This year, I took on the difficult task of finding the best hot cross buns, which meant munching my way through a mountain of them. These fruity, spiced treats are one of the highlights of the season and after working my way through more than 20 buns from supermarkets and bakeries, Waitrose’s offering stood out.
Waitrose’s hot cross bun selection spans its budget-friendly essential classic range, where each bun costs 25p, to more decadent flavours like white chocolate and lemon. But after some mouth-watering testing, these three hot cross buns stood out and are the ones to buy in your next food shop. Read on for all you need to know about my favourite hot cross buns from Waitrose.
If you’re heading to the supermarket over the bank holiday weekend, I’ve also rounded up the opening times for major UK supermarkets across the Easter weekend, from Good Friday through to Easter Monday
Waitrose Leckford fruit & seed hot cross bun
A dose of wholesomeness in a season known for decadence is appreciated, especially when you don’t lose out on taste. The Waitrose Leckford fruit & seed hot cross bun do exactly that with the addition of seeds and a dough partly made with flour from Waitrose’s regeneratively farmed estate, Leckford Farm in Hampshire.
“Cutting them open, the buns are bursting with the usual sultanas, sweetened dried sliced cranberries, currants, but they also incorporate pumpkin and sunflower seeds, which add a nourishing crunch,” I noted in my round-up of the best hot cross buns.
“The mixed peel in the dough gives the bun a more complex, adult-tasting sweetness and texture that, toasted, comes alive.”
Waitrose free from hot cross buns
There’s really no missing out with these gluten-free hot cross buns from Waitrose, as I noted “I could barely notice a difference with the Waitrose free from hot cross buns, our best gluten-free option.”
“They’re plump and well-presented buns with a nice-tasting dough and a well-balanced sweetness,” I said in my review. A gluten-free hot cross bun that “really holds its own”, the sultanas, raisins and currants are orange-soaked making them plump and delicious.
Waitrose no. 1 Belgian chocolate hot cross buns
“If a chocolate sponge married a hot cross bun, Waitrose’s no. 1 Belgian chocolate hot cross buns would be the result – large chunks of chocolate that become oozy once toasted and a high-quality tasting dough thanks to the cocoa,” I wrote in my review of Waitrose’s decadent buns.
They’re by far the best chocolate hot cross buns I tested, truly divine with a rich, high quality chocolate taste.
Looking for more seasonal treats? This English sparkling wine uses the same grapes as champagne, and it’s perfect for Easter Sunday
