6 ways to use up leftover hot cross buns

6 ways to use up leftover hot cross buns

1. Hot cross bun French toast dippers

Hot cross bun French toast dippers next to chocolate eggs filled with yogurt and lemon curd 'yolk'

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

Baking dish of chocolate hot cross bun bread and 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

Baking dish of hot cross bun bread and butter pudding with a chunk missing and a spoon in it

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

Hot cross bun bread and butter pudding in a baking dish

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.