Easter Treats Reinvented: Hot Cross Buns And Homemade Ice Cream!

Last Updated on August 29, 2024 by Cherie

Discover the ultimate Easter indulgence with our reinvented treats – Hot Cross Buns and Homemade Ice Cream! Learn how to take these Traditional Easter Favourites and transform them with Homemade Ice Cream.

As Easter approaches, we are reminded of very many traditions, however, there is one culinary tradition that stands out amidst the festivities and that is the pleasure of enjoying Hot Cross Buns.

These spiced, fruity buns have long been cherished for their comforting aroma and rich flavour, very much symbolising the essence of the season. With their origins dating back centuries, Hot Cross Buns hold a special place in culinary Easter celebrations, representing renewal and celebration.

Being the experimentalists that we are here at Frosted Fusions, we want to share with you an exciting twist on this timeless treat: Hot Cross Buns and Ice Cream. You’ll be pleasantly surprised just how well these two desserts merge together!

Imagine the warmth of freshly toasted buns, infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried fruit, paired with the cool creaminess of artisanal ice cream. It’s a modern take on a classic indulgence, blending tradition with innovation to create a dessert experience that’s truly unforgettable.

Let us share with you our reinvented Easter treats and show you how you can learn to create this delicious fusion of Hot Cross Buns and Homemade Ice Cream. Get ready to elevate your taste buds and celebrate the season in style with this deliciously unexpected pairing.

A Little History of Hot Cross Buns:

Hot Cross Buns have a rich history dating back centuries and are deeply intertwined with religious and cultural traditions.

Origins:

The origins of Hot Cross Buns are believed to have originated in England during the Middle Ages. The earliest recorded reference to “hot cross buns” can be traced back to the 18th century. These buns were traditionally baked and enjoyed on Good Friday, marking the end of Lent and the beginning of the Easter weekend.

Symbolic Significance:

Hot Cross Buns are more than just delicious treats; they hold deep symbolic significance in Christian tradition. The cross on top of each bun represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, with the spices symbolising the spices used to embalm his body. As such, Hot Cross Buns have become synonymous with Good Friday and Easter, serving as a reminder of the sacrifice made by Jesus and the celebration of his resurrection.

Cultural Traditions:

Over the centuries, Hot Cross Buns have become ingrained in cultural traditions across the world. In addition to their religious significance, they are also associated with superstitions and beliefs. It was once believed that a Hot Cross Bun baked on Good Friday would never go stale and could ward off evil spirits if hung in the home. Today, Hot Cross Buns are enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and beliefs, both as a symbol of Easter and as a delicious treat to be shared with loved ones.

Hot Cross Buns are more than just a tasty snack; they are a symbol of faith, tradition, and community. As we enjoy these spiced, fruity buns during the Easter season, let us reflect on their rich history and significance, and appreciate the connections they forge across generations and cultures.

Making Your Own Hot Cross Buns!

Of course, you can easily purchase some Hot Cross Buns from the supermarkets. At this time of the year, Hot Cross Buns are presented on every aisle end, and by the tills – you simply cannot miss them, but if you fancy giving them a go yourself, from scratch and having the satisfaction of creating a delish homemade treat from beginning to end, then follow our easy-to-follow method for creating delicious Hot cross Buns:

Here’s a traditional Hot Cross Buns recipe:

Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 500g strong bread flour
• 50g caster sugar
• 7g fast-action dried yeast
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 50g unsalted butter, melted
• 200ml milk, lukewarm
• 2 medium eggs, beaten
• 150g mixed dried fruit (such as currants, sultanas, and candied peel)
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Cross:

• 75g plain flour
• Water, to mix

For the Glaze:

• 3 tbsp apricot jam
• 2 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, caster sugar, yeast, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
2. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and add the melted butter, lukewarm milk, and beaten eggs. Mix until a rough dough forms.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10-12 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the kneaded dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean tea towel, and leave to rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Once risen, punch down the dough to deflate it, then knead in the mixed dried fruit, orange zest, and lemon zest until evenly distributed.
6. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball. Place the balls of dough onto a lined baking tray, leaving space between each bun.
7. Cover the buns with a clean tea towel and leave to rise for a further 30-45 minutes, or until slightly puffed up.
8. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or Gas Mark 6.
9. For the cross, mix the plain flour with enough water to form a thick paste. Transfer the paste to a piping bag fitted with a small nozzle and pipe crosses onto the risen buns.
10. Bake the buns in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
11. While the buns are baking, prepare the glaze by heating the apricot jam and water in a small saucepan until melted and combined.
12. Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and brush them with the warm apricot glaze.
13. Allow the buns to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm or toasted with butter.

