Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Pull Apart for Your Easter Bliss

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

When I first pulled these Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Buns from the oven, the warm scent of baking chocolate enveloped my kitchen, making my heart skip a beat. Imagine tearing into a fluffy bun, where each bite reveals a delightful combination of dark, milk, and white chocolate melting into soft, doughy goodness. This recipe isn t just about indulging in chocolate; it s about creating a festive centerpiece that s perfect for sharing with family and friends during Easter celebrations.

I love how these pull-apart buns invite everyone to gather around the table, eager to dig in. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in the flavors but in the joy it brings to special moments. Whether for brunch or as a delightful dessert, these buns are a sweet escape from fast food routines, transforming simple ingredients into an irresistible treat. So, roll up your sleeves, and let s add a touch of decadence to your holiday table!

Why love Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Pull Apart?

Irresistible Decadence: Each bun is a chocolate lover s dream, featuring three kinds of chocolate that create layers of blissful flavor.

Fun to Share: Perfect for gatherings, these pull-apart buns encourage everyone to join in and savor the experience together.

Festive Appeal: A delightful centerpiece for your Easter table, combining tradition with modern indulgence.

Easy Baking: With simple steps, even novice bakers can impress friends and family without the fuss of complicated techniques.

Crowd Favorite: Whether enjoyed as a brunch or dessert, these buns are sure to be a hit, turning any meal into a celebration!

Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Pull Apart Ingredients

For the Dough
Milk Adds moisture and creaminess; using whole milk enhances flavor.
Cream Elevates richness in the dough; you can swap with more milk if needed.
Yeast Essential for leavening; make sure it s fresh for best results.
Flour Provides structure; all-purpose flour works, but gluten-free options can be adjusted.
Cocoa Powder Delivers deep chocolate flavor; opt for Dutch-processed for richness.
Butter Brings richness and consistency; unsalted butter is ideal.
Sugar Sweetens the dough and activates yeast; brown sugar adds a lovely complexity.
Salt Balances sweetness and supports gluten structure; crucial for flavor.
Egg Binds the dough and adds richness; flaxseed can be used as a vegan substitute.

For the Chocolate Filling
Chocolate Chips (Dark and White) Adds delightful chocolate pockets; feel free to use your favorites or omit if you prefer.

For the Glaze
Gelatine Gives a beautiful shiny finish; you can use simple syrup as an alternative if desired.

Remember, these Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Buns are all about combining rich flavors and textures, ensuring an unforgettable treat for your Easter gathering!

How to Make Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Pull Apart

1. Prepare Yeast Mixture: Warm the milk and cream until just lukewarm. Combine with yeast and sugar in a bowl, letting it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy, signaling that the yeast is active.

2. Make Dough: Sift together flour and cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl. Add the salt and sugar, then rub in butter until the mixture is crumbly. Incorporate the yeast mixture and egg until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough for about 5-8 minutes until it is smooth and elastic, showing off a bit of that lovely chocolate color.

4. First Proving: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for around 40 minutes or until doubled in size watch it transform!

5. Shape Buns: Once risen, punch down the dough, divide it into 19 pieces, and shape them into buns. Arrange these in concentric circles on a lined baking tray, embracing that pull-apart style.

6. Second Proving: Allow the shaped buns to rise again for about 20 minutes. This step creates those pillowy textures we love, so don t rush it!

7. Make Cross Mix: In a small bowl, prepare a paste using flour and water. Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner snipped off to pipe crosses onto the tops of the buns.

8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 200 °C (about 400 °F). Bake the buns for 20-22 minutes until they are golden brown, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

9. Glaze Buns: While still hot, brush the buns with a mixture of gelatine, sugar, and boiling water for a glossy finish that makes them look as good as they taste.

Optional: Serve warm with a spread of butter for a delightful treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for the Best Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Pull Apart

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients like milk, butter, and eggs are at room temperature to achieve the best mixing results for your triple chocolate hot cross bun pull apart.

• Proper Kneading: When kneading, avoid adding too much flour. The dough should remain slightly sticky; this ensures a fluffy texture in your buns.

• Watch the Dough Rise: Don t rush the proving times! Allow the dough to double in size for the best results, creating those pillowy buns we all love.

• Check Oven Temperature: Since ovens can vary, keep an eye on your buns while baking. Overbaking can lead to dry hot cross buns, so trust your nose for that glorious aroma!

• Serve Fresh: For the best experience, enjoy your triple chocolate hot cross buns warm from the oven. They are perfect for sharing and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Triple Chocolate Variations

Dive into a world of custom flavors and ingredients just waiting to make your Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Pull Apart even more extraordinary!

