If you love the warm spices and fruity bursts of traditional hot cross buns but fancy something a bit different and refreshingly simple, this No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a delightful no-fuss treat that captures all the cozy flavors of hot cross buns in a luscious slice, without ever turning on the oven. Perfectly sticky, sweet, and just a touch decadent, this slice is a fun spin that will quickly become a family favorite, especially when you want a fast, fuss-free dessert or snack that tastes like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this no-bake slice lies in its straightforward ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Each one plays a crucial role—bringing texture, spice, sweetness, and that signature hot cross bun charm to every bite.
- 4 hot cross buns (chopped into small pieces): The star of the slice, providing that beloved fruity and spiced base.
- 1½ cups crushed digestive or graham crackers: Adds a satisfying crunch and structure to hold the slice together.
- ½ cup dried mixed fruit: Raisins, currants, and sultanas pack a chewy sweetness that complements the buns perfectly.
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk: Binds everything with creamy, caramel-like richness.
- 100g white chocolate (melted): Offers a smooth, sweet drizzle that elevates the slice’s look and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and that classic hot cross bun spice.
- ½ teaspoon mixed spice: Adds complexity with nutmeg, cloves, and allspice tones.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Helps the mixture stick together and enriches the flavor.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for icing): Sweetens the decorative cross topping beautifully.
- 1–2 teaspoons milk or lemon juice (for icing): Adjusts icing consistency and adds a mild tang if using lemon juice.
How to Make No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. This simple step will save you from any sticky situations later and help you lift the slice out easily when it’s set.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together your chopped hot cross buns, crushed digestive biscuits, dried mixed fruit, ground cinnamon, and mixed spice. This mixture is where all the classic hot cross bun flavors come alive, giving your slice that fragrant, fruity base.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk over the dry ingredients. Mix everything together well until the pieces are fully coated and the mixture feels sticky and holds together. This sticky magic is the secret to your slice setting beautifully without baking.
Step 4: Press Into the Pan
Transfer your mixture into the prepared pan and press it down firmly and evenly using the back of a spatula or your hands. The firmer you press, the better your slice will hold its shape when cut.
Step 5: Add White Chocolate Drizzle
Drizzle the melted white chocolate generously over the top of the slice. This adds a luscious creamy sweetness and visual appeal, making your no-bake treat even more irresistible.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Pop the slice into the fridge for at least 2 hours until completely set. Patience here gives the flavors time to meld, and ensures your slice is firm and ready to cut into perfect portions.
Step 7: Pipe the Icing Cross
Mix the powdered sugar with just enough milk or lemon juice to form a thick but pipeable icing. Using a piping bag or a small ziplock with the corner snipped off, carefully pipe a classic cross pattern onto the chilled slice. This final touch gives your slice the iconic Easter hot cross bun look.
How to Serve No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of extra cinnamon or a few whole dried fruits on top can make the slice look even more inviting. Fresh mint leaves also add a pop of green and a refreshing contrast to the slice’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
This no-bake slice pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a brunch table, serve alongside fresh fruit salads or a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt for balance and a touch of tang.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this for a festive gathering, arrange the slices on a vintage wooden board with mini Easter eggs scattered around for a charming touch. You can also cut the slice into fun shapes using cookie cutters to make them more playful for kids or party treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh and moist for up to 5 days. This makes it a convenient dessert to prepare ahead and enjoy over a few days.
Freezing
If you want to keep your no-bake hot cross bun slice longer, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Since this slice is best served chilled, simply allow frozen slices to thaw in the fridge overnight. Avoid microwaving as it may melt the white chocolate drizzle and affect texture.
FAQs
Can I use different buns for this slice?
Absolutely! While hot cross buns deliver that classic flavor, you can substitute with any spiced fruit bun or even cinnamon raisin bread for a similar effect.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! All the ingredients used in the No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice Recipe are vegetarian-friendly, making it a perfect treat for anyone following a vegetarian diet.
Can I replace the white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate?
Definitely. Using dark or milk chocolate will give your slice a richer, more intense flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the buns and spices.
How long does it take to set?
This slice needs at least 2 hours in the fridge to set properly, but leaving it overnight enhances flavor melding and helps it firm up perfectly.
Can I add nuts or marshmallows?
For extra texture and flavor, chopped nuts or mini marshmallows can be mixed into the slice before pressing it into the pan. It’s a fun way to customize the recipe to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice Recipe that makes it a joy to prepare, share, and enjoy. It’s a no-fuss, no-oven-required delight that brings all the warmth and spice of hot cross buns into a convenient, delicious slice you can whip up anytime. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated without it!
Print
No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 slices
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Australian, British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful no-bake dessert slice inspired by traditional hot cross buns, combining chopped buns, crushed biscuits, dried fruit, melted white chocolate, and warming spices. Perfect for Easter or anytime you crave a sweet, easy-to-make treat that requires no oven time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 hot cross buns, chopped into small pieces
- 1½ cups crushed digestive or graham crackers
- ½ cup dried mixed fruit (such as raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon mixed spice
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 100g (about 3.5 oz) white chocolate, melted
Icing Cross
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 teaspoons milk or lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends over the sides for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped hot cross buns, crushed biscuits, dried mixed fruit, ground cinnamon, and mixed spice, mixing to distribute spices evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter and sweetened condensed milk. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is sticky and well coated, ensuring even moisture throughout.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Firmly press it down with a spatula or your hands to compact the slice and smooth the top surface evenly.
- Add White Chocolate: Drizzle the melted white chocolate evenly over the surface of the pressed mixture to add a creamy sweetness.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours to allow the slice to set and firm up.
- Prepare the Icing Cross: Mix the powdered sugar with enough milk or lemon juice to form a thick, pipeable icing consistency.
- Pipe the Cross Pattern: Remove the slice from the fridge and, using a piping bag or a small spoon, carefully pipe the icing in a cross shape over the top.
- Serve: Cut into 16 squares or bars and serve chilled for a refreshing, spiced slice.
Notes
- For extra texture, add chopped nuts or mini marshmallows into the mixture before pressing it into the pan.
- You can substitute white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate for a richer flavor profile.
- Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
