12 best hot cross buns to try this Easter
Bloxsome Photography is a professional photography company. Photographs courtesy of Getty Images It’s time to locate the greatest hot cross bun for Easter in 2021, and we’re looking for something fluffy, mildly spiced, and stuffed with luscious fruit. In order to make the long weekend even more luxurious, we’ve compiled a list of 12 of the finest tea time goodies to stock up on right now before the holiday.
What is the symbolism of hot cross buns?
Even though hot cross buns are historically eaten on Good Friday to commemorate the conclusion of Lent, hot cross buns can now be seen on supermarket shelves as soon as we’ve put the Christmas decorations away. The piped cross is thought to depict Jesus’ crucifixion, while the spices are said to represent the spices that were used to embalm him before his burial. If all of that seems a little weighty, be assured that the buns themselves are significantly lighter in comparison.
How do you eat a hot cross bun?
Hot cross buns, whether they’re toasted and buttered or eaten straight from the package, are an absolute must-have in your pantry during the run-up to Easter. They’re delicious served with a cup of tea, but there are countless ways to prepare them. If you wanted to, you could create your own, but when our winning bake is only 99p for a box of four, why would you want to? The wheat-free winners have been selected to guarantee that no one is left out of the festivities this Easter for those on a gluten-free diet.
For those who are unfamiliar with the term, it refers to a combination of vine fruit, spices (think cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove), candied citrus peel, and lots of butter.
How we test
Our panel sampled ten traditional hot cross buns and eight gluten-free equivalents that were still warm from the oven. A beautifully flavored dough with uniformly distributed luscious vine fruit was what they were searching for. Here are the ones that our panel of experts determined to be the tastiest and most aromatic. The best hot cross bun and the best value for money Buy Aldi’s Luxury Fruited Hot Cross Buns are a delicious Easter treat. 4pkScore: 88 out of 100 Not only is this the tastiest hot cross bun we’ve ever had, but it’s also the best value for money!
- There are toffee-like sultanas scattered throughout the recipe, which lend a honeyed sweetness that is complemented by delicate undertones of cinnamon and clove.
- Iceland Hot Cross Buns 6pk (86/100) Iceland Hot Cross Buns These huge buns were uneven in shape, which gave them a handcrafted appearance.
- We like the crunchy crust and the bouncy soft centre of the pie — and all of this at a reasonable price.
- The M S Luxury Hot Cross Buns, 4 Pack (Score: 85/105) Look no farther if you’re looking for a luscious, buttery bake.
- Each bake has a beautiful small shape, a rich shining glaze, and crosses that are pleasantly contrasted with one another.
- Hot Cross Buns in their largest form Tesco Finest Extra Fruity Hot Cross Buns are a traditional Easter treat.
- The bouncy buns were amply proportioned (although we won’t tell if you go back for seconds) and had a strong nutmeg and clove flavor, which we liked a great deal.
It’s important to note that the fruit in this recipe is rather bitter, producing a tangy flavor that would pair beautifully with slices of sharp cheddar and a slick of butter (don’t dismiss it until you’ve tried it!).
Despite the fact that some people thought the dough to be a touch dry, they praised the amply sized sweet Chilean flame raisins and Turkish vine fruit, which were enhanced by nutmeg and cloves and tasted delicious.
Morrisons The Best Extra Fruity Hot Cross Buns You’ll Ever Eat 4pkScore: 81 out of 100 It is the mix of sultanas, currants, and raisins in these baked goods that give them their lovely toffee sweetness, which is enhanced by a dash of sweet orange flavor.
As a result, we propose using these halves to construct a hot cross bun bacon buttie (yeah, that’s right, bacon buttie).
The same bakery has been creating Waitrose’s holiday buns for the past 20 years, meticulously hand-piping the crosses and ensuring a smattering of juicy raisins throughout.
The spices in them were quite subtle, according to our panel, which may make them more palatable to picky eaters like fussy children.
4pkScore: 78 out of 100 These pale golden buns, which come from the same bakery that makes Kingsmill breads, are every bit as soft and doughy as you’d imagine.
