Hot Cross Tiramisu: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Dessert

Tiramisu, a beloved Italian dessert, is known for its rich layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa. However, Hot Cross Tiramisu adds an exciting seasonal twist to this traditional favorite. The combination of spices, dried fruits, and citrusy zest, all wrapped in the familiar layers of tiramisu, makes this dessert perfect for the Easter holiday season. But what makes Hot Cross Tiramisu special is its use of hot cross buns – the traditional Easter treat that brings a spicy, fruity depth to the otherwise classic recipe. With Hot Cross Tiramisu, you’ll experience all the elements of your favorite tiramisu, enhanced with the festive flavors of hot cross buns.

Learn more about hot cross buns
Discover the history of tiramisu

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Ingredients

4 large hot cross buns, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 cup strong coffee, cooled
1 tbsp rum (optional)
250g mascarpone cheese, room temperature
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp orange zest (optional)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
Cocoa powder for dusting
1/4 cup raisins or currants (optional, for extra fruitiness)

Instructions

Prepare the Hot Cross Buns: Begin by slicing the hot cross buns into 1-inch thick pieces. Arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of your serving dish (approximately 9×9-inch).
Make the Coffee Mixture: Combine the cooled coffee and rum (if using) in a shallow bowl. Lightly dip each slice of hot cross bun in the coffee mixture, ensuring each slice is moistened but not soggy.
Prepare the Mascarpone Cream: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and fluffy.
Layer the Dessert: Spread a layer of the mascarpone cream mixture over the soaked hot cross buns in your dish. If you’re adding raisins or currants, sprinkle them over the cream layer. Repeat the process to form additional layers, ensuring the final layer is a generous spread of mascarpone cream.
Chill: Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the tiramisu to set properly.
Serve: Just before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder. Slice and enjoy this delectable fusion of flavors!

Advanced Techniques

For those looking to elevate their Hot Cross Tiramisu, there are a few advanced techniques that will truly set your dessert apart.

Homemade Hot Cross Buns: For a more personalized touch, try baking your own hot cross buns. This allows you to control the spicing, fruit content, and sweetness. Plus, you can make them fresher and use them when they’re at their peak.
Infused Coffee: Instead of regular coffee, try infusing it with spices like cloves, cinnamon, or allspice. This will complement the hot cross buns’ flavors and enhance the overall spiciness of the dessert.
Layering Variations: To give your Hot Cross Tiramisu an extra texture, add a layer of finely chopped nuts such as walnuts or hazelnuts between the cream layers. The nuts will add a delightful crunch and deepen the complexity of the dessert.
Flavored Mascarpone Cream: Incorporate a bit of lemon curd or a splash of amaretto liqueur into the mascarpone mixture. This will add depth of flavor and make the dessert even more luxurious.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storage

Refrigeration: Once assembled, Hot Cross Tiramisu should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature helps the flavors meld and ensures the dessert stays fresh.
Covering: Make sure to cover the tiramisu properly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from absorbing other smells from the fridge.

Shelf Life

Hot Cross Tiramisu can last up to 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. However, it is best when consumed within the first 24-48 hours as the moisture and textures of the hot cross buns can become soggy over time.

Maintenance Tips

If you notice that the layers start to feel a little too soft, you can lightly reassemble them into a new layer to restore the original texture before serving.
For a firmer consistency, you can refrigerate the Hot Cross Tiramisu overnight to ensure it sets fully before serving.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Hot Cross Tiramisu can be easily adapted to meet various dietary needs or preferences without sacrificing taste or texture. Here are a few substitutions and adaptations to try:

Dairy-Free / Vegan Version

Use non-dairy mascarpone (coconut-based or cashew-based) and non-dairy cream (such as oat cream or coconut cream) for the filling. Ensure that the hot cross buns are made with plant-based ingredients or substitute with a dairy-free bread.
Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free hot cross buns or substitute with gluten-free ladyfingers or sponge cake for the base. Just ensure that all other ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Low-Sugar Version

For those watching their sugar intake, substitute granulated sugar with stevia, erythritol, or any other sugar substitute that doesn’t impact the flavor or texture too drastically.

Alcohol-Free Version

If you prefer to skip the rum, simply omit it and dip the hot cross buns in coffee alone or use fruit juice (like apple or orange juice) for an alcohol-free version.

FAQs About The Recipe

Q: Can I use regular bread instead of hot cross buns?
A: While hot cross buns bring a unique flavor profile to this recipe, you can substitute them with plain sponge cake or ladyfingers. However, the traditional spiced, fruity flavor of the buns may be lost.

Q: How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: This dessert actually improves with time! Assemble it the night before and refrigerate overnight for the best flavor. Just dust with cocoa powder before serving.

Q: Can I freeze Hot Cross Tiramisu?
A: It is not recommended to freeze tiramisu, as the texture can suffer. However, you can freeze the individual components (such as the cream or the soaked hot cross buns) and assemble the dessert later.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Hot Cross Tiramisu is a perfect marriage of two beloved desserts: the classic tiramisu and the seasonal hot cross bun. With its spiced, fruity layers and creamy filling, this dessert is ideal for special occasions, especially Easter. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try some of the advanced techniques and dietary adaptations, this version of tiramisu is sure to impress. By incorporating hot cross buns, you not only add an Easter twist but also create a dessert that is rich in flavor, tradition, and festive joy. So, grab your ingredients, and indulge in this unique, delicious, and memorable Hot Cross Tiramisu.

Hot Cross Tiramisu Recipe – A Festive Twist on the Classic Dessert