• Flavored Chocolate Chips: Add bursts of flavor by using mint or orange-infused chocolate chips for a unique twist. The aromatic essence will elevate your buns to new heights.

• Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts for added texture and a crunchy surprise in every bite. A little crunch complements the softness beautifully!

• Spiced Delight: Mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to bring warmth and complexity to the flavor profile. This old-world charm makes for a delightful surprise in your chocolatey treat.

• Fruity Explosion: Toss in dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots for a balanced tartness. The contrast of sweet chocolate and fruity joy will keep everyone coming back for more!

• Dairy-Free: Swap dairy milk and cream for almond or oat milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a delectable dairy-free version. You won t miss a thing with this indulgent alternative!

• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just remember to check ingredient ratios for perfect results!

• Syrup Glaze: Instead of gelatine, brush the buns with a simple syrup for a shiny, sweeter finish. This adds a delightful gloss and extra sweetness that s simply irresistible.

• Braid It: Try a braided shape for your buns to create a stunning centerpiece. Not only does it look impressive, but it also makes pulling apart even more fun!

These variations offer endless possibilities and will surely make your Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Pull Apart a showstopper at your Easter table!

Make Ahead Options

These Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Pull Aparts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during Easter festivities! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; just mix it through step 4 and then refrigerate the dough in a greased bowl, covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying. The shaped buns can also be ready ahead, rising for their second proving for about 20 minutes before baking. To maintain that fluffy texture, keep them covered while they prove. When ready to bake, pull them from the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then proceed with piped crosses and baking. This way, you ll have freshly baked, decadent buns with minimal last-minute effort!

How to Store and Freeze Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Pull Apart

Room Temperature: Store the buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

Fridge: For even longer storage, you may refrigerate the buns in an airtight container for up to 4 days; however, this might slightly alter their texture.

Freezer: Wrap the buns individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months for a delightful later treat.

Reheating: To enjoy, microwave each bun for about 15-20 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for 5-7 minutes until warm.

What to Serve with Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Pull Apart?

The warm, sweet smell of freshly baked buns wafts through your home, calling everyone to the table to enjoy a decadent experience together.

• Thickened Cream: A dollop of rich cream enhances the chocolate flavors and provides a luxurious, velvety texture that s perfect for spreading.

• Fresh Berries: Serve with a medley of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries to balance the sweetness with a refreshing tartness. The burst of flavor from the berries elevates each bite.

• Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of granola adds a delightful crunch and earthy flavors, creating an exciting contrast with the soft buns.

• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the buns for an extra indulgent experience, making every bite a chocolate lover s dream come true.

• Decaf Coffee or Tea: A soothing cup of decaffeinated coffee or herbal tea complements the richness of the buns and provides a warm touch to your gathering.

• Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy coconut whipped cream offers a dairy-free twist that pairs beautifully with the chocolate, adding a tropical flair.

These delightful accompaniments will make your Easter celebration extra special, inviting a joyous atmosphere around the table as everyone savors these treats!

Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Bun Pull Apart Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best chocolate for my buns?
Absolutely! For a rich flavor, I recommend using a high-quality dark chocolate and pairing it with creamy milk chocolate and white chocolate chips. Look for chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for dark chocolate to achieve that deep, indulgent taste. You can also experiment with flavored chocolate, such as orange-infused chocolate or mint, for a unique twist.

How should I store my Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Buns?
To keep your buns fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can refrigerate them for up to 4 days; just keep in mind that this might alter their soft texture a bit.

Can I freeze Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Buns?
Absolutely! To freeze them, wrap each bun individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you re ready to enjoy, simply remove a bun and let it thaw at room temperature or gently reheat it in the microwave!

What should I do if my dough isn t rising properly?
If your dough isn t rising, check if your yeast is fresh and active. To troubleshoot, try placing the dough in a warmer environment; a sunny spot or slightly warmed oven (turned off) can help. If it still doesn t rise, it may be the yeast that s at fault, and you ll need to start again! The dough should roughly double in size during the first proving, so give it ample time!

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of these buns! Substitute the milk and cream with non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) and use a flaxseed egg in place of the regular egg (mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes). For the butter, opt for vegan butter or coconut oil for a delicious result.

How long will these buns stay fresh?
When properly stored in an airtight container, the Triple Chocolate Hot Cross Buns will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days, while in the fridge, they re good for about 4 days. Freezing is the best option for long-term storage, as they can last up to 3 months! Enjoy them warm for the best experience!