Hot Cross Bun French Toast Recipe — Spiced Spring Brunch
✨ This hot cross bun French toast transformed my Easter brunch! Crispy exterior, custardy center, with warm spices that fill your kitchen 🥞🐰
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- Hot cross buns (preferably one day old) 8 pieces
- Large eggs 4 pieces
- Whole milk 1.5 cups
- Heavy cream 0.25 cup
- Fresh strawberries, sliced 1 cup
- Unsalted butter (for frying) 4 tbsp
- Powdered sugar (for dusting) 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
- Pure vanilla extract 1 tsp
- Cinnamon 0.5 tsp
- Fresh lemon zest 1 tsp
- Ground nutmeg 0.25 tsp
- Salt 0.25 tsp
- Maple syrup (for serving) 0.5 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
48 g
58%
Protein
8 g
10%
Fat
11 g
32%
Cooking steps
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1
Slice hot cross buns horizontally so you have top and bottom halves. Arrange them in a single layer in a large baking dish for easy soaking.
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2
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, vanilla, cinnamon, lemon zest, nutmeg, and salt until well blended. This custard brings cozy spring spice and Easter brightness.
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3
Pour the custard over the buns, ensuring all pieces soak for 10–15 minutes, flipping once for thorough absorption. Tip: Soft buns create a creamy interior, perfect for Easter brunch.
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4
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp butter. Cook soaked buns in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden-brown and set. Add more butter as needed.
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5
Plate the French toast, drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh strawberries. For an Easter flourish, add edible spring flowers or pastel-colored sprinkles.
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6
Optional spring tip: Warm finished slices in a low 250°F oven for 10 minutes to serve the whole tray hot together, great for family gatherings.
Personalized Q&A
Q. What makes this Hot Cross Bun French Toast perfect for Easter brunch?
This recipe transforms traditional hot cross buns, an iconic Easter bread, into a festive French toast layered with seasonal spices and served with spring strawberries. The cross design embodies Easter symbolism, while the recipe's pastel presentation and spring flavors make it a holiday favorite.
Q. Will kids love this Easter brunch treat?
Absolutely! The soft, sweet hot cross buns, dusting of powdered sugar, and colorful strawberry topping make this French toast both tasty and fun. Kids can help with assembly or decorating, making it a delightful family experience.
Q. Can I prepare this Hot Cross Bun French Toast ahead of time?
Yes—assemble the buns and soak them in the custard mixture the night before, then cover and refrigerate. On Easter morning, simply fry or bake as directed and serve warm for a stress-free holiday brunch.
Q. How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of Hot Cross Bun French Toast is approximately 330 kcal, with 48g carbohydrates, 8g protein, and 11g fat. This balance makes it a moderately indulgent brunch centerpiece.
Q. Can I make this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes! For gluten-free, use gluten-free hot cross buns. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based milk and cream, and use dairy-free butter. The spiced custard and festive presentation will still shine.
