Hot Cross BunVanilla Slice

Ingredients:

For the Hot Cross Bun Base:

  • 4 Hot Cross Buns
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Vanilla Custard Filling:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (icing sugar)
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk or water
  • Additional Hot Cross Bun for decoration (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking dish or pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. For the Hot Cross Bun Base:
    • Slice the Hot Cross Buns horizontally to create top and bottom halves.
    • Place the bottom halves of the buns in the prepared baking dish, cut-side up.
    • Brush the melted butter over the cut sides of the buns.
  3. Bake the Hot Cross Bun base in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the buns are slightly toasted. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
  4. For the Vanilla Custard Filling:
    • In a medium saucepan, heat the whole milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and creamy.
    • Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
    • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly.
  5. Pour the prepared custard over the toasted Hot Cross Bun base in the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  6. For the Topping:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk or water until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed to achieve a pourable glaze.
    • Drizzle the glaze over the top of the custard layer.
  7. If desired, decorate the top of the Hot Cross Bun Vanilla Slice with additional Hot Cross Bun pieces.
  8. Refrigerate the assembled Vanilla Slice for at least 2-3 hours, or until the custard is set.
  9. Once set, remove the Vanilla Slice from the refrigerator and use the parchment paper or foil overhang to lift it out of the baking dish. Place it on a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles.
  10. Serve the Hot Cross Bun Vanilla Slice chilled and enjoy!

This delightful dessert combines the flavors of traditional Hot Cross Buns with creamy vanilla custard for a delicious treat perfect for Easter or any occasion.

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