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5 Uses for Leftover Hot Cross Buns

5 Uses for Leftover Hot Cross Buns

by | Jan 8, 2024 | Baking Tips, Gluten Free

Each year when Hot Cross Buns hit the market, I get carried away. Our freezer can only fit so much, so the leftovers end up going stale.

Food wastage is one of my pet hates, so I researched some useful ways to use up leftover buns. It’s surprising how many possibilities there are. Eating them on their own is just the start.

Keep in mind that gluten hides in some unexpected ingredients, so pay attention to the product labeling. Instant custard is an example. If you can’t find a brand that’s free from, then make your own.

Hot cross bun leftovers
Fresh hot cross buns.

Leftover hot cross bun ideas

For most of the recipes below, fresh buns work well. But bread crumbs are best with stale buns.

1. Hot cross bun pudding

This is a hugely popular use for leftover hot cross buns. It’s super simple to make and is practically impossible to mess up.

Hot cross bun pudding recipe
Buns with custard are a magical mix.

Layer a baking dish with sliced hot cross buns buttered and slathered with apricot jam.

In a large bowl, whisk 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of cream, then warm in the microwave. Using a separate bowl, whisk a half cup of caster sugar with 4 eggs.

Combine the milk mixture with the eggs then pour around the buns. Finally, sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar over the top of the buns and bake at 180C for 40-45 minutes. Serve with cream or vanilla ice cream.

To save some time, use gluten free custard powder. Make the custard then pour it into the oven dish before adding the buns.

2. Bostock Buns

French toast used to be the status quo for bread-dipped, fried tastiness. Some cafes take this recipe to a new level with Bostock Buns.

Dip halved buns into orange syrup, place them on an oven tray. Smother with frangipane cream, and sprinkle with almond flakes. Bake until a delicious crispy crust appears, then devour.

Orange syrup: add ½ cup orange juice and 2 Tbsp of sugar to a small saucepan and heat on low-medium until the sugar dissolves. Allow to cool before using.

Frangipane Cream: Combine 1 egg, ¼ cup soft butter, ¼ cup caster sugar, ½ cup almond flour. Place in the fridge for ½ hour before using.

3. Hot Cross Breadcrumbs

Transform stale hot cross buns into gluten free breadcrumbs. Use them to make sweet treats like breadcrumb cookies, apple crumble topping, tarts, or a cheesecake breadcrumb crust.

Apple Crumble
Apple crumble never disappoints.

To make breadcrumbs, slice stale buns in half and place on an oven tray. Bake at 140C for about 20 minutes until crisp, then blend in a food processor until crumbs result.

4. Hot Cross Egg Buns

This is French toast using hot cross buns instead of regular toast.

To make the eggy dip, whisk the following ingredients in a bowl: 2 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1 ½ Tbsp caster sugar, 1 tsp vanilla.

Slice the bun in half and dip each of the sliced sides into the mix until nicely soaked. Finally, add a Tbsp of butter to a frying pan and cook the egg side on a medium heat for about 5 minutes or until nicely browned. Eat on its own or doused in honey, maple syrup, mascarpone, or ricotta.

5. Fondue Buns

You might want to save this dessert for after Easter. Round up all that leftover chocolate and toss it into a fondue pot (or small saucepan). Add a splash of cream and milk and a knob of butter. Slowly melt the chocolate on a low heat, and add a little more milk if the texture is too thick.

Melted chocolate
Ensure you use gluten free chocolate.

Cut the hot cross buns into bite-sized cubes and toast in the oven until lightly browned. Slide the cubes onto skewers and dip them in the choc. Now slide those bread chunks into your mouth for maximum enjoyment.

Any type of gluten free chocolate is fine for this fondue. You can even combine white, milk and dark chocolate for a unique combination. Gluten free buttons are another option if the eggs have been eaten.

Now it’s your turn

There’s no shortage of uses for leftover hot cross buns this Easter. I’m sure there are dozens more creative ways to incorporate them into your next dessert. Of course, you can always freeze them if there’s space.

Do you have a favourite use for leftover hot cross buns? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram.