Hot Cross Buns with the glossiest icing Co-op is an irresistible proposition Luxury Hot Cross Buns with a Rich Fruit Filling 4pkScore: 76 out of 100 A glossy top and visible raisins distinguish these sweet-smelling bakes from the traditional hot cross bun — expect comforting cloves and cinnamon, as well as a zesty candied orange peel finishing touch — from the original hot cross bun.
- Without the use of hot cross buns, the best gluten-free Hot Cross BunM S are created.
- Despite the fact that gluten-free hot cross buns are notoriously difficult to make correctly, our panel attempted eight gluten-free versions to guarantee that everyone could partake this Easter.
- It was a high-scorer, earning an 88 out of 100, which was in line with our winning traditional bake.
- Runner-up Hot Cross Buns that are free of gluten 77 out of 100 for Tesco FreeFrom Hot Cross Buns 4pk.
- These light, fluffy bakes have done away with it all while maintaining their delicious taste and texture.
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Best hot cross buns review: Aldi, Coles, Woolworths and more
The most recent update was made on March 4, 2021. Hot cross buns haven’t even made it off the shelves of supermarkets yet, indicating that Australians have a strong hunger for these spicy, fruity baked goods throughout the year, not just during the Easter season. This year, we taste tested 21 hot cross buns, including “traditional” fruit, apple-cinnamon-chocolate and chocolate varieties, as well as gluten-free and regular varieties, from major supermarkets such as Coles and Woolworths, IGA and Aldi, as well as major bakery chains such as Bakers Delight and membership warehouse Costco, in order to determine which are the best.
- Among the best traditional fruit hot cross buns are the best chocolate hot cross bun, the best applecinnamon hot cross bun, and the best gluten-free hot cross bun. Which hot cross buns are vegan, and which are not
- Meet our team of taste testers that are experts in their field. How we test
- The recipe for hot cross buns
Best traditional fruit hot cross buns
When it comes to hot cross bun kinds, there are a plethora of choices ranging from brioche to bubble gum and everything in between. However, our surveys constantly reveal that a classic fruit hot cross bun is the clear favorite among our respondents. In the meanwhile, for those who would rather stick to the tried-and-true, which traditional buns are the most delicious? In our taste test, we suggest items that had a score of 70 percent or above, and the following three products were among the best of the batch.
Coles Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Buns
- 80 percent expert approval
- $0.58 each bun ($3.50 per 6-pack)
- 80 percent expert approval
- It’s a good idea to know: The country of origin label on the package claims that these buns are prepared from at least 95 percent Australian components, which is the greatest percentage of locally sourced ingredients of all of the goods tested. These buns also include the most fruit, with 27 percent of the total amount
- “”Even cross, nice color, glossy!” they exclaim. Texture that is bouncy. There was a lot of fruit. Excellent tongue feel and flavor that is well-balanced. A good hot cross bun is always welcome (despite its slightly odd shape). It appeals to me! “in addition to this, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]
Aldi’s Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Buns have been specially selected for you.
Aldi Specially Selected Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Buns
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 79 percent
- Price: $0.75 each bun ($2.99 per 4-pack)
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 79 percent It’s important to realize that this is the top-tier of Aldi’s classic fruit hot cross buns
- Experts claim they’re “exceptional.” “When pressed, the dough yields and bounces back, making for a visually appealing bun. Everything is perfectly baked. Fruit has a good texture and is well distributed. The cross is of a good size and form, with an even cross. Flavors are perfectly balanced. The perfume of ginger is really strong “in addition to this, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]
Bakers Delight’s Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Buns are a traditional Easter treat.
