Hot Cross Bun Baked Pudding
Introduction
Serves: 8 or more
Ingredients
50g (1¾ oz) unsalted butter, softened
8 x size 6 medium-sized free range egg yolks
175g (6 oz) caster (superfine granulated) sugar
⅓ vanilla pod
300ml (about 10 fl oz) milk
300ml (about 10 fl oz) cream
Caster (superfine granulated) sugar to finish
Method
1 Cut the buns into 3-4 slices. Spread with butter and arrange in a 1.5-2 litre (3-4 pints) ovenproof dish.
2 Whisk egg yolks and caster sugar together in a bowl. Put milk and cream in a saucepan. Cut the piece of vanilla pod in half and scrape out the seeds. Add seeds and pod to milk and cream. Bring to a simmer, then pour onto the egg yolks a third at the time, stirring after each addition. Remove vanilla pod. Pour the warm egg mixture over the pudding and leave it to soak for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F): do not use fan bake.
3 Put the dish in a roasting tin three-quarters filled with warm water and transfer to the oven. Cook for 20-30 minutes until the pudding begins to set; it should not become too firm.
4 When ready, lift pudding out of the tin, sprinkle liberally with caster sugar and glaze under a grill set on a medium heat until the sugar caramelizes. Serve hot.
Recipe Notes
While the custard needs enough heat to thicken it, if the heat is too high the custard may curdle (it should remain creamy). The water ‘bath’ will provide some protection to ensure an even gentle heat.