 
Coeliac Awareness Week is Coming [2025]

Coeliac Awareness Week is Coming [2025]

by | May 10, 2023 | Gluten Free, Industry News

Coeliac Awareness Week: March 13-20

In Australia, Coeliac Awareness Week is March 13-20. A big issue in our country is that a large proportion of coeliac sufferers continue undiagnosed. This is far from ideal for the sufferer as it is a progressive disease, and the symptoms will continue to worsen.

Coeliac Awareness Week is all about getting people talking about their symptoms and, more importantly, taking action to get themselves checked.

What are the symptoms of Coeliacs Disease?

Coeliac Awareness WeekThere are a lot of potential symptoms, and they can vary considerably in each case. Some common symptoms include

  • diarrhoea
  • constipation
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • flatulence
  • cramping
  • bloating
  • abdominal pain
  • fatigue

If you’re getting some of these symptoms then we recommend visiting your GP. There are tests for this disease which are relatively simple. You can find out more about diagnosis and lots more information at the below links.

How is Coeliac Disease treated?

Researchers are working on a cure; however, there are currently no treatments for this disease. The only option is to maintain a gluten free diet. Thankfully there are a lot of resources available for helping out coeliacs and many recipe websites dedicated to living a gluten free life. In addition, the foodservice industry has come a long way, and now there are many gluten free food offerings in cafes, restaurants, and bakeries.

Further information about Coeliac Disease

 
What Percentage Of Well and Good’s Ingredients Are Australian?

What Percentage Of Well and Good’s Ingredients Are Australian?

by | Sep 16, 2022 | Gluten Free, Vegan

A question the team occasionally gets asked is what percentage of ingredients are locally sourced.

We put a lot of effort into ingredient sourcing, with a big focus on finding Aussie suppliers. Keeping business local boosts our country’s economy. It also shortens our business’ order lead times and reduces our carbon footprint.

Unfortunately, Australia doesn’t grow and make everything, so some of our ingredients have to come from overseas. A big component of most of our mixes is rice flour which is mostly produced in countries like India and Indonesia. That’s why you’ll rarely see 100% Aussie ingredients in our mixes.

Ingredients breakdown by product

To make life easy, we decided to list all our products on one page with their ingredient makeup.

Product% Australian Ingredients
All Purpose Cake Mix 46%
Cheesy Mac Classic Chicken Flavour 75%
Choc Banana Bread Mix 22%
Choc Chip Cookie Mix13%
Chocolate Cupcake Mix58%
Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix 29%
Chocolate Mud Cake Mix 50%
Crispy Crumb82%
Crispy Crumb Southern Style 73%
Crusty Bread Mix9%
High Performance Egg Replacer 10%
Lemon Coconut Cake58%
Marble Cake Mix 42%
Multipurpose Muffin Mix 35%
Pastry Flour Blend 30%
Plain Flour Blend30%
Self Raising Flour Blend44%
Seriously Low-Carb Chocolate Cake & Cupcake Mix14%
Seriously Low-Carb Crumb Coating53%
Seriously Low-Carb Seeded Bread Mix45%
Seriously Low-Carb Self-Raising Flour Blend0%
Seriously low-Carb Vanilla Cake & Cupcake Mix15%
Vanilla Cupcake Mix36%
Vegan Cheesy Mac Traditional Cheddar Flavour 74%
Vegan Cheesy Mac Wild About Mushroom74%
Vegan Custard Powder23%
Vegan Meringue Mix10%
Vegan Whipping Cream29%
 
What Is Rice Flour? Is It Gluten Free?

What Is Rice Flour? Is It Gluten Free?

by | May 30, 2022 | Gluten Free

Rice flour is a staple ingredient in Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. Also known as rice powder, it’s made by wet or dry milling white or brown rice. The flour uses damaged or broken grains as the raw materials, which may otherwise not have a viable use.

Rice flour shouldn’t be confused with rice starch which is a completely different product. Flour is made by milling the rice while starch steeps the rice in alkaline and requires multiple stages of purification.

What is rice flour used for?

Rice flour is a versatile ingredient that is light and delicate. It is excellent for gluten free baking, which is why you’ll find it in most of the Well and Good range.

Pancakes, cookies, cakes, and rice noodles are all possible with rice flour. It’s also great used in batters when frying as the exterior gets a nice crunchy texture. When your next stew or soup needs thickening, a slurry made from rice flour will work well. 