These homemade Hot Cross Buns are a delicious, traditional Easter treat, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Indulge in Reinvented Easter Traditions: Hot Cross Buns and Ice Cream!

Now you have prepared your Hot Cross Buns (if you bought them from the shops, you can pretend you’ve achieved all the above!) Let’s present a handful of suggestions on how these can be combined with Homemade Ice Cream.

• Hot Cross Bun Swirl Ice Cream: Break toasted hot cross buns into small pieces and fold them into a base ice cream mixture (such as vanilla or cinnamon-flavoured). The bun pieces will infuse the ice cream with their warm, spiced flavours and add additional texture.
• Hot Cross Bun Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice hot cross buns in half and sandwich a scoop of ice cream between the halves. This creates a delicious contrast between the warm, soft bun and the cold, creamy ice cream. Roll the edges of the ice cream in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
• Hot Cross Bun Ice Cream Sundaes: Toast hot cross bun halves and use them as a base for ice cream sundaes. Top each bun half with a scoop of ice cream, then drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce and sprinkle with chopped nuts or dried fruit. The warm bun provides a comforting contrast to the cold ice cream and adds depth of flavour to the sundae.
• Hot Cross Bun Ice Cream Pie: Crush toasted hot cross buns into crumbs and press them into a pie dish to form a crust. Fill the crust with layers of ice cream and freeze until set. Serve slices of the pie with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delightful Easter dessert.
• Hot Cross Bun Ice Cream Floats: Instead of using soda or fizzy drinks, float scoops of ice cream in glasses of spiced tea or hot chocolate made with hot cross bun-flavoured syrup. The warm beverage will melt the ice cream slightly, creating a comforting and flavourful drink reminiscent of Easter treats.

The key is to experiment and have fun combining the classic flavours of hot cross buns with the creamy goodness of ice cream in creative ways!

Hot Cross Bun Swirl Ice Cream:

We’ve listed a few ideas for bringing these two flavour profiles together. Let us now show you in greater detail how you can recreate a Hot Cross Bun Swirl Ice Cream.

This is our favourite of the suggestions listed above, mainly because of the depth of Hot Cross Bun flavour that is imparted into your Ice Cream by using this process. Follow along to learn how to make this delicious dessert.

Ingredients:

• 500ml double cream
• 300ml whole milk
• 150g caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 Hot Cross Buns
• Optional: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

• Begin by toasting the Hot Cross Buns until they are lightly golden brown. Allow them to cool completely.
• Once cooled, roughly chop the Hot Cross Buns into small pieces. You can also tear them apart for a more rustic texture.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the double cream, whole milk, caster sugar, and vanilla extract. If desired, add ground cinnamon for an extra layer of flavour.
• Whisk the mixture until the sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
• Pour the ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
  • NB: If you don’t own an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe, you simply pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Please also check out our post – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker – to learn more.
• While the ice cream is churning, add the chopped Hot Cross Bun pieces gradually into the mixture. This will allow them to evenly distribute throughout the ice cream.
• Once the ice cream reaches the desired consistency, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and swirl in any remaining Hot Cross Bun pieces.
• Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
• When ready to serve, scoop the Hot Cross Bun Swirl Ice Cream into bowls or cones and enjoy the warm, spiced flavours infused throughout the creamy dessert.

This Hot Cross Bun Swirl Ice Cream is a delicious way to enjoy the classic flavours of Easter in a cool and refreshing Ice Cream treat. Serve it on its own or alongside warm Hot Cross Buns for the ultimate Easter indulgence.

