BBC Good Food, the UK’s number one food media brand, has revealed the results of its Hot Cross Buns Taste Test. The expert panel blind-tasted 21 hot cross buns from the UK’s leading retailers and can now tell us the five best buys in two categories: traditional and alternative.
The winner in the traditional category was the extra fruity hot cross bun from Morrisons, costing £1 for a pack of four. “They tasted almost like Christmas. They’re incredibly buttery too and have a slightly savoury dough to balance the sweetness of the fruit. Plus, they’re great value for money; the right choice for traditionalists,” commented the judges.
M&S salted caramel & chocolate hot cross buns, priced at £1.70 for four, came out on top in the alternative category. “If you’re put off the thought of hot cross buns because you’re not a fan of dried fruit, this salted caramel and chocolate twist is a very welcome break from the norm. With chunks of chocolate, salted caramel fudge and toffee pieces, you don’t need to add anything else – they’re so tasty on their own,” said the judges.
The runner up in the traditional category was Lidl Deluxe hot cross buns, priced at 99p for four, while highly commended were M&S luxury hot cross buns, costing £1.70 for four. In the alternative category, Co-op’s toffee and chocolate hot cross buns, priced at £1.25 for nine, came second and Lidl Deluxe apple and cinnamon hot cross buns, priced at 99p for four, were highly commended.
For those who would like to make their own Easter bakes, BBC Good Food’s March issue is on sale at £4.50 with over 75 recipes and a cover that features a gorgeous Chocolate Easter cake topped with chocolate eggs.