Keep in mind that rice flour isn’t perfect and it often works best in combination with other ingredients. For example, we often combine it with potato starch and tapioca starch to lighten the mix. A stabilizer like xanthan gum is also used to replicate gluten’s elasticity. It provides structure to baked goods as well as holding in moisture and binding the ingredients. 

Other flours that partner well with rice flour are buckwheat, quinoa, coconut, and almond flour.

What are the health benefits of rice flour?

  • Gluten free: A useful wheat flour replacement for Coeliacs and those on a gluten free diet.
  • Source of fiber: Contains soluble fibre which keeps you fuller longer and offers a range of health benefits.
  • High in calcium: Rice flour contains useful levels of calcium which is ideal for maintaining bone health.
Gluten free bundt cake made using rice flour.

What’s the difference between white and brown rice flour?

White rice flour is made from rice that has had the bran removed while brown rice is made by grinding whole grain rice.

Of the two, brown rice flour is the healthiest option but it won’t always work in baking applications. It is heavier which means it isn’t as suitable for airy cakes and cupcakes. White rice flour is also milder in flavor, meaning it won’t overwhelm other ingredients in a recipe.  

 White Rice FlourBrown Rice Flour
Protein5.9g11.4g
Fibre24.g7.3g

Always read labels

If you can’t eat gluten then be sure to check the label to ensure the rice flour hasn’t been manufactured in a factory that also processes wheat. Wheat flour tends to find its way into places it shouldn’t be as cross-contamination is always possible.

All Well and Good products are made in a facility that is free from gluten, nuts, dairy, and other major allergens.

Advantages of rice flour

  • Mild taste works well in many baked good recipes.
  • A plentiful ingredient that’s readily available in stores.
  • Versatile flour that works well in sweet and savoury foods.
  • Doesn’t add any funky flavour to recipes.
  • It inhibits liquid separation so it’s great as a thickening agent in foods that will be frozen or refrigerated.

Disadvantages of rice flour

  • Some rice flour isn’t as smooth in texture as regular wheat flour.
  • It doesn’t absorb liquid well which means in many recipes it needs to be paired with another flour variety.

Summing up

If you need to cut gluten out of your diet then a useful gluten free flour replacement is rice flour. It’s a popular staple that we use in many of our baking mixes. 

While no gluten free flour is perfect for every recipe, you’ll find that rice flour is one of the best for versatility. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to add some additional ingredients to make the recipe work. 

 
How To Make Gluten Free Play Dough

How To Make Gluten Free Play Dough

by | Sep 3, 2020 | Gluten Free

We’ve got a lockdown activity to keep the kids busy for a couple of hours. If you want a break from cooking then how about making play dough? This version is suitable for children who are coeliacs or anyone on a diet that restricts gluten.

Making playdough is lots of fun for kids and it’s a welcome distraction from screen time. This gluten-free version is a silky soft texture and safe for kids that are continually putting hands in their mouth or the ones who can’t resist eating it – which is most of them!

You don’t need a lot to make dough, but double check everything you use is suitable for your child’s allergies. Here is what you’ll need.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups of W&G gluten free plain flour
  • 4 tbs cream of tartar
  • 1 cup of salt
  • 1 ¾ cup water
  • 2 tbs oil
  • Food colouring

Method

Add the flour, cream of tartar, salt, water and oil to a large bowl and mix until well combined. Start stirring with a spoon, but you may find it easier to combine everything with your hands as it thickens.

Once the mixture turns into a dough-like texture, separate into pieces, depending on how many colours you want to use. Carefully add a few drops of food colouring to the dough and knead it until mixed through.

Tip: There is more than one way to make play dough. Another option is to mix all the ingredients in a saucepan over low heat. But we thought it would be more fun to just mix it with our hands, it worked beautifully!

Once the kids have finished playing with the dough it doesn’t need to be tossed out. Instead, store it in zip-lock bags until it’s next needed. You may need to add a little oil to bring it back to life again.

We hope you enjoyed this alternative use for our flour. Stay safe and sane!

