While taste-testing 23 supermarket hot cross buns, we figured we had to include Bakers Delight in the mix, and honestly, they’re the real deal.
Sure, supermarket hot cross buns are convenient. They hit the spot and are often more affordable. But if you want hot cross buns that make you salivate and think about them long after the last bite, Bakers Delight is where it’s at.
We’ve ranked the Bakers Delight flavours from best to worst so you know exactly which ones are worth grabbing. And here’s some good news: Bakers Delight is giving away free hot cross buns on Friday, 13 March for Hot Cross Bun Day – so consider this your sign to get ready.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- We tested 4 hot cross bun flavours from Bakers Delight by eating them plain, and an option to add butter for a second bite.
- The overall winner was chocolate chip hot cross buns with a 8.4/10 rating.
- Feedback from taste-testers was mostly positive with every flavour having a great taste and texture.
- Bakers Delight hot cross bun 6 pack is $9.50 and a single is $2. Prices may differ depending on the franchisee/bakery. (Free hot cross buns are available for Hot Cross Bun Day on March 13)
- Overall tasters prefered these to supermarket hot cross buns, in particular “best bread out of all the options!!”
- Find out how we test and review products on our guidelines page.
The best hot cross buns from Bakers Delight
01
Chocolate chip hot cross buns
Rating 8.4/10
The chocolate chip hot cross buns from Bakers Delight were the highest-rated buns across the board. Every tester loved them, and they didn’t receive a single harsh criticism.
A few people felt they could use a touch more chocolate, describing the flavour as “subtle.” Others thought the amount was perfect, so this likely comes down to the specific bun you get and your personal preference for chocolate richness.
Overall, testers praised the buns for their “good density, generous filling, nice glaze, and well-made cross paste,” while the bread itself was described as “soft and fluffy.” Almost everyone said they were better than any supermarket hot cross buns they’d tried.
“You can really tell the difference between these and the supermarket ones I’ve been eating lately,” said one taster.
Price: Bakers Delight hot cross bun 6 pack is $9.50 and a single is $2. Prices may differ depending on the franchisee/bakery.
Where to buy: Bakers Delight
02
Mocha hot cross buns
Rating 8/10
Bakers Delight’s limited edition mocha hot cross buns weren’t far behind first place. These were described as “different and tasty” with a “nice choc taste” that many “didn’t think I would like but I loved it!”
Multiple tasters said “it’s their unexpected new favourite” and “it would be perfect with a cuppa.” It’s “slightly savoury” with a “nice dough consistency – not too dry and not too dense.” With coffee and choc notes, tasters also felt “neither flavour was too overpowering.” They also had quite a strong, yet delicious smell to them.
“MVP – coffee lovers rejoice! I could smell them before I saw them.”
Price: Bakers Delight hot cross bun 6 pack is $9.50 and a single is $2. Prices may differ depending on the franchisee/bakery.
Where to buy: Bakers Delight
03
Traditional fruit hot cross buns
Rating 6.9/10
The traditional hot cross buns at Bakers Delight were very good though, as one taster put it rather bluntly, they were “classic, but nothing to write home about.”
Some testers thought they were “so fluffy with a good amount of juicy fruit pieces,” while others felt the ratio was slightly off. “A bit plain, needs more spice,” said one, while another added that “more sultanas would be welcome.” That’s a personal preference.
The thick cross paste was a highlight for many, and overall the majority agreed that “if you want a traditional bun that’s fresh, this is your pick.”
Price: Bakers Delight hot cross bun 6 pack is $9.50 and a single is $2. Prices may differ depending on the franchisee/bakery.
Where to buy: Bakers Delight
04
Apple and cinnamon hot cross buns
Rating 6.6/10
There was one main downfall with Bakers Delight’s apple and cinnamon hot cross buns: the flavour.
“Apple and cinnamon flavours are very muted,” said one taster. “It smells like cinnamon, but once you taste it there’s not much apple or cinnamon. It needed more filling,” said another.
That said, the bun itself was described as “moist and tasty,” so despite the subtle flavour, many still found it quite enjoyable.
“I’m not usually a fan of fruit hot cross buns, but this was nice. Loved the cinnamon – just more of it, please!” said one tester.
Price: Bakers Delight hot cross bun 6 pack is $9.50 and a single is $2. Prices may differ depending on the franchisee/bakery.
Where to buy: Bakers Delight
Australian Bakers Delight 4 hot cross bun taste test results
| Name of product | Score | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate chip hot cross buns | 8.4 | Bakers Delight hot cross bun 6 pack is $9.50 and a single is $2. Prices may differ depending on the franchisee/bakery. | Bakers Delight |
| Mocha hot cross buns | 8 | Bakers Delight hot cross bun 6 pack is $9.50 and a single is $2. Prices may differ depending on the franchisee/bakery. | Bakers Delight |
| Traditional hot cross buns | 6.9 | Bakers Delight hot cross bun 6 pack is $9.50 and a single is $2. Prices may differ depending on the franchisee/bakery. | Bakers Delight |
| Apple and cinnamon hot cross buns | 6.6 | Bakers Delight hot cross bun 6 pack is $9.50 and a single is $2. Prices may differ depending on the franchisee/bakery. | Bakers Delight |
How we taste-tested the supermarket hot cross buns
We conducted a blind taste test of all the hot cross buns, removing any packaging and labelling them with numbers. Each person who tasted the hot cross buns had to give them a rating out of ten. Ratings were based on three criteria: taste, appearance and ratio of bread to filling or fruit.
The hot cross buns were served cold. Tasters had the option of adding butter to their bun, but only after trying a piece by itself.
Who were the taste-testers?
We had what felt like endless packs of hot cross buns, so sharing was definitely required for this taste test! The entire BHG team and wider office were involved in judging.