Enhancing Your Hot Cross Bun and Ice Cream Pairing:

Complementary Flavours and Textures:

Pairing Hot Cross Buns with ice cream creates a textural dessert experience that tantalises the taste buds and satisfies the senses by combining the warm, spicy buns and cold, creamy ice cream that is sure to satisfy any palate. The warm, fragrant spices of Hot Cross Buns, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, perfectly complement the creamy sweetness of ice cream. The soft, pillowy texture of the buns contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety texture of the ice cream, creating a harmonious blend of sensations with each bite.

Suggested Ice Cream Flavours:

When it comes to selecting ice cream flavours to pair with Hot Cross Buns, the options are endless. Here are some delicious suggestions to consider:

1. Vanilla: The classic flavour of vanilla ice cream provides a neutral base that allows the warm spices of the Hot Cross Buns to shine through. Its creamy sweetness enhances the overall experience without overpowering the delicate flavours of the buns.
2. Cinnamon: For an extra dose of warmth and spice, opt for cinnamon-flavoured ice cream. The aromatic notes of cinnamon complement the spiced flavours of the buns, creating a harmonious fusion of taste sensations.
3. Caramel: Indulge your sweet tooth with caramel-flavoured ice cream, which adds a rich, buttery sweetness to the dessert. The caramel notes enhance the overall richness of the pairing, making it an indulgent treat for any occasion.
4. Ginger: For a zesty twist on the classic pairing, try ginger-flavoured ice cream. The fiery warmth of ginger adds depth and complexity to the dessert, creating a unique flavour profile that is sure to impress.
5. Rum and Raisin: Elevate your dessert experience with rum and raisin ice cream, which features plump raisins soaked in rum for added depth of flavour. The boozy sweetness of the ice cream complements the fruity notes of the buns, creating a decadent and satisfying indulgence.

Experiment with different ice cream flavours to discover your perfect pairing with Hot Cross Buns. Whether you prefer classic combinations or bold new flavours, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating delicious desserts with this iconic Easter treat.

Additional Toppings Suggestions:

To elevate the flavour and texture of your Hot Cross Bun and Ice Cream pairing, consider adding some additional toppings. Here are some great options to enhance your Easter dessert experience:

1. Whipped Cream: Dollop a generous serving of freshly whipped cream on top of your ice cream and Hot Cross Bun combination for an extra creamy indulgence.
2. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the ice cream and Hot Cross Buns for a sweet and gooey treat that adds depth of flavour.
3. Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, over the dessert for a crunchy contrast to the soft bun and creamy ice cream.
4. Dried Fruit: Add a handful of chopped dried fruit, such as apricots, raisins, or cranberries, for a burst of sweetness and chewiness.
5. Chocolate Shavings: Grate or shave dark, milk, or white chocolate over the dessert to add a touch of decadence and richness.
6. Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle a small amount of honey or maple syrup over the dessert for a natural sweetness that complements the spiced flavours of the Hot Cross Buns.
7. Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the ice cream and Hot Cross Buns for an extra dose of warmth and spice.
8. Fresh Fruit: Top your dessert with fresh fruit slices or berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas, for a refreshing and vibrant addition.

Experiment with different combinations of toppings to create your own signature Hot Cross Bun and Ice Cream masterpiece. Whether you prefer classic flavours or bold combinations, there’s no limit to the delicious possibilities!

Tips for Serving and Enjoying:

The pairing of Hot Cross Buns with ice cream offers a modern twist on a traditional Easter treat, blending warm, spiced flavours with cool, creamy indulgence. By embracing the rich history and cultural significance of Hot Cross Buns while adding your own unique twist with ice cream, you can create delicious desserts that are sure to impress.

And remember, by making your own, you can add your own touches and fun. Get the kids involved in decorating their own Hot Cross Buns and allowing their creativity to flow.

Whether enjoying classic combinations or experimenting with bold flavours, the possibilities for Easter indulgence are endless.

So why not gather friends and family, try out these recipes, share the joy of this unique fusion of flavours during the Easter holiday and celebrate the season with delicious treats and unforgettable memories?

We hope that you have enjoyed our article on reinventing Easter Treats by combining Hot Cross Buns And Homemade Ice Cream.

If you have any questions, please do drop us a comment below and if you do give any of our ideas a try, we would love to hear how you get on.

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