I’ve been using store-bought custard as the ice cream base for my Ninja CREAMi for a while now – it’s such an easy shortcut and the texture is amazing. That on its own is amazing, but with Easter coming up, adding hot cross buns seemed like a no-brainer. Then I thought, why not dip them in a little Baileys to take it to the next level? The creamy custard, warm spices from the bun and that hint of Irish cream come together so well.
Traditional hot cross buns? Honestly, it’s not my thing. (I transformed them into these pies last year). But dipping them in Baileys, folding them in custard and spinning them in a Ninja CREAMi? Now we are talking. This 3-ingredient Easter ice cream is creamy with a hint of spice and just enough booze. Best of all, it’s the ultimate way to use up leftover dinner rolls. My emotional support system strikes again!
How I brought Baileys Hot Cross Bun Ninja CREAMi “ice cream” to life
This recipe is perfect for leftover hot cross buns, so no need for fresh baked goods (although that’s perfectly fine too, if that’s all you have on hand). This is a great way to save latecomers from the bread basket. I tested this with more Baileys initially, but it made the mixture too soft when spun – alcohol lowers the freezing point, so balance is key. I also tried using a whole hot bun in each container. It was delicious, but the flavor of the bun overpowered the Baileys and changed the ratio slightly. Half a loaf per jar gives you a better balance of flavor and texture, but if you’re a die-hard HCB fan, you can absolutely add more.
Make sure you do not exceed the Max Fill line in your Ninja CREAMi bathtub. If the ice cream seems crumbly after spinning, use the Re-Spin function once for a creamier finish. Leftovers can be refrozen and squeezed out directly after freezing.
For the ultimate hot cross bun creation, toast hot cross bun halves, brush them generously with butter and sandwich with a giant scoop of this ice cream. A hot cross bun ice cream sandwich? I insist.
Note that this recipe requires at least 8 hours, if not overnight, of freezing.
💡Tip: Serve immediately
This Easter dessert is best enjoyed freshly spun for maximum creaminess.
What goes into my Ninja CREAMi Spiced Baileys Cross Bun “Ice Cream” Recipe
- Cross bun: I used a traditional fruit bun, but you can experiment here: chocolate chips, apple cinnamon, salted caramel…go wild.
- Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur: This adds warmth and creamy sweetness. Omit it for a non-alcoholic version or swap it for another liquor like Kahlúa, Frangelico, or even a little dark rum. For a non-alcoholic option, try a dollop of caramel syrup or a dash of vanilla extract instead.
- Vanilla custard: I used commercial for ease. This is the perfect Ninja CREAMi base. No eggs, no cooking, no fuss. Use a good quality custard for best results.
Discover more of my favorite Ninja CREAMi recipes to try next!
Recipe, images, video and recipe notes by Elisa Pietrantonio, Senior Food Editor and Food Editor.