 
12 Gluten Free Baking Projects For Kids During Lockdown

12 Gluten Free Baking Projects For Kids During Lockdown

by | Apr 22, 2020 | Baking Tips, Gluten Free

Keeping the kids occupied can be a challenge at the best of times, but during a lockdown, it gets even harder. If you’ve finished a day of home-schooling and are struggling for ideas, you may want to give them a cooking project. We’ve pulled together 12 tasty recipes that are gluten free, fun and simple to make.

Why is baking a useful experience for kids?

Teaching kids to bake isn’t just about the eating, although that’s the fun bit. My daughter learned everything she needed to know about the metric and imperial systems, how to follow step-by-step instructions, what flavours work well together, and kitchen safety.

Depending on the child’s age, you’ll need to decide if they’re able to work solo or need your guidance. For the young ones, the fruit skewers or cake balls are great options; the older ones may want to try their hand at making gnocchi for your dinner tonight?

Gluten free recipes for kids

#1 Melting moments

A plate of yoyos

Sandwich freshly made icing between two crispy biscuits to create a classic Australian snack, Melting Moments.

Also, known as yo-yos, they’re frequently found in cafe jars and everyone seems to love them. What’s more, younger kids get some serious enjoyment out of joining the biscuits together.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/melting-moments

#2 Banana pancakes

A pancake stack is the ultimate in versatility. Cook them up and eat them for breakfast, lunch or dessert.

This recipe is for banana pancakes, but you can leave the fruit out and add for favourite savoury ingredients for a mid-week meal that’s quick and low-cost. Basically, any ingredient you use for tacos will also tasty amazing in a pancake.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/fluffy-banana-pancakes

#3. Double choc macadamia cookies

Chocolate and macadamia nuts combine to make a fantastic cookie. Few can turn down the temptation of this nut/choc combination.

This is a fail-safe recipe that is ideal for those on a gluten free diet.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/double-choc-choc-macadamia-cookie

#4. Sweet potato and pasta pie

Take a break from the sugar and make this simple pastry-free pie that serves two.

Toss in some extra frozen vegetables (or fresh ones) for some extra nutritional goodness.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/sweet-potato-and-pasta-pie

#5. Cake batter fudge

Got a cake mix sitting in the pantry but you don’t feel like cake? How about cake batter fudge instead?

This is a no-bake recipe, suitable for even the youngest budding chef.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/cake-batter-fudge-recipe

#6. Fruit cobbler

This is a much-loved dessert in the United States, originating from the early settlers.

In our version, you basically fill the bottom of a baking dish with fruit and bake until almost soft. Then pour over cake mix batter and cook until set. The result is something similar to an apple crumble, and it’s a useful way to increase the fruit intake of fussy young (and old) eaters.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/gluten-free-fruit-cobbler

#7. Mud cake mini towers

These delicious towers of cake will prove an excellent challenge for kids who love Masterchef, Cake Boss, or any of the many cooking shows.

Bake the cake as you would normally, then use a circle cookie cutter to create layers of delicious cake. Fill the layers with cream and in-season fruit.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/mud-cake-mini-towers

#8. Cake balls

Another fun project for the kids. Instead of just baking the cake, there the the extra steps of mixing the cooked cake with additional ingredients, then rolling into balls.

For some extra indulgence, dip in chocolate, or leave out to cut back the sugar content.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/gluten-free-cake-balls

#9. Brownie fruit skewers

Kids love eating food off a stick! Provide them with all the ingredients you’d like to be skewered then leave the children to make them.

Younger ones may need some help so that they don’t spike themselves with the skewers.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/brownie-fruit-skewers

#10. Quiche

If you’ve got some miscellaneous vegetables sitting in the fridge, you may find a quiche is a great option for using them up.

A colourful gluten free quiche is perfect for lunch or dinner – some even love it for breakfast.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/gluten-free-quiche-recipe

#11. Gnocchi

Who would have thought that combining cooked potato and flour would result in such good pasta? Our recipe leaves out the eggs, which aren’t essential if you’re going to eat them immediately.

If you make this gnocchi in advance then you’ll want to include an egg as a useful binder.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/gluten-free-gnocchi

#12. Savoury muffins

Instead of a sweet muffin, why not add some grilled veggies, ham and cheese for a tasty savoury snack.

Another simple recipe for kids to make at home.

Recipe link: https://wellandgood.com.au/recipe/savoury-muffins