Bakers Delight Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Buns
- Cost per bun is $1.33 (or $8.00 per 6-pack) according to CHOICE’s expert rating of 78 percent. What you should know: Buns cost $1.70 each if purchased individually, however they are discounted to $1.33 each if purchased in bulk (6-pack). Experts have stated that: “This product is a representation of a traditional hot cross bun. Inside and out, the form, size, and texture are all excellent. A wonderful scent. This has been shown effectively. Quite flavourful, with a tiny saltiness to it “in addition to this, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]
Best chocolate hot cross bun
Why wait for the Easter Bunny to deliver eggs when you can have your chocolate in the form of a bun instead. Three out of the eight chocolate hot cross buns we tested made it onto our recommended list after receiving a score of 70 percent or above during our tasting test. However, the next product, which received an 84 percent CHOICE Expert Rating, was the best of the bunch – and the best-scoring bun on the test. Coles Chocolate Hot Cross Buns are a delicious Easter treat.
Coles Chocolate Hot Cross Buns
- Price: $0.58 per bun ($3.50 for a 6-pack)
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 84 percent
- CHOICE Expert Rating: 84 percent Know that these buns contain 25% milk chocolate chips and an extra 3% cocoa powder, making them the chocolateiest of the buns we tested. Experts have stated that: “Excellent physical appearance, with a domed and lofty profile. Texture that is bouncy and silky. Aromatic with a chocolaty undertone. Moist. Chocolate flavor is strong — there are plenty of chocolate chips to be found. Product that is simple to consume “in addition to this, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]
Best applecinnamon hot cross bun
As the largest bakery and supermarket companies all offer an apple-cinnamon hot cross bun, it was evident that we needed to put them through their paces as well. With a CHOICE Expert Rating of 70 percent, just one product made it onto our list of recommended products. Woolworths’ indulgent Apple Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns are a seasonal favorite.
Woolworths Indulgent AppleCinnamon Hot Cross Buns
- CHOICE Price: $0.88 each bun ($3.50 for a 4-pack)
- Expert Rating: 70%
- Price: $0.88 per bun Interesting fact: These buns contain 13 percent apple (Pink Lady), which is higher than the 13 percent apple content found in the other applecinnamon buns we examined. Experts have stated that: “The color is a light roasted brown. Good even cross with a tiny crossbar. Texture that is bouncy. It has been spotted with cinnamon, which appears to be beneficial. The fruit is visible, but it is diced finely, and the apple flavor is there “in addition to this, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]
Best gluten-free hot cross bun
Because so many individuals are allergic to gluten, we included gluten-free versions of typical fruit and chocolate products from Coles and Woolworths in our taste test. Gluten-free buns performed badly in comparison to their conventional counterparts on the whole, however Coles Chocolate I’m Free From Gluten WheatDairy was the top gluten-free bun overall, with a CHOICE Expert Rating of 60 percent for its outstanding performance.
Which hot cross buns are vegan?
Because so many individuals are allergic to gluten, we included gluten-free versions of conventional fruit and chocolate products from Coles and Woolworths in our taste test as well.
Gluten-free buns performed badly in comparison to their conventional counterparts on the whole, however Coles Chocolate I’m Free From Gluten WheatDairy was the top gluten-free bun overall, with a CHOICE Expert Rating of 60%.
- The Aldi Bakers Life Fruit, the Aldi Specially Selected Traditional Fruit, Bakers Delight Traditional Fruit, Coles Traditional Fruit, and the Costco Kirkland Signature Traditional Fruit are all examples of traditional fruit. Foods such as Woolworths gluten-free chocolate, Woolworths gluten-free fruit, and Woolworths traditional fruit are available.
Meet our expert taste testers
Ian Huntley is a British footballer who plays for the Manchester United. Mr. Ian Huntley is a pastry chef by profession, and he has worked in the sector for over 35 years. Prior to emigrating to Australia in the mid-1980s, Ian studied confectionary, cake decorating, and bread baking in the United Kingdom. Five years after starting his career as a pastry chef at two of Sydney’s most prestigious hotels, The InterContinental and The Regent, he launched his own wholesale bakery business, selling sweets and pastries to clients including airlines, retail stores, hospitals, restaurants, and cafes.
- Christopher Thé is a writer and musician from France who lives in New York City.
- Black Star Pastry, a boutique bakery in Newtown, was established in 2008 after he gained experience working in fine dining establishments such as Bel Mondo, Claude’s, and Quay Restaurants.
