberries, and a rich custard base, it’s the ultimate way to transform leftover Easter treats into something unforgettable. Every bite delivers a warm hug of flavors—sweet, fruity, creamy, and decadent.
Perfect for a family celebration, weekend brunch, or cozy holiday dinner, this baked pudding is quick to prepare and delivers a “wow” factor at the table. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, adding a chill contrast to the warm, gooey center. It’s a dish that says “gather ‘round” and makes any occasion feel extra special.
Full Recipe:
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6 chocolate hot cross buns, halved
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150g fresh raspberries
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100g dark chocolate, chopped
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300ml thickened cream
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300ml milk
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3 eggs
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1/3 cup (75g) caster sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Icing sugar, for dusting
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Vanilla ice cream or cream, to serve (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish.
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Arrange the halved hot cross buns, cut-side up, in the dish. Tuck raspberries and chopped chocolate between the layers.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together cream, milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Pour the custard mixture evenly over the buns, pressing down lightly to soak. Let sit for 10 minutes.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the custard is set and the top is golden.
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Dust with icing sugar and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or cream.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Magic of Turning Leftovers into Luxurious Desserts
Easter brings with it a bounty of baked goods, and one of the most iconic among them is the humble hot cross bun. Traditionally enjoyed toasted with a pat of butter, these spiced, fruit-studded rolls are often purchased in abundance and, by the end of the holiday weekend, may sit untouched in the breadbox. That’s where the beauty of this Raspberry Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Pudding comes into play. Rather than letting those buns go to waste, this recipe transforms them into a rich, custard-soaked dessert that feels both nostalgic and elevated.
This pudding celebrates the ethos of zero-waste cooking while delivering indulgent results. It’s also a reminder that great desserts don’t always require fancy techniques or hard-to-source ingredients—just a little imagination and a love of good food.
What Makes This Pudding So Special
What sets this pudding apart from other bread-based desserts is its combination of flavors and textures. The chocolate hot cross buns provide a deep, spiced foundation, while fresh raspberries add a burst of tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness. The chopped dark chocolate adds richness, melting into pockets of gooey, bittersweet surprise. All of it is bound together by a creamy vanilla custard that soaks into every crevice of the buns before being baked to golden perfection.
As it bakes, the top turns crisp and caramelized, while the inside remains soft and luscious—reminiscent of a French pain perdu (aka, fancy baked French toast) but with a distinctly festive flair.
Why It Works for Any Occasion
Although it originated from the idea of using up Easter leftovers, Raspberry Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Pudding is by no means limited to a specific season. In fact, it’s a dessert that suits brunch tables, cozy winter dinners, and even holiday celebrations throughout the year. With minor tweaks—such as swapping raspberries for cherries in winter or adding orange zest for a citrus kick—it’s endlessly adaptable.
It also travels well, making it a solid option for potlucks or community events. And since the buns are already seasoned and enriched, the preparation time is cut down significantly compared to other from-scratch desserts.
A Delicious Marriage of Tradition and Modern Taste
Hot cross buns date back centuries, associated with British Easter traditions and often spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and studded with raisins or currants. Over time, bakers have gotten creative, and chocolate hot cross buns are now a staple in many bakeries and supermarkets. This modern take infuses a classic recipe with indulgent cocoa notes, making it more appealing to a broader audience, especially chocolate lovers.
Pairing this tradition with another beloved dessert format—bread pudding—bridges generations. It honors the past while appealing to contemporary palates, especially when you consider the now-popular pairing of fruit and dark chocolate in gourmet cuisine.
The Role of Custard: Comfort in Every Bite
The custard in this pudding is key. It’s made with a simple blend of cream, milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla, yet its transformation in the oven is nothing short of magical. When poured over the buns and allowed to soak in, it begins to soften and bind the ingredients together. During baking, it thickens gently, setting into a silky texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisped bun tops.
This custard component makes the dish feel luxurious, giving it that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth experience that elevates the entire dessert. The richness of the cream and the natural sweetness from the buns mean you don’t need to go overboard with added sugar, keeping the overall flavor profile balanced.
Texture: The Art of Contrast
One of the most compelling reasons this dessert works so well is the variety of textures in every bite. The buns themselves offer a slightly chewy, spongy base. When soaked in custard and baked, their interiors turn soft and almost cake-like. Meanwhile, the tops and exposed edges crisp up and caramelize, delivering that satisfying crunch.
The melted chocolate oozes through the pudding in some places, giving you those delightful moments of indulgence. The raspberries, softened during baking, retain just enough of their form to add bursts of juice and a hint of tartness. Together, these elements create a dish that is far greater than the sum of its parts.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
This pudding is delicious on its own, but serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level. The contrast between the hot, gooey pudding and the cold, creamy ice cream creates a sensory experience that’s hard to beat. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of pouring cream can complement the richness without overshadowing the flavors.
For those who love a boozy kick, a splash of dark rum or orange liqueur in the custard base can add an extra layer of complexity. A dusting of icing sugar or a grating of dark chocolate over the top adds a visually appealing finish.
This dessert also pairs well with a strong cup of coffee or espresso, making it an ideal brunch centerpiece. Or serve it after dinner with a dessert wine or fortified wine like tawny port.
Tips and Tricks for Getting It Just Right
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Use day-old or slightly stale buns: Fresher buns can become too mushy. A slightly dry bun soaks up the custard better without collapsing.
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Don’t rush the soak time: Letting the buns sit in the custard for at least 10 minutes ensures a uniform texture.
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Play with your chocolate: Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate chunks, or even add white chocolate for contrast.
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Try different berries: If raspberries are out of season or too expensive, consider blueberries, blackberries, or even sliced strawberries.
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Make it ahead: You can assemble the pudding the night before and bake it fresh in the morning. It holds up well and actually benefits from a longer soaking time.
A Kid-Friendly Dessert Adults Will Also Love
This recipe is a favorite among families because it appeals to both kids and adults. The chocolate and custard combo makes it an instant hit with children, while the subtle complexity from the fruit and spices keeps grown-up taste buds intrigued.
It’s also a fantastic recipe to make with kids. From tearing the buns to scattering raspberries and chocolate chunks, little hands can get involved at almost every step—just keep an eye on them around the custard and oven!
Storage and Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, but possible), this pudding keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze portions, although the texture of the custard may change slightly upon thawing.
To refresh leftovers, try drizzling a little cream or milk over the top before reheating. This helps restore moisture and prevent drying out.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Simplicity and Flavor
Raspberry Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Pudding is one of those rare desserts that feels like a celebration, even when it’s born from leftovers. It’s a recipe that combines tradition, practicality, and indulgence—all baked into one comforting dish. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, use up seasonal buns, or simply treat yourself on a cozy evening in, this dessert hits the mark.
What’s most beautiful about it is its balance: the richness of chocolate, the freshness of berries, the warmth of custard, and the texture of baked bread. It’s familiar yet exciting, nostalgic yet contemporary. Above all, it’s proof that the best recipes are often the simplest—made with love, intention, and a few good ingredients.