Air Fryer Hot Cross Bun Brownie Recipe: A Delicious Easter Fusion Dessert

The festive season calls for creative twists on traditional favorites, and this air fryer hot cross bun brownie recipe perfectly combines two beloved treats into one irresistible dessert.

By transforming classic hot cross buns into decadent chocolate brownies using your air fryer, you’ll discover a time-saving method that delivers exceptional results. The spiced warmth of hot cross buns meets the rich intensity of chocolate brownies, all prepared in less time than conventional oven baking.

Whether you’re looking to repurpose leftover hot cross buns or simply want to try something innovative for Easter celebrations, this fusion recipe is sure to impress family and friends with minimal effort.

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Why Make Hot Cross Bun Brownies in an Air Fryer?

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking with their ability to create crispy exteriors while maintaining moist interiors, making them perfect for brownie preparation. Using an air fryer for this recipe offers several advantages:

First, the cooking time is significantly reduced compared to conventional ovens. While traditional brownies might take 25-30 minutes to bake, these air fryer brownies can be ready in just 12-15 minutes.

Second, air fryers provide excellent heat circulation, ensuring even cooking without hot spots. This means your hot cross bun brownies will have that perfect consistency – slightly crisp on top while remaining fudgy inside.

Additionally, air fryers use less energy than heating a full-sized oven, making this method more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, especially when preparing smaller batches.

Ingredients

For the hot cross bun brownies:

4 day-old hot cross buns, roughly chopped
200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), broken into pieces
100g unsalted butter
150g granulated sugar
50g light brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
100g all-purpose flour
30g cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon mixed spice (or pumpkin pie spice)
1/4 teaspoon salt
50g chocolate chips

For the cross decoration:

50g powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

Air fryer
Medium-sized mixing bowl
Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
Whisk
Spatula
7-inch square or round cake pan (that fits in your air fryer)
Parchment paper
Small piping bag or ziplock bag
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing Your Air Fryer and Pan

Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Line your cake pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. If using a round pan, ensure it fits comfortably in your air fryer basket.
Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking.

Creating the Hot Cross Bun Brownie Mixture

Place the chopped hot cross buns in a large mixing bowl. These provide both texture and the distinctive spiced flavor characteristic of hot cross buns.
In a small saucepan over low heat (or in a microwave-safe bowl), melt the dark chocolate and butter together, stirring occasionally until smooth and fully combined.

Air Fryer Hot Cross Bun Brownie ingredients

Remove the chocolate mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.
Add both granulated and brown sugars to the chocolate mixture, whisking until well incorporated.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, mixed spice, and salt.

Air Fryer Hot Cross Bun Brownie Recipe ingredients 2

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure your brownies remain fudgy.
Gently fold in the chopped hot cross buns and chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Baking in the Air Fryer

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Place the pan in the preheated air fryer basket.
Cook at 320°F (160°C) for 12-15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer model and how fudgy you prefer your brownies.
To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not completely wet.
Remember that the brownies will continue to set as they cool, so it’s better to slightly undercook than overcook.

Adding the Iconic Cross Decoration

While the brownies are cooling, prepare the icing for the crosses.
In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and thick enough to pipe but still flowable.
Transfer the icing to a small piping bag or a ziplock bag with a tiny corner snipped off.
Once the brownies have cooled for at least 15 minutes, pipe crosses over the top, mimicking the traditional hot cross bun design.
Allow the icing to set for about 10 minutes before cutting.

Other Air Fryer Recipes:

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Hot Cross Bun Brownies

Achieving the perfect texture for your hot cross bun brownies requires attention to detail. Here are some expert tips:

Using day-old hot cross buns works best for this recipe, as they absorb more of the chocolate mixture without becoming too soggy. If you only have fresh buns, lightly toast them before chopping to remove excess moisture.

For the richest chocolate flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids. The combination of dark chocolate and cocoa powder creates depth that balances perfectly with the spiced notes from the hot cross buns.

When testing for doneness, remember that air fryer brownies continue cooking slightly after removal. For fudgy brownies, remove them when the toothpick has a few moist crumbs attached. For cake-like brownies, wait until the toothpick comes out almost clean.

Every air fryer model heats differently, so you may need to adjust cooking times. Start checking your brownies at the 10-minute mark and add time as needed.

For an extra festive touch, consider adding 1/4 cup of dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots to the batter. These ingredients complement the traditional hot cross bun flavors while adding bursts of tangy sweetness.

Variations to Try

This versatile recipe can be adapted in numerous ways:

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute gluten-free hot cross buns and use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based hot cross buns, replace butter with coconut oil, and substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).

Orange-Chocolate Version: Add the zest of one orange to the batter for a bright citrus note that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and spice flavors.

White Chocolate Twist: Replace half the dark chocolate with white chocolate and add dried cranberries for a sweeter, more visually striking variation.

Mini Brownie Bites: Use a muffin pan that fits in your air fryer to create individual servings, reducing the cooking time to 8-10 minutes.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These air fryer hot cross bun brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months.

For an indulgent dessert, serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between warm brownie and cold topping creates a delightful sensory experience.

These brownies also make excellent gifts. Package them in decorative boxes lined with parchment paper for a homemade Easter treat that friends and family will appreciate.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per serving (based on 9 servings)
Calories	385 kcal
Total Fat	21g
Saturated Fat	12g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	180mg
Total Carbohydrates	48g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	32g
Protein	6g
Calcium	50mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	220mg

Conclusion

This air fryer hot cross bun brownie recipe represents the perfect marriage between traditional Easter flavors and modern cooking techniques. By transforming hot cross buns into rich, fudgy chocolate brownies using an air fryer, you create a time-efficient dessert that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. The warm spices and chewy texture of hot cross buns complement the intense chocolate flavor of brownies, while the iconic cross decoration maintains a connection to the Easter tradition.

Whether you’re repurposing leftover hot cross buns or specifically purchasing them for this recipe, these brownies make an impressive addition to your Easter celebration or spring dessert repertoire. The efficiency of the air fryer means you can satisfy chocolate cravings quickly, with less energy consumption than conventional baking methods.

Try this innovative fusion dessert this Easter season and discover a new tradition worth continuing year after year. Your family and friends will surely be impressed by your creativity and the delicious results that emerge from your air fryer.

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