Easter is essentially a national holiday for chocolate, carbs and doing absolutely nothing in your pyjamas, and we are absolutely here for it! This year, we're giving your Easter desserts a serious upgrade with a recipe that has been quietly taking over our feeds, and honestly? The hype is 100% warranted. Think your two favourite Easter staples colliding in the most delicious way possible, layered up into something that looks incredibly impressive but is so much easier than it has any right to be. Whether you're hosting the whole family or just treating yourself (because you absolutely deserve it), our Hot Cross Bun Tiramisu is the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
6 pieces hot cross buns
1 & 1/2 cups strong espresso or strong brewed coffee, cooled
3 tablespoons coffee liqueur (e.g. Kahlúa) — optional
2 cups mascarpone cheese
1 cups thickened cream
1/3 cup caster sugar
1 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 egg whites
2 tablespoons cocoa powder, for dusting
1/2 cup mini Easter eggs, to decorate
Steps:
1 - Brew & cool the coffee: Brew 1 & 1/2 cups strong espresso or strong brewed coffee. Set aside to cool completely. Stir through 3 Tbs of Kahlúa if using. This is your soaking liquid. Don't skip letting it cool or your buns will go soggy!
2 - Whip the cream mixture: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup thickened cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups mascarpone cheese, 1/3 cup caster sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until combined. Set aside.
3 - Whisk the egg whites: In a clean bowl, whisk 3 eggs (whites only!) until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites through the mascarpone cream mixture in two batches. This keeps it light and airy!
4 - Slice & soak the buns: Slice 6 hot cross buns in half horizontally. Working quickly, dip each half into the cooled coffee mixture for about 2–3 seconds per side — you want them soaked but not falling apart.
5 - Layer it up: In a large dish or trifle bowl, start by adding a small layer of the mascarpone cream mixture over the base. Arrange a layer of soaked bun halves on top and layer with half the remaining mascarpone cream mixture Repeat with a second layer of soaked buns and the remaining cream.
6 - Chill overnight: Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This is the secret to a good tiramisu!
7 - Decorate & serve: Just before serving, dust generously with 2 Tbs cocoa powder, and pile on mini Easter eggs, to decorate for that festive Easter finish! Slice, serve, and watch it disappear.
Additional Tips & Swaps:
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To make it kid-friendly, simply leave out the coffee liqueur and replace the espresso with a strong hot chocolate for a chocolate version the whole family will love!
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Day-old or slightly stale hot cross buns work best — they soak up the coffee without falling apart.
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Fruit & spice buns work beautifully here, but chocolate hot cross buns take it to another level for the choc lovers.
The best Easter memories are always made in the kitchen with full bellies, chocolate everywhere and everyone still wearing their PJs at midday. Whether you're an Easter Saturday baker or a lazy Sunday lounger, Cachia's Easter Collection has you covered.
