No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice

Hot cross buns—warm, spiced, and perfectly sweet—are a classic treat, especially around Easter. But what if you could enjoy all the comforting flavors of hot cross buns without turning on the oven? That’s where this No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice comes in. It’s got all the spiced goodness, dried fruit, and that signature cross on top, but it’s completely no-bake, making it the perfect treat for busy days when you crave something festive and indulgent. Seriously, this slice will transport you to a cozy kitchen, full of warm spices and sweet aromas. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again.

Why You’ll Love No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice

A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Spicy:

This slice takes everything you love about hot cross buns—the comforting spices, dried fruit, and sweet glaze—and turns it into a no-bake dessert that you can enjoy year-round. It’s a cozy, sweet bite with just the right amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

Quick and Easy:

No baking required! This slice is so simple to make. Just mix, layer, and chill. If you’re craving something sweet but don’t have time to fuss over the oven, this is the answer.

Great for Spring Celebrations:

It’s the perfect treat for Easter or any spring gathering. Serve it at brunch, bring it to a party, or just enjoy it with a cup of tea. It’ll add a little extra sweetness to your day.

Make-Ahead:

This slice is ideal for prepping ahead of time. You can make it the night before and let it set in the fridge, so it’s ready when you need it. No last-minute stress, just easy, delicious indulgence.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice:

• Digestive Biscuits or Graham Crackers: The base of the slice, adding the right amount of crunch and structure.
• Butter: To help bind the base together and add richness.
• Dried Fruit: A mix of raisins, currants, and sultanas gives the slice that classic hot cross bun vibe.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The perfect combination of warm spices to capture that signature hot cross bun flavor.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This gives the slice its sweetness and creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: For extra depth of flavor.
• Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar): To make the sweet, iconic cross on top.
• Milk: For the glaze and to help thin out the icing.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this simple yet oh-so-delicious treat!

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base

Crush your digestive biscuits or graham crackers into crumbs. You can do this in a food processor or by placing the biscuits in a ziplock bag and gently rolling over them with a rolling pin. Melt your butter, then mix it with the biscuit crumbs until everything is well-coated. Press the mixture into the base of a lined baking dish to form a solid base. Chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes to set.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried fruit (raisins, currants, and sultanas), cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweetened condensed milk. Add the vanilla extract and mix everything together until the fruit is well coated in the sweet, spiced mixture.

Step 3: Layer the Filling

Once the biscuit base has set, spread the fruit and condensed milk mixture evenly over the base. Gently press it down to create a compact, even layer. Pop the dish back into the fridge for another 10 minutes to firm up slightly.

Step 4: Make the Icing

To create the iconic cross on top, combine the icing sugar and a little milk in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and thick enough to pipe. If it’s too runny, add a little more icing sugar. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk.

Step 5: Pipe the Cross

Using a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off, pipe a cross shape over the top of the slice. It doesn’t need to be perfect—just aim for that traditional look!

Step 6: Chill and Set

Place the slice back in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight if you can wait!) to allow the flavors to meld and the slice to firm up. The longer it sets, the better the slice will hold together.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once chilled and set, slice into squares or bars and serve. The slice should hold its shape well and have that classic, spiced flavor of hot cross buns, but in a no-bake form!

How to Serve No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice

• At Easter Brunch: This is a fantastic addition to your Easter spread. It’s easy to make ahead and serve with other seasonal dishes.
• With a Cup of Tea: This slice pairs perfectly with a warm cup of tea—think of it as the perfect afternoon treat.
• As a Dessert: Serve this as a fun and festive dessert at your next gathering. It’s a great way to satisfy those sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.

Additional Tips

Use Your Favorite Dried Fruit:

Feel free to adjust the dried fruit in the recipe. You can use all raisins, sultanas, or currants, depending on what you have on hand. You could also add chopped dried apricots or cranberries for a fun twist!

Make it Gluten-Free:

To make this slice gluten-free, swap the digestive biscuits for gluten-free biscuits or graham crackers.

Add Some Nuts:

If you like a bit of crunch, try adding some chopped walnuts or almonds into the filling mixture. It’ll give the slice a nice texture contrast.

Store It Right:

Keep the slice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It should stay fresh and firm up nicely as it chills.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 240
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 80mg
Total Carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 19g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

FAQs

Q1: Can I use different spices for the flavor?

A1: Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend or even add a pinch of cloves or ginger for a different twist.

Q2: Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk?

A2: You could use evaporated milk, but keep in mind the texture and sweetness will change. Condensed milk gives the slice that creamy sweetness it needs.

Q3: Can I make this slice ahead of time?

A3: Yes! This is a fantastic make-ahead treat. Just prepare it the night before and let it chill overnight for the best results.

Q4: Can I freeze this slice?

A4: Yes, you can freeze this slice. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.

Q5: How long will this slice stay fresh in the fridge?

A5: It’ll keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Q6: Can I use a different kind of biscuit?

A6: Yes, you can substitute the digestive biscuits with graham crackers or even a gluten-free version for a suitable alternative.

Q7: How thick should the layers be?

A7: The biscuit base should be about 1/2 inch thick, while the fruit filling should be around 1 inch thick. This ensures the right balance of textures.

Q8: Can I add more fruit to the filling?

A8: Absolutely! If you prefer more fruit, you can increase the amount of dried fruit to your taste. Just make sure the mixture stays thick enough to set.

Q9: Can I use a different type of icing for the cross?

A9: You can use white chocolate or royal icing if you prefer a different texture or flavor for the cross.

Q10: What’s the best way to slice this dessert?

A10: Use a sharp knife and try to slice it while it’s still chilled for clean cuts. It makes serving much easier!

Conclusion

This No-Bake Hot Cross Bun Slice is an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves the flavors of hot cross buns but wants to skip the oven. With the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and creamy layers, it’s a treat that’ll impress everyone. It’s easy to make, make-ahead, and most importantly—delicious! So, why wait? Grab the ingredients, and make this slice today—it’s a cozy, festive dessert that’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!

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