Hot Cross Bun French Toast Casserole (Easy Make-Ahead Easter Brunch)

Why You'll Love This Hot Cross Bun French Toast Casserole

• Perfect make-ahead Easter brunch recipe
• Feeds a crowd (great for hosting!)
• Warm, spiced, and comforting
• Uses store-bought hot cross buns for ease
• Kid-friendly and adult-approved
• Beautiful presentation for Pinterest-worthy brunch tables

This is one of those Easter morning recipes that looks impressive but is incredibly simple to prepare.

What Is Hot Cross Bun French Toast Casserole?

Think of this as a festive twist on traditional French toast. Instead of sliced sandwich bread, we use spiced hot cross buns cut into chunks and soaked in a rich egg custard made with milk, cream, vanilla, and warm spices.

As it bakes, the buns puff up and absorb the custard, creating a texture that's soft and almost bread-pudding-like in the center, with golden, slightly crisp edges on top. The classic cross icing is enhanced with a sweet drizzle for that unmistakable Easter look.

It's essentially:

• Part bread pudding
• Part baked French toast
• 100% Easter brunch magic

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's what makes this casserole so rich and flavorful:

• 8-10 hot cross buns (day-old works best)
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ cup sliced almonds (optional)
• Extra raisins or currants (optional)
• Icing (store-bought or homemade powdered sugar glaze)

Why Day-Old Buns Work Best

Slightly stale hot cross buns absorb the custard better without becoming mushy. If your buns are fresh, simply cube them and leave them out uncovered for a few hours to dry slightly.

How to Make Hot Cross Bun French Toast Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Buns

Cut your hot cross buns into quarters or bite-sized chunks. Place them evenly into a greased 9x13 baking dish.

If desired, sprinkle in extra raisins or sliced almonds for texture.

Step 2: Make the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Cream
• Maple syrup or brown sugar
• Vanilla
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Pour and Soak

Pour the custard evenly over the buns. Gently press the bread down so it absorbs the mixture.

Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours - or overnight for best results.

Baking Instructions

When ready to bake:

1. Remove from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Bake uncovered for 40-50 minutes, until golden and set in the center.
4. If browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil.

The center should be slightly custardy but not liquid.

The Icing Drizzle (The Best Part!)

You can absolutely use the icing that comes with the hot cross buns - but I love making a slightly thicker glaze for extra drama.

Simple Icing Recipe

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla

Whisk until smooth and drizzle over warm casserole in a cross-hatch pattern.

This gives you that signature hot cross bun look - perfect for Easter brunch tables and Pinterest photos.

Make-Ahead Instructions (Perfect for Easter Morning)

This is what makes this recipe shine.

Night Before:

• Assemble casserole completely.
• Cover tightly.
• Refrigerate overnight.

Easter Morning:

• Remove from fridge while oven preheats.
• Bake.
• Drizzle icing.
• Serve warm.

No stress. No flipping individual slices. Just one beautiful dish.

Tips for the Best Hot Cross Bun French Toast Bake

1. Don't Skip the Cream - The combination of milk and cream creates a rich, custardy texture. Using only milk works, but the cream elevates it.
2. Let It Soak - The longer it soaks, the better the flavor and texture.
3. Add Texture - Try: Sliced almonds, Pecans, Extra currants, Orange zest for brightness
4. Let It Rest After Baking - Allow it to rest 10 to 15 minutes before slicing so it sets properly.

Serving Ideas for Easter Brunch

This casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh fruit salad
• Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage
• Scrambled eggs
• Mimosas or fresh orange juice
• A simple spring green salad

If you're hosting a full Easter spread, serve it alongside savory dishes to balance the sweetness.

Variations to Try

Chocolate Chip Version

Swap raisins for chocolate chips for a kid-friendly twist.

Orange Spice

Add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the custard.

Cream Cheese Swirl

Drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese into the casserole before baking.

Maple Pecan

Top with chopped pecans and drizzle with maple syrup before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge:

Store covered for up to 3 days.

Reheat:

• Microwave individual slices
• Or warm in oven at 325°F until heated through

Freezer:

Freeze baked casserole (without icing) for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Easter

Hot cross buns are traditionally associated with Easter, symbolizing the cross and the end of Lent. Turning them into a baked French toast casserole keeps that tradition alive while making it more practical for modern hosting.

This dish feels nostalgic, cozy, and celebratory all at once - exactly what Easter morning should feel like.

Final Thoughts

If you want a crowd-pleasing Easter brunch casserole that's simple, festive, and make-ahead friendly, this Hot Cross Bun French Toast Casserole needs to be on your table.

It's warm.
It's comforting.
It smells like cinnamon and vanilla.
And it makes hosting feel effortless.

Whether you're serving it after church, at a big family brunch, or just making it for your little ones in pajamas, this recipe is guaranteed to become a yearly tradition.

Save this recipe to Pinterest so you don't forget it next Easter - and let me know if you try it!

Happy Easter 🤍