- Chris has a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts from the University of Illinois.
- Bridgid Treloar has worked as an independent culinary consultant for more than three decades.
- She is also a judge in the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show Bakery Competition.
- Currently, she works as an industry assessor for Le Cordon Bleu, and she provides product and recipe development advice to many of Australia’s food firms.
How we test
We put to the test hot cross bun goods that are available at major grocery chains, a big bakery chain, and the Costco membership warehouse. Product categories such as traditional fruit, applecinnamon, and chocolate are all examined independently of one another. According to the price paid for a six-pack or the closest equivalent purchased in Sydney shops (not on special).
Tasting
Our experts test the hot cross bun samples ‘blind’ (that is, without knowing which brands they are tasting) in a randomised order that is unique to each expert.
Scores
All hot cross bun products are judged by a panel of impartial experts.
It is composed of four components: flavor (50 percent), appearance (20 percent), scent (15 percent), and texture (the remaining 15 percent) (15 percent ). A CHOICE Expert Rating of 70 percent or above is required for us to recommend a product.
Hot cross buns recipe
Hot cross buns prepared from scratch Do you believe you can make anything better than store-bought? You may make your own hot cross buns at home using this recipe that was shared with us by Noela MacLeod, a past national president of the Country Women’s Association.
Ingredients
- 114 kg flour, sifted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons bread improver
- 1 dessert spoon dried yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 12 teaspoon cinnamon
- 12 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- 1 tablespoon powdered milk
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 egg
- 212 cups warm water
- 1 cup sultanas
- 12 cup currants
- 12 cup chopped dried apricots
- 14 cup mixed peel
- 1 tablespoon mixed spice
The crosses are as follows:
- Ordinary flour, 12 cup cold water (about), 2 tbsp oil
The glazing is as follows:
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon gelatine powder
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- 3 tablespoons sugar
Method
- In a heated basin, combine the sugar, the bread improver, the yeast, the salt, the spices, the powdered milk, the oil, and half of the flour to make the buns. Add the egg and warm water and beat with an electric mixer for 5 minutes and 12 seconds. Combine the dried fruit and the remaining sifted flour in a large mixing bowl. Make a thorough mix. Spread dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead until it is smooth and elastic
- Place the dough back into the basin and cover with plastic wrap, allowing it to rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it thoroughly. Divide the mixture into bun-sized pieces (about 60g) and roll them into buns to serve. Area on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and allow to rise in a warm place for 30 minutes
- Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius (200 degrees Celsius fan-forced)
- To create the crosses, pour the flour in a small mixing basin and whisk in just enough water to produce a smooth paste
- Place crossed pipe-bags over the baked buns once they’ve risen. Bake the buns for 15–20 minutes at a reasonable temperature in an oven that is not too hot. When the tops are golden brown and the bottoms sound hollow when you tap them, they’re done baking. To make the glaze, put all of the ingredients in a small saucepan and heat gently, stirring constantly, until the sugar and gelatine are dissolved
- While the baked buns are still warm from the oven, brush the glaze over them and set aside.
Hot Cross Buns – Traditional
These are the genuine article, just way your grandmother used to make them. Yeasty, with golden raisins, raisins, currants, and a slew of spices (including cinnamon and cloves). Of course, the cross is baked into the cake rather than being painted on with icing! Dinki-Di. There are six in each bag! Displaying1to4(of4reviews) 12/12/2018 Sharon V. is a writer and editor based in New York City. It was just as I remembered! It’s really good. Slice them open, spread them with a little butter, and serve them warm for brecky, they’re delicious.
- Yup!
- I wish you had also prepared the ones without the fruit; I usually like them when I make them at home, but these were still delicious.
- 128516; 03/22/2014 Anne Davis is a writer who lives in the United States.
- Their bakers are among of the greatest I’ve ever seen outside of Australia.
- The lamingtons are delivered in the same condition as when they were manufactured.
- Anne 04/20/2011 Suzanne Marie O’Brien is an Irish actress and singer.
- They arrived within two days of my purchase, which I appreciated.
