If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a traditional Easter favorite, this Quick and Easy Easter Hot Cross Bun French Toast Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the spiced sweetness of hot cross buns with the crispy, custardy goodness of French toast creates a breakfast that’s both comforting and festive. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with minimal fuss, maximum flavor, and a touch of indulgence that everyone will love. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe long after Easter has passed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three plates of French toast are shown on a white marbled surface, each plate holding two browned slices with powdered sugar dusted on top; two plates have white with yellow stripes while one is solid yellow. Each plate is decorated with scattered fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries around the toast. There are two hot cross buns placed on white plates with napkins nearby. A red bowl filled with whipped cream is visible, along with a heart-shaped red bowl full of mixed berries. A golden fork is placed near two of the plates. The scene is bright with many loose strawberries and blueberries spread around, set on an orange tiled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simplicity and the careful balance of flavors each ingredient brings. From the rich texture of eggs to the warm spices, every item is essential in crafting this irresistible dish.

4 Large Eggs: They create the custardy base that makes the French toast tender and rich.
100 ml Whole Milk: Adds creaminess to the egg mixture, enhancing the texture.
60 g Caster Sugar: Sweetens the egg mixture without overpowering the spiced bun flavors.
0.25 tsp Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the overall taste.
4 Hot Cross Buns: The star ingredient, delivering that signature sweet spice and fruitiness.
2 tsp Sunflower Oil: Perfect for frying without overpowering the flavor or browning too quickly.
50 g Caster Sugar: Combined with cinnamon, it creates a crunchy coating for the French toast slices.
1 tsp Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm spice to the sugar coating, complementing the buns.
90 g Greek Yoghurt: The base for a creamy, tangy maple dip that pairs beautifully.
2 tbsp Maple Syrup: Sweetens the yoghurt dip, adding a luscious, sticky finish.

How to Make Quick and Easy Easter Hot Cross Bun French Toast Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Egg Mixture

Start by cracking the large eggs into a large bowl and whisking them together with whole milk, caster sugar, and a pinch of salt. This simple mixture is the foundation for your French toast, giving it that irresistible custard texture that’s soft on the inside and perfectly golden on the outside.

Step 2: Slice the Hot Cross Buns

Take your hot cross buns and slice each one vertically into four even pieces. This ensures each slice soaks up just the right amount of egg mixture and crisps up beautifully in the pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl large enough for tossing your fried slices, combine caster sugar and ground cinnamon. This sweet and spicy coating will add a delightful crunch and flavor that boosts the French toast to the next level.

Step 4: Make the Maple Yoghurt Dip

Mix Greek yoghurt with maple syrup until smooth, then cover and refrigerate it until serving time. This dip delivers a fresh, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced French toast that is utterly addictive.

Step 5: Heat the Pan and Oil

Warm the sunflower oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Using sunflower oil helps achieve that golden crust while keeping the flavors clean and light.

Step 6: Soak the Bun Slices

Dunk each hot cross bun slice into the egg mixture, soaking each side for a few seconds. Let the excess drip back into the bowl to avoid soggy pieces, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.

Step 7: Fry the French Toast

Place the soaked slices in the hot pan and fry for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Watch as they transform into crispy, golden-brown delights that fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Step 8: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar

Once cooked, immediately toss the warm French toast slices in your cinnamon sugar mix. This step seals in the crunch and flavor, making every bite irresistible.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your hot cross bun French toast warm alongside the chilled maple yoghurt dip and feel free to add some fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness. This finishing touch balances the richness beautifully.

How to Serve Quick and Easy Easter Hot Cross Bun French Toast Recipe

The image shows two white plates with yellow striped patterns filled with three slices of brown French toast dusted with powdered sugar on each plate, surrounded by fresh raspberries, blueberries, and sliced strawberries with green leaves. In the center, there is a plain bright yellow plate holding two pieces of French toast, decorated with a few blueberries and raspberries, and a couple of strawberry slices on the side. Scattered around the plates are whole strawberries and blueberries, as well as three round hot cross buns with white icing crosses on top. A small metal fork rests on the yellow plate. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the presentation and flavor with garnishes like freshly sliced strawberries, blueberries, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a delicate sweetness and a beautiful finish.

Side Dishes

Pair this French toast with crispy bacon or savory sausages if you want a savory balance, or keep it sweet and light with a side of fresh fruit salad or stewed apples. The versatility lets you customize your breakfast or brunch experience with ease.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stack the French toast slices into mini towers drizzled with extra maple syrup or yoghurt, or arrange them in a circle with the maple dip in the center for a beautiful communal sharing platter that’s perfect for family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two days, allowing you to enjoy that comforting flavor without the need to cook fresh every time.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked hot cross bun French toast slices by laying them flat on a baking tray to freeze individually, then transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to a month, making them a convenient grab-and-go breakfast option.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated slices in a toaster oven or under a grill to regain that crispiness without drying them out. Avoid the microwave as it can make them soggy and less enjoyable.

FAQs

Can I use other types of buns instead of hot cross buns?

Absolutely! While hot cross buns provide a unique spiced flavor, you can experiment with cinnamon rolls, brioche, or even challah for different but equally delicious results.

Is it okay to use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat milk if you prefer, but whole milk adds richness and helps create that perfect custard texture essential for the best French toast experience.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the whole milk for almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free yoghurt alternative for the maple dip. The flavors will still be wonderful and satisfying.

What’s the best way to prevent soggy French toast?

Soak your bun slices just long enough to absorb the egg mixture without over-saturating—usually a few seconds per side—and make sure your pan is hot enough to crisp them quickly.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the egg mixture and the cinnamon sugar in advance, as well as the maple yoghurt dip. Keep everything refrigerated until you’re ready to fry the French toast for freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about this Quick and Easy Easter Hot Cross Bun French Toast Recipe that makes it perfect for special occasions or simply as a weekend treat. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it brings warmth, flavor, and joy to the table in every bite. I truly encourage you to give it a try—it just might become your new holiday breakfast favorite!