This No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice Recipe is an absolute treasure for those who adore the comforting, spicy flavors of traditional hot cross buns but want an easier, fuss-free way to enjoy them. Imagine a luscious, chewy slice loaded with warm spices, sweet currants, and a buttery biscuit base, all without turning on your oven. This delightful slice blends all the classic tastes you love into a no-bake, fridge-set treat perfect for sharing or savoring solo. It’s simplicity and flavor rolled into one festive slice that’s sure to become a beloved staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep the recipe straightforward yet packed with classic character. Each one plays a crucial role—from the buttery crunch of the biscuit base to the sweet and warmly spiced filling, culminating in a glossy, authentic cross topping.
- Digestive biscuits, 250g: Provides the perfectly crumbly and sturdy base for the slice.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the biscuit crumbs together.
- Dried currants or raisins, 1/2 cup: Bring natural sweetness and chewy texture reminiscent of classic hot cross buns.
- Brown sugar, 1/4 cup: Deepens the flavor with caramel notes and balances the spices.
- Ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp: Essential for that warm, inviting spiced aroma.
- Ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- Ground ginger, 1/4 tsp: Gives a gentle zing that enlivens the slice.
- Ground cloves, 1/4 tsp (optional): Adds a touch of intense spice, perfect if you like your slice with a bit more kick.
- Heavy cream, 1/2 cup: Enhances creaminess and richness in the wet mixture.
- Sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup: Sweetens and binds while adding a smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Adds a fragrant note that elevates all the flavors.
- White chocolate chips, 1/4 cup (optional): Perfect for a decadent drizzle on top, bringing a creamy contrast.
- Icing sugar, 1/4 cup: Used to create the iconic cross on top with a glossy finish.
- Salt, a pinch: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor harmony.
How to Make No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base
Start by crushing your digestive biscuits until they’re broken into small chunks—not too powdery—to keep some texture. Toss in the dried currants, brown sugar, and all your warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, mixing everything so each piece is beautifully coated. These simple ingredients come together in this step to create that signature spiced, fruity flavor foundation.
Step 2: Make the Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, melt the unsalted butter until smooth and glossy. Stir in the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined. This luscious mixture binds your biscuits and spices while lending a creamy sweetness, making your slice irresistibly moist and rich.
Step 3: Combine and Press
Pour the wet mixture over your biscuit-spice combination and fold carefully, making sure every crumb is coated. Transfer this mixture into an 8×8-inch pan lined with parchment paper and press down firmly and evenly to create a compact, uniform base. Refrigerate at this point to let everything begin to set while you prepare the topping.
Step 4: Make the Cross Topping
Mix the icing sugar with a few teaspoons of water to a consistency that’s thick but still pipeable. Fill a piping bag or a cut-off corner of a plastic sandwich bag and carefully pipe crosses over the top of your chilled slice. This finishing touch not only adds a festive look but completes the sensory experience of this No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice Recipe.
Step 5: Chill
Place the slice into the refrigerator for at least two hours to allow it to firm up completely. This chilling step brings the flavors together and gives the slice the perfect sliceable consistency.
Step 6: Optional White Chocolate Drizzle
If you’re looking to elevate this treat with a bit of indulgence, melt the white chocolate chips gently in the microwave and drizzle them in a fun pattern over the chilled slice. This step adds a creamy sweetness and a gorgeous presentation.
Step 7: Serve
Once set, slice your No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy the marvelous blend of spices and sweetness with every bite. This slice makes for a fantastic, hassle-free way to celebrate with classic flavors.
How to Serve No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your slice with a simple dusting of extra icing sugar or a few mint leaves for freshness. For a festive twist, scatter some additional dried currants on top or a handful of toasted chopped nuts for a pleasant crunch.
Side Dishes
This slice pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat. For brunch, offer alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the spice with light, bright flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the slice on a rustic wooden board with stir sticks for easy pick-up. For parties, cut into bite-sized rectangles and serve on decorative trays. Alternatively, place individual slices on small dessert plates with a drizzle of honey or extra white chocolate for a fancy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. This not only preserves the texture but also lets the flavors meld even more, making leftovers tastier the next day.
Freezing
To keep slices fresh longer, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to two months, so you can enjoy the festive flavors anytime you wish.
Reheating
Since this slice is enjoyed best chilled, it’s not typically reheated. Simply thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight and serve cold or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of biscuits for this recipe?
Absolutely! While digestive biscuits are traditional and provide a great texture, plain tea biscuits or graham crackers can also work well in this No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice Recipe.
Is this slice suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it does not include any animal-derived gelatin or non-vegetarian ingredients. Just be sure your biscuits are vegetarian as well.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular biscuits for gluten-free digestives or any gluten-free plain biscuits you like. The texture will remain delicious while keeping it safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, full-fat coconut milk or a thick plant-based cream works well as an alternative, adding a slightly different but still wonderful richness.
How long does it take to set properly?
Chilling the slice for at least two hours is essential to achieve the right firmness and allow all the flavors to meld. For best results, avoid rushing this step.
Final Thoughts
Trying the No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice Recipe is like capturing the spirit of a cozy springtime classic without the fuss of baking. It’s the perfect blend of spice, sweetness, and satisfying texture that’s quick to pull together and even easier to love. I can’t recommend this slice enough when you want a festive treat that feels like a warm hug and is guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Give it a try and see how it quickly becomes your go-to celebration slice!
Print
No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
Description
This No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice is a delightful, no-cook dessert inspired by traditional hot cross buns. Featuring a crumbly digestive biscuit base mixed with dried currants and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, it is combined with a creamy butter and condensed milk mixture. After chilling and topping with a signature icing cross, this treat offers a festive spiced flavor perfect for any occasion without requiring baking.
Ingredients
Biscuit Base
- 250g digestive biscuits (or any plain biscuits), crushed
- 1/2 cup dried currants or raisins
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Wet Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/4 cup icing sugar (for cross topping)
- 2–3 tsp water (to mix with icing sugar)
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Biscuit Base: In a large bowl, crush the digestive biscuits into small pieces (not fine crumbs). Add the dried currants, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves if using, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly to combine all the dry ingredients evenly.
- Make the Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Then stir in the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Press: Pour the wet butter mixture over the biscuit base mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are well coated and combined. Transfer the mixture into an 8×8-inch (or similar size) square pan lined with parchment paper, pressing firmly to create an even, compact base. Refrigerate while you prepare the topping.
- Make the Cross Topping: In a small bowl, whisk the icing sugar with just enough water (about 2-3 teaspoons) to create a thick but pourable glaze. Transfer the glaze into a piping bag or a small plastic sandwich bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe crosses over the chilled biscuit slice to mimic traditional hot cross bun markings.
- Chill: Place the prepared pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the slice to firm up and set properly.
- Optional White Chocolate Drizzle: If desired, melt the white chocolate chips in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between each, until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the set slice before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.
- Serve: Once fully chilled and set, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the festive spiced flavors of this easy no-bake treat!
Notes
- If you prefer a nuttier texture, lightly toast the digestive biscuits before crushing.
- Adjust the amount of dried currants or raisins to your taste.
- You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free twist, but this will alter the flavor.
- The cross topping icing glaze should be thick enough to hold its shape but still pipe smoothly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free plain biscuits instead of digestive biscuits.
- White chocolate drizzle is optional but adds a lovely decorative finish.
