As Easter approaches, the iconic hot cross bun takes centre stage in bakeries and supermarkets across the UK. But this year, it seems the traditional spiced delight has undergone a wild transformation, with an array of novelty flavours vying for attention. From chocolate and fudge to rhubarb and custard, Lucy Knight embarked on a taste test of 25 of the most eccentric creations available, aiming to determine whether these daring variations can hold a candle to the classic recipe.
The Hot Cross Bun Revolution
Traditionally a Good Friday staple, hot cross buns now grace our shelves long before the Easter weekend, with many retailers offering a bewildering selection that stretches the definition of this beloved treat. No longer confined to the realms of spiced dough and dried fruit, the hot cross bun has become a canvas for culinary creativity. This year, Marks & Spencer is showcasing vibrant red velvet varieties, while Tesco boasts over ten different flavours, including a tear-and-share brioche.
Food critic Becca Stock, known for her reviews on TikTok, suggests that those sceptical of non-traditional buns should approach them with an open mind. “They belong in different categories,” she insists, acknowledging that while they may stray from the classic, they can still be enjoyable in their own right.
Chocolate Indulgences: A Sweet Temptation
The trend of chocolate-infused hot cross buns is particularly prominent this season. With major retailers offering their own versions, the allure of chocolate seems irresistible to consumers. The Waitrose No 1 Belgian chocolate hot cross buns received a rating of 5/10; while they offer a sophisticated chocolate flavour, the absence of dried fruit left some wanting more.
Tesco’s Finest triple chocolate hot cross buns, on the other hand, were deemed overly sweet and messy due to their chocolate chip overload, earning a score of just 4/10. Though some chocolate buns were enjoyable, others, like Iceland’s Luxury extremely chocolatey buns, fell flat, being described as dry and artificial, which led to a disappointing 2/10.
Conversely, Waitrose’s milk chocolate and fudge variety impressed with its balanced sweetness, securing a respectable 7/10. As Charles Banks from the food trends agency points out, these chocolate variations cater to a younger audience who often prefer chocolate over traditional ingredients.
Bold Flavours: A Mixed Bag
As Knight delved deeper into the realm of novelty flavours, some offerings sparked intrigue while others elicited a grimace. The M&S red velvet filled hot cross buns, priced at £3.50, surprised with their subtle chocolate flavour and delicate cream cheese filling, though the latter was barely noticeable when toasted. Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference double chocolate and cherry buns, while ambitious, were ultimately too sweet and sugary, garnering a mere 3/10.
The tiramisu hot cross buns from M&S were particularly notorious, described as the epitome of “dessertification,” with a dry texture and a bitter aftertaste reminiscent of cheap coffee, which unfortunately led to a dismal score of 1/10.
Yet not all the adventurous flavours were disappointing. Tesco’s Finest brown butter and chai tea hot cross buns earned high praise for their harmonious blend of spices, delivering a delightful twist on the classic recipe and receiving a stellar 9/10.
Classic Inspirations: The Timeless Appeal
Among the plethora of novelty options, some brands opted to honour the traditional hot cross bun’s essence. Waitrose’s apple and cinnamon hot cross buns stood out with their warming spice content and comforting sweetness, achieving a respectable 6/10. The joint-best hot cross buns, M&S’s granny smith apple variety, were celebrated for their delightful balance of spices and tangy apple pieces, earning an impressive score of 9/10.
As Knight’s taste test journey drew to a close, it became clear that while novelty buns may reign in terms of creativity, the classic hot cross bun remains a nostalgic and beloved favourite for many.
Why it Matters
The evolution of hot cross buns reflects broader trends in consumer preferences and the ongoing quest for innovation in food. As retailers experiment with flavours that cater to changing tastes, it opens a dialogue about tradition versus modernity in culinary practices. While some may champion the classic recipe, others revel in the creativity of new flavours. Ultimately, the diverse selection of hot cross buns available this Easter invites everyone to explore their palate, ensuring that this seasonal treat continues to evolve and delight.