- Displaying1to4(of4reviews)
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Displaying1to4(of4reviews) 12/12/2018 Sally V. is a professional writer and editor based in New York City. As though nothing had happened. The food was fantastic! Remove the skins, add a small amount of butter, and serve them warm for brecky. 02/18/2017 Julianne Wright is a model and actress who was born in the United Kingdom. Yup! Everything is the same as it is back home! Though I would have liked them without the fruit, I still enjoyed these. I wish you had prepared the ones without the fruit as well.
- 128516; 03/22/2014 Janet Davis is a writer who lives in the United Kingdom.
- Outside of Australia, they are the most talented bakers I’ve ever seen.
- Despite the fact that they were freshly baked, the lamingtons are delivered frozen.
- Anne 04/20/2011 Suzanne Marie O’Brien is a woman who lives in the United Kingdom.
It was a pleasure working with you and receiving the freshest hotcross buns I’ve had since leaving Australia. They arrived within two days of placing my order, which was exceptional. Wendy at the store was quite helpful, and we appreciate her efforts! Displaying1to4(of4reviews)
Ingredients
WHEAT FLOUR INGREDIENTS: WHEY, MONOGLYCERIDES, SOY FLOUR INGREDIENTS: SOY FLOUR, APRICOT PUREE, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, SALT, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS: APRICOT PUREE, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP The following ingredients are used: Tapioca Dextrin (tapioca starch), Maltodextrin (maltodextrin), Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate (soy lecithin), Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Sorbate (preservative), Agar (agar), Citric Acid, SpiceColoring, Carrageenan Gum, Tapioca Dextrin (tapioca starch).
Calcium Sulfate, Artificial Color, Pectin, Sorbitan Monostearate, Malic Acid, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Sodium Citrate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Beta Carotene (color), Annatto, and Turmeric (colors).
Directions
When our bakery items are stored at room temperature, they keep their optimum quality. Please use the product by the expiration date printed on the packaging for optimal effects. We are devoted to supplying you with high-quality items, and we encourage you to contact us with any concerns or complaints.
Warnings
This product contains wheat, soy, milk, and egg. Made in a bakery that may also employ tree nuts in the production process.
Hot Cross Buns — DOZEN BAKERY
(This piece was originally published on April 1st, 2021, and has been updated.) While brainstorming ideas for Dozen’s Easter menu choices few years ago, Hot Cross Buns were at the top of the list of what they should provide. These delicate and fluffy buns, mildly sweetened and spiced, are delectable and rich in historical significance. Who you question about their origins will determine how they came to be. Was it the Ancient Greeks who established the practice of eating crossed buns on Good Friday, or a 12th-century English monk who wanted to commemorate the day in some way?
Good Friday is coming up this month, and the elderly woman is out with one or two penny hot cross buns in her hands.” While we regret that you will not be able to find one or two for a cent (it is not our fault, it is simply inflation!) you will be able to find lots of Hot Cross Buns at Dozen from March 28th to April 4th (Easter Sunday.) Orange zest, warming spices, dried cherries, and currants are all included in our Hot Cross Buns recipe, which also includes a little amount of sourdough starter for added complexity and tanginess.
Instead of using a royal icing cross, we’ve used a traditional crossing paste, which is akin to a pte choux and is flavored with lemon zest and vanilla.
We always sample and review recipes as we add new products to our menu throughout the year and as we bring back old favorites.
What do you know about ancient Greece?
What was England like in the sixteenth century?
Some people associate “hot cross buns” with elementary school recorder lessons and learning the difference between quarter notes, half notes, and eighth notes, while others associate them with the traditional Easter celebration.
Our team is prepared to assist everyone, whether they are beginners or experts.
Between March 28th and April 4th (Easter Sunday), we’ll have a limited number of items available at our walk-up window.
We hope you will enjoy these seasonal buns as much as we did making them!
Giving hot cross buns to your daughters, giving hot cross buns to your sons is a penny a bun, two penny a bun, hot cross buns! Wishing you a happy new year. The Dozen Crew is a group of people who work together to accomplish a common goal.