Description
This No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that transforms leftover hot cross buns into a festive treat. Combining chopped buns with dried fruit, dark chocolate, and a creamy peanut butter and condensed milk mixture, it’s chilled until firm and finished with an optional white chocolate cross drizzle for that iconic Easter touch. Perfect for a quick, no-bake dessert or a creative way to use up hot cross buns.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 hot cross buns (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup dried mixed fruit
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
Binding Mixture
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping
- White chocolate (for cross drizzle)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to allow for easy removal of the set slice later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the roughly chopped hot cross buns, dried mixed fruit, and chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution.
- Heat the Binding Mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently stir together sweetened condensed milk, smooth peanut butter, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Warm the mixture until smooth and well combined, but be careful not to let it boil.
- Combine and Coat: Pour the warm condensed milk and peanut butter mixture over the dry bun mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly, creating a sticky, cohesive mixture.
- Press Mixture Into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or clean hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly, smoothing the surface for an even set.
- Chill Until Firm: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the slice is set and firm to the touch.
- Add White Chocolate Drizzle: Once chilled, melt white chocolate gently in a microwave or double boiler. Use a piping bag or spoon to drizzle a cross pattern over the top for a festive Easter decoration (optional).
- Slice and Serve: Lift the slice out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares. Serve chilled and enjoy this easy, no-bake dessert.
Notes
- Use leftover hot cross buns to avoid waste and add a rich, spiced flavor.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or omit nut butter altogether; increase condensed milk slightly to compensate.
- Dark chocolate chips can be substituted with milk chocolate or white chocolate according to preference.
- Ensure the mixture is well pressed in the pan to help it hold together once set.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
