As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisper, Australians know that Easter is just around the corner. And with Easter comes a beloved tradition that has many of us eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Easter bunny: the hot cross bun season.
Through time, the hot cross bun game has changed dramatically. Gone are the days when the only decision you had to make was whether to toast your bun or eat it fresh from the bag. Today, supermarkets and bakeries are becoming more creative, pushing the boundaries of what a hot cross bun can be.
As we await Easter, let’s take on a journey and explore the unique twists to this Easter classic.
1. Rocky Road-inspired hot cross buns
ALDI, the budget-friendly supermarket, has thrown its hat into the ring with a Rocky Road-inspired hot cross bun a bun bursting with milk and white chocolate chips, raspberry-flavoured fudge pieces, and toasted coconut.
2. Banoffee-inspired hot cross buns
ALDI also offers Banoffee-inspired hot cross buns, which combine the flavours of banana and caramel with white chocolate chips for a dessert-inspired delight.
@bechardgrave Fairy bread hot cross buns 😍 #fairybread #hotcrossbuns #fairybreadhotcrossbuns #woolworths ♬ original sound – Bec Hardgrave
3. Fairy Bread with white chocolate hot cross buns
Woolworths, a pioneer in the realm of unique hot cross bun flavours, has brought back some fan favourites that had customers raving last year. The Fairy Bread flavour, with its fluffy dough and white chocolate chips, is ‘a modern twist on an old classic’ that evokes the nostalgia of childhood parties.
‘Our bakery team worked hard to fine-tune the recipe and deliver an even fluffier dough with white chocolate chips. We want customers to enjoy all of the elements that remind them of Fairy Bread, putting a modern twist on an old classic,’ said Donald Keith, Woolworths’ hot cross bun expert and bakery merchandise manager.
4. A variety of chocolate-flavoured hot cross buns
Woolworths also offers Caramilk hot cross buns, Cadbury chocolate hot cross buns, brioche chocolate hot cross buns, and the crowd-pleaser Biscoff hot cross buns.
Each variety is a testament to Woolworths’ commitment to innovation in the bakery aisle.
5. Wagon Wheel-inspired hot cross buns
Coles has partnered with Arnott’s to create the limited edition Wagon Wheel-inspired hot cross buns. These buns are a textural masterpiece, featuring gooey marshmallows, raspberry fudge, raspberry jellies, and choc chips.
@markp_ First Hot Cross Bun of the season did not dissappoint! Arnotts Iced Vovo Hot Cross Buns get my tick of approval! It’s like a finger bun, but better! RUN! #icedvovohotcrossbuns #hotcrossbuns ♬ original sound – Mark Polchleb
6. Iced VoVo hot cross buns
Coles also brings back the Iced VoVo, ‘a true [Australian] icon.’ This treat is inspired by the flavours of iced VoVo, with the added deliciousness from raspberry fudge and jellies, white chocolate, and desiccated coconut.
7. Vegemite and cheese hot cross buns
Aside from the Iced VoVo hot cross buns, Coles is also bringing back the Vegemite and Cheese hot cross buns, catering to both sweet and savoury preferences.
These ‘soft savoury buns’ are ‘infused with Vegemite and parmesan’ and finished with an indulgent tasty cheese topping.
@luxeandlemonade #hotcrossbuns ♬ original sound – Dani
8. Salted caramel and white chocolate hot cross buns
Brumby’s Bakery is introducing a new contender with their salted caramel and white chocolate hot cross bun. Packed with white chocolate chips and filled with salted caramel, it’s finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for a perfect balance of flavours.
9. Double chocolate hot cross buns
For chocolate lovers, Brumby’s Double Choc hot cross buns are a dream come true, with more than 100 chocolate chips in each bun.
As you prepare for Easter and the joys it brings, you can give these hot cross bun flavours a try. Whether you’re a traditionalist or a culinary adventurer, there’s something for everyone in this year’s lineup.
We’d love to hear from you—what’s the most unusual hot cross bun flavour you’ve tried? Share your experiences with the YourLifeChoices community in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the delicious diversity of this Easter staple together.
Also read: Coles brings Wagon Wheels to hot cross buns—Easter just got a whole lot sweeter!
