If Easter = hot cross buns to you, you’re not alone. M&S has reported that hot cross bun sales are up 34 per cent on the same period last Easter, to the point that they’ve moved hot cross buns into round the clock production to meet the demand. That’s a lot of hot cross goodness…
It’s not news that lockdown has caused us all to look forward to whatever upcoming seasonal period is before us, meaning many of us were already chomping on the traditional Easter treat way back in January.
To satiate our collective desire for hot cross buns, M&S has developed a range of flavours, including two brand new flavours for this year. First up is the Extremely Chocolatey Hot Cross Bun: a rich, dark chocolatey bun studded with white and milk chocolate chunks, perfect for anyone who isn’t a fan of the traditional fruity version.
Extremely Chocolatey Hot Cross Buns, £1.65, Ocado
For those partial to a savoury treat, M&S’s Cheese Hot Cross Buns & Marmite will be right up your street. Made with mature Cheddar, Red Leicester and Marmite and a dough enriched with butter and free-range eggs to make it extra soft and fluffy, true Marmite fans will want to slather it in M&S’s Creamy Marmite Butter.
4 Cheese Hot Cross Buns & Marmite, £1.65, Ocado
Make way for M&S’s first-ever vegan hot cross bun, the Plant Kitchen Luxury Hot Cross Bun, made with rich coconut oil blended with avocados, packed full of juicy raisins and currants and flavoured with lemon zest.
4 Plant Kitchen Luxury Hot Cross Buns, £1.65, Ocado
Back by popular demand, M&S’s chilli cheese hot cross bun is back on the shelves this year. Made with tangy West Country cheddar and a dash of hot sauce, the recommended serving suggestion for these spicy buns is with a dollop of chilli jam for an extra kick.
Chilli Cheese Hot Cross Buns, £1.65, M&S
In more sweet varieties of the Easter bun, M&S also has salted caramel and chocolate hot cross buns, which consist of the traditional spiced bun recipe spiked with dark Belgian chocolate chips, salted caramel fudge and toffee pieces and spices.
Salted Caramel & Chocolate Hot Cross Buns, £1.65, Ocado
Or, if you love a blueberry muffin, the blueberry hot cross bun is packed with juicy Vostizza currants and sweetened dried blueberries.
Blueberry Hot Cross Buns, £1.65, Ocado
Looking for more fruity takes? These Kentish Bramley apple buns contain apple pieces, juicy sultanas and a hint of warming cinnamon for an apple pie-inspired version.
Bramley Apple Hot Cross Buns, £1.65, Ocado
For the traditionalists though, you can’t beat a classic: a Luxury bun packed full of juicy fruit, mixed peel and a unique spice blend.
4 Luxury Hot Cross Buns, £1.65, Ocado
Or why not pick up the pack of 9 nine mini luxury hot cross buns for when you’re craving a little bite?
9 Luxury Mini Hot Cross Buns, £1.65, Ocado
Lastly, those going wheat-free needn’t miss out on the classic Easter food…
Made Without Hot Cross Buns, £2, Ocado
For even more alternative but seasonal goodness, how about the Hot Cross Yumnut: all the deliciousness of M&S’s bestselling Yumnut (a yum yum and doughnut hybrid) combined with the mixed spice flavours of a hot cross bun.
Hot Cross Yumnut, £1.50 or £4 for pack of 3, M&S
Or for pudding, why not indulge in a thick slice of (brand new for this year) hot cross bun pudding?
Hot Cross Bun Pudding, £8, Ocado
All of the above are available in M&S stores and online at Ocado